"Cheap" on Day One, or "cheap" over the next ten years? Try to figure out where you are going with cycling. How much cycling will you do next year? How much will you be doing five years from now? Try to buy the bike that best meets your future needs, as well as your needs for the next few months.
On a "per year" basis, the "cheapest" good road bike is a Shimano 105 level bike from Trek, Specialized, Giant, Cannondale, or "major" brand, sold at a first quality bike shop in your neighborhood. A Shimano 105 level bike, assembled and tuned by a good bike shop will give you year after year of reliable service. Twenty years from now, your son could be enjoying that bike.
As you move down the ladder, to Tiagra level, Sora level, sub-Sora level, and from top bike shops to discount bike shops, down to E-Bay stores, you save money on the initial purchase price, but you may pay later in terms of service, repairs, and upgrades.
I've seen waay too many folks pay $400 or $500 for a bike, and a year later, they are buying a $1,200 bike, because the cheaper bike did not meet their needs. If you think you will REALLY ride this bike (something like 250 days or 300 days a year, not 20 days a year) buy your "second bike" first, and save money.
Last edited by alanbikehouston; 07-03-07 at 10:32 AM.