Starter Bike
Check to see if there are any bike clubs in your area. Local bike shops might have a few flyers posted on their walls, etc.
You might be lucky enough to find someone who wants to sell their old bike - and you can meet them, see how they ride, their size, etc.
If you're really lucky, you can find someone who just HAS to have the latest gear and is willing to sell last year's stuff at a very low price.