Originally Posted by
JMRobertson
2nd the "used one" comment with the condition that you know what you're buying. If this is your first bike, I'd actually advise realizing that your bike can be only about 1/2 your budget. You'll get a lot more bang for your buck if you buy used off craigslist.
+1
This is the route I would recommend. When buying my most recent bike, I had a $1,500 budget. But after I factored in team clothing and race fees for this coming season, that budget went down to 1k. I ended up negotiating out a deal on craigslist for a Specialized Tarmac (ultegra shifters and rear, 105 front and brakes) with 150 miles. The owner never rode the bike because he hated dealing with traffic. I capitalized on the oppurtunity and got it for $850. It came with Look A5.1 pedals and a Butterfly Ti saddle. I sold the pedals and saddle for $150. So in theory I bought the bike for $700. Not a single scratch on it.