Hey guys, I just moved to san francisco a few months ago, and I am in need of a nice road bike. My price range is $500, and I really do not know much about the cycling world. Any advice would be appreciated.

You can buy used if you know your size?
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/bik/

How would I find my size? What brands are good, not good?

Visit a local bike shop and ask questions, take a test ride on some of their bikes.

https://www.jimlangley.net/crank/howtobuyabike1.html

https://www.veloweb.ca/bikefit.html

How tall are you? What's your inseam? That's where sizing starts.

Craigslist is good for used, just be careful of con artists; Performance Bike has some for good $$ if you insist on new.

Post in here for some local help:

https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...ern-California