road bike??
 

hey all,
Im a highschool student and avid mountain bike racer. Im looking to get into some competitive road riding. I need a bike. im currently building up a very nice mountain bike which will take up most if not all of my money. i've been looking at craigs list for a nicer bike for less. (im thinking no more than 500$). should i just keep looking on c-list for a good deal, or should i save up more money to get a nicer bike new? (I could get a 20% discount on a trek/cannondale. another option would be getting a cyclo-cross bike (im also interested in that, although i can just use my mtb.)
p.s.
any cheap but decent bike suggestions?

why do you get a 20% discount? a 500 dollar used road bike that is actually worth that used, would probably be really nice.

i am on our high-school mounain biking team, the local bike shop sponsors us

I was in your shoes just reversed last month, looking for a MTB.

I would go used. For the price your looking at, new your either going to get something with either a really crappy frame, or bad components. Look for something that fits right, and look for something with at least Tiagra components or higher. 105 is typically recommended for lowest option, but I had good luck with my starter bike with Tiagra stuff.

def go used
 

I got a lemond zurich with dura ace components and some other upgrades for $650 a month ago on CL. It's an older bike, but it's in great shape and everything works super. Just be prepared to be patient as THE bike in your size might not be readily available.