andersonr

I have recently decided that I would like to start riding. I have also decided to go with a road bike but not being a previous biker I have no clue what to get. What I am asking is for your suggestion on 3 bikes. One $1000 and under. Another $1000-$1500. And the last $1500-2000. Any tips or suggestion are appreciated. Thanks much.

datlas 

Whatever you get, PLEASE PLEASE make sure it fits you well. You would be better off with a $300 bike that fits you well than a $3000 bike that doesn't fit. Since you are new, I would suggest a modest investment, just in case you end up not liking it. (is that possible?)

seppomadness

Fit yourself the best you can using information you can obtain online. Then according to those specifications go out and buy a second hand road bike for about $800. Ride that for 12 months until you know you want to get serious. They go back and get fitted properly ($150) and buy a decent bike $3000.

It doesnt matter about brand. Pretty much just pick one that has the coolest stickers. Seriously.

ragboy

The first question to ask yourself: what kind of riding will you be doing? in the city or on the highway? If you're just going to be toodling around in a city or on trails, the road bike may not be the way to go.

Once you've clearly identified that a road bike will fit your needs, there are two routes to go: 1) buy a decent used road bike ($300-500) to get your feet wet.

Pros: It's a cheaper route to go until you know you'll be in for the long haul
Cons: Buying used means you most likely won't be going through your LBS (local bike shop), which is an asset for first-time bike buyers regarding fit issues.

2) Buy a new bike from your LBS.

Pros: you get a new bike and all the perks your LBS can throw out (proper fitting, advice, accessories, etc.) Cons: You'll pay more for the bike without knowing if you're going to stick with the hobby.

As far as new bikes go -- there are many you can get for under $1,000. Trek, Specialized, Bianchi are just a few main brand names -- you can't go wrong with any of them as long as the bike fits you. Check your LBS. I wouldn't spend more than $1,000-$1,200 for your first bike until you know your going to stick with it. But that's just me.

Hope this helps.