hi, im 5'11 and im trying to find a decent road bike to buy on craigslist as a beginner who wants to train and maybe try to race. here is what i have found so far. i am trying to figurre out which ones are worth meeting up and trying, and what kind of offers i should make. Im trying not to spend over 500 but we will see what happens

https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3215959333.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3232504975.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3231188548.html-Medium Giant WindMark 2700
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3220946836.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3220615354.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3219472150.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3206682675.html- mens large
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3139951058.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3209813405.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3206612116.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/3229153634.html

sorry for the huge list but any help would be appreciated

I'm not an expert but as a person that went through this same thing to get my first bike I will help all I can. The first issue is that these bikes are various sizes. I can tell you now that the 54cm bikes will more then likely be to small for you at 5'11". If the 56cm bikes fit, the Giant with the 105 group looks good to me. Always offer less than the asking price and makes sure you ride the bike and go through the gears as you ride. If you are serious about getting into racing you will want good compnonents on the bike. I always hear at least 105 for that purpose, sora just won't get you there.

If you do decide to get a bike try to get it for the best price because you will need money for other things you may not have yet. You don't need everything a pro will have but at a minimum you will need a helmet, good floor pump, extra tube, frame pump or co2 inflater, tire levers, and some water bottles and cages. Make sure you budget those things in your total budget.

You will want extra goodies as time goes on but you can take your time and get it slow. Another thing to consider is to try and build a relationship with a good LBS.