Hi guys, I am looking into getting into cycling. I've never done this before so I am looking at starting out with a price range of under 300$ I understand this is low, just want to get in scratch the surface and see how this goes... I was wondering what size bike I should get I am 5'11 260lbs, I've been looking at a 54cm or 58cm Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed...please if you have any suggestions on size Or type of bike that may be my better option... Thanks in advance...

Save your money and when you've doubled it, start visiting bike shops.

Obviously I could drop more but don't want to because I'm just starting out... Thanks but no thanks for the welcome...

It is important (IMHO) for a newbie to have a good relationship with a decent Local Bike Shop (LBS). Stop by some and see what they have to offer. Having the bike "fit" you is often the difference between enjoying or hating bicycling. It is possible that you might find a good used bike near your price range. At the very least you will learn a lot. Especially for the first bike.

Years ago, I bought a Lemond at a great bike shop. It cost a fair amount for me at the time. Then, when I sort of knew what I was doing, I bought a bike off of EBay that I still have and will be using this week for some trail riding. I still have the Lemond.

Welcome. IMHO, it is not a good idea to buy from Target or Wally World or similar. Good luck.

I just purchased my first road bike a month ago. It was normally $729.00 but was on sale for $499.00. I know this is a little more than what you said, but like the previous guy talked about, the attention , fitting and advice from a LBS, is worth spending a little more. Even though this was an entry level bike, they make me feel like I just bought a $2000.00 bike. That and everything is covered, for a year. Plus discounts on add ons.

Thank you I figured to stay away from Wally World I found the vilano I'm looking at on ebay new for 239... That's the one I'm curiously looking into... Thanks again for your input...

A little more about "bike fit." This is a lot more than the size of the bike or the stand-over height. It has to do with the proportion of your body - leg length vs torso length, flexibility, purpose of riding, other body measurements and a bunch of other stuff. In fact, stand-over height is likely the least important measurement. The saddle also is important - the width to support the ischial tuberosities (AKA "sit bones"), the shape to prevent perineal damage, etc. A good LBS can be invaluable in these areas.

SundayNiagara isn't trying to beat you up. Chances are a new bike for under $300 will bring you nothing but grief. And, if you spend money to "fix" it you will be throwing money down a hole. You've described yourself as "new to cycling" but he/she is not. Someone is trying to do you a favor.

It is hard to find a decent road bike under $300 new. Entry level seems to be around $700 retail at a LBS. If you want to chance buying online, you can probably find something decent for $600 or so, but if I were you, I would look for a sale and buy something locally. I know it isn't what you want to hear, but road bikes aren't cheap. At the $300 price point, maybe best to look into something used.

Visit LBS and see if they have any used bikes. I didn't even realize mine has some on consignment until I was there when someone asked. Of course they want to sell new bikes but they don't want to turn away a new cyclist.

At your price range, I'd go for a used bike off craigslist and brush up on some mechanical tinkering from videos on parktool.com and youtube. As you've heard, the bad news is you're not going to get anything decent in this price range.

If you have to start on a cheap bike do yourself a favor and don't judge road cycling until you've ridden something good. On a decent bike, road cycling is addictive.

at your height you would be a 56 to 58 i would guess.

have your spokes/wheels tensioned/trued before you 1st ride then have them checked again after 100 miles. after that, as needed maybe once a year. one of the benefits of buying from a good LBS is that you wouldn't have to ask for this, they would just know