Hello,
I've been thinking about getting a bike for a while now. I'm pretty sure I'd like a road bike. Would like to explore the country side of Central New York on a bike.
I've been looking on various internet sites at used bikes. However, I am not at all familiar with any brand.
I am thinking of a good beginner bike under 200$ or so, depending on the advice I get. Didn't want to spend a ton of $ on something I didn't like.

Also, was thinking of rebuilding a bike as a winter project. Any advice on that is welcome.

Thanks for your knowledge​ and time,

CnyRider

I apologize for asking this question.. agian. After posting this, I see this is a common thread/question.

$200 is a tight budget. With that said, you can find bikes that will work for what you want Pat or under that price it is just a matter of constantly searching and getting lucky.

Figure out if you want a Touring bike that will carry all your stuff with you or if a road bike that has limited ability to carry things is what you want. Depending on which style bike, you should limit your search then. Also it is probably best to search by size instead of specific brand or model. The odds of a specific brand or model being available are much more limited and there are plenty of comparable bikes by other brands.

As for fixing a bike up, it is a lot of fun. I do it 5 to 15 times a year, but it can quickly get expensive if you don't keep costs a priority. For example, a new entry level but still solid quality wheelset will cost 115 - 250 which is close to or even over your entire budget.
Buying a drop bar road bike for $50 - $100 and then refurbishing it by changing out the cables tires handlebar tape and repairing all the bearings is a really good way to learn how to maintain your bike and also save some money.

Really the only way to find a complete bike that's worth a damn is by checking Craigslist. Look for a 90's mountain bike by Specialized or Trek or something. If $200 is your budget, you really can't be picky about what it is. You should be able to find something perfectly adequate for that amount, but it may take a little patience. Please just stay away from department store bikes.

Not sure where you're from or where "central New York countryside" is. Is that Syracuse area? Albany? Anyway, here are a few examples of adequate, inexpensive bikes from the Albany area that would make perfectly fine touring bikes. Look for something similar. And as with any used bike, set aside a few bucks to do any necessary minor repairs or tune-ups.

https://albany.craigslist.org/bik/d/...232321665.html
https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/...242944306.html

I agree that best bang for your buck would be an old 90s mountain bike that you can soup up a bit.

Change the tires, add a rack and fix up anything else that needs it. If a flat bar is too uncomfortable, a trekking bar is an inexpensive solution. It'll even allow you to use the same grips and shifters!

CyRider, https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/10...d-contest.html will give you an idea about bikes and expense.

Brad

Watch Craigslist for an old tandem. Once you've got it, then put an ad on CL for someone to ride stoker. Plan to meet at your preferred starting point, and go.

Oh yeah, it's going to suck, but you'll learn all sorts of things not to do next time.