road bike for price range of $500-$600

[surgtech1956]

Is it possible to buy a new road bike for in the price range of $500-$600?

[mimitabby]

of course! and you might get a lot of miles out of it too.

[surgtech1956]

What would be a good bike in this price range? Am I being unrealistic - do I need to spend at least $1,000 on something that is decent??

[Zen]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=5585799

Have a look, don't be put off by the Wal-Mart in the url

[KnottedYet]

What would be a good bike in this price range? Am I being unrealistic - do I need to spend at least $1,000 on something that is decent??

No, like Mimi said, you can find plenty in that range and get lots of miles out of it, too!

Visit a few LBS's and tell them what you want to look at and your price range. Try every bike they have that meets your criteria (take your time).

Everyone's "fit" is different, and you just have to try lots of bikes to discover the one that you fall in love with and that feels like flying when you ride it.

Bike love can't be beat!

[Trek420]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=5585799

Have a look, don't be put off by the Wal-Mart in the url

no, instead I'm put off by:
assembled by folks who likely have no experience in putting a bike together, imagine it falling appart on a ride
no fit
no service
can't take it back and ask question 'cause they didn't know anything in the first place
parts that can't be replaced or exchanged like seat, bars to fit
not to politicize the tread but jeopardising you LBS who offers all those things like service and fit and professional assembly.

There are plenty of low cost alternatives out there

[Starfish]

Don't know what type of bike or riding you're looking to do, but Bicycling Magazine is always doing write ups of entry level bikes in the $700 or so range...your library should have back issues of their buyers guides, etc.

Might give you some ideas...

[Zen]

no, instead I'm put off by:
assembled by folks who likely have no experience in putting a bike together, imagine it falling appart on a ride
no fit
no service
can't take it back and ask question 'cause they didn't know anything in the first place
parts that can't be replaced or exchanged like seat, bars to fit
not to politicize the tread but jeopardising you LBS who offers all those things like service and fit and professional assembly.

There are plenty of low cost alternatives out there

Mostly true but its a carbon Schwinn and the question was about price only.
There are four bike shops in my area, they all get my money eventually.

[Eden]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=5585799

Have a look, don't be put off by the Wal-Mart in the url

hmmmmm 32lbs (this is almost as heavy as my big old hybrid!) and low end components (7speed) - I think for the price you can do much better, for instance http://www.fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=279&subcat=
It has slightly higher end componentry, its about 7lbs lighter - you would definitely notice that amount of mass and the msrp is $550 - which generally means you can purchase it for less...
I would also peruse your lbs's for deals on '06 models.

I also don't like that the wally bike is fake carbon..... what the heck is carbon wrapped aluminum anyway. Seems like something just to trick people to me....

[Trek420]

..... what the heck is carbon wrapped aluminum anyway. Seems like something just to trick people to me....

Schwinn from Wally World is worlds away from Schwinn from an authorised LBS. Want Schwinn in that price range with full service?

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/...ail.php?id=606

Want something higher end? Look for last years makes and models, or get used from a reputable source.

You gals know I like steel, I'm not sure I trust my dental work to carbon, I know many lust after the stuff. There's nothing wrong with innexpensive bikes, I looooove $250.00 commuter.

Carbon FORKS I looked at cost twice that. I'm sorry, no cheap carbon for me, too risky.

Subliminal hint, I'm surprised everyone doesn't ride one of the flat bar road bikes. I know I want one.

[uforgot]

Was it last year that Bicycling Mag put the Trek 1000 as the best road bike for the price? It has a msrp of $709 on the website, and that's a 2007. It comes in men's sizes and WSD so your chances of finding a fit are greater. You may find last year's model cheaper. From postings here, I know that bikingmomof3 loves hers! And you would have a(n) lbs to help you out or answer questions and make adjustments. May be a tad more than you want to spend, but worth it in the long run. It will hold it's value (for resale) better in case you decide to upgrade later. Maybe I should restate - for when you definitely decide to upgrade later.

Trek 1000 (I hope)

[Triskeliongirl]

What do you want this bike to do? The bianchi volpe is steel in this price range, optimized for touring and cyclocross but fine for group riding as well. You could also look into used aluminum (lighter) and steel. While it might be hard to buy a bike on ebay if you aren't sure of the fit, sometimes local bike clubs advertise used bikes in their newsletters so you can try them out locally (or craigs list), and the best for a newbie may be bike shops that sell used bikes so you can even get fit. Another is too look for new old stock, 2005s and 2006s shops are trying to move. Yes, trek1000 is a great light entry bike, I've seen several women start on those if they fit you.

[mimitabby]

I test rode a Bianchi Volpe and it was an absolutely awesome ride!
it fit nicely, and it was light and peppy too.

[Zen]

..... what the heck is carbon wrapped aluminum anyway. Seems like something just to trick people to me....

Or people who don't take the time to read...like me

[7rider]

no, instead I'm put off by:
assembled by folks who likely have no experience in putting a bike together, imagine it falling appart on a ride
no fit
no service
can't take it back and ask question 'cause they didn't know anything in the first place
parts that can't be replaced or exchanged like seat, bars to fit
not to politicize the tread but jeopardising you LBS who offers all those things like service and fit and professional assembly.

There are plenty of low cost alternatives out there

It looks like they couldn't even put that bike together correctly for the photograph!
Ouch, that saddle!
Ohh, those handlbars!

And, yeah, "carbon wrapped aluminum". Can anyone say "superfluous redundancy"??

And, it is possible to get something in the $5-600 range, if you look hard and look at closeouts. If you find you have champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, you can always search used.