Look I am just trying to help. I am not saying you cannot find a new bike for $300but you get what you pay for. The less you spend, the heavier the bike will be and the poorer the quality of the components will be. I think you could spend the same amount ($300) on a used bike, and end up with a bike that originally sold for considerably more, and therefore has better components. When you say last year's models, you mean the absolutely lowest end of the line. If it were me, for the same $300, I would rather buy a gently used higher end model, that's all. I also don't agree with the advice to buy a hybrid. I think you are better off with an entry level road bike if you interest is road riding. The reason is to avoid having to either replace it shortly after you get started because it will limit what you can do.