My first road bike was a TREK 1000, and I have been nothing but happy with it. I now commute on it, and it still takes a major beating. In Hawaii a number of folks even raced their 1000's (as did I initially, and still will depending on the course). It is a good low end bike with Shimano components. You can get into it for $550-$600. Realistically you need to determine what you want to use it for (commuting, touring, racing), also where you will ride, flat sooth roads, mostly road some dirt, hill climbing, race courses, tri-athlons), then envision where you are now, and where you want to be in 2-3 years on your bike, don't jump in over your head on a racing bike you will never maximize, nor buy a low end model and expect to win races. Best of luck - give it lots of thought, do your research, as your abilities grow you may choose to upgrade or you may be happy where you are and that is fantastic too.