road bike for price range of $500-$600

[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

[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.

[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.

[Trek420]

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

I once had chocolate covered ants Is that the same thing? Just kidding. Seriously, there are many ways to get a quality bike for less.

My namesake, my Trek420 was an entry level road bike. I couldn't afford and didn't need anything more. But it had an "upgrade worthy frame" Over many years as I wore stuff out and replaced with better it became a head turner "woah, a Trek 420 with Ultegra and check out the wheels "

By the time I was done I'd have had to pay 3K to get new with that kit. So in random order

Option 1: get a quality frame now, replace/upgrade as you go.

Option 2: close outs, last years models. See above option 1.

Option 3: check your local bike club and shops, find swap meets in your area. Nooooooooo, not flea markets which is where our stollen bikes often go. I mean bike specific swap meets. They sometimes have great deals.

Option 4: Some LBS sell used as well as new.

Option 5: Craigs but be careful that it's an honest deal.

[meridian]

I actually still use the first road bike I purchased, which was about 5 years ago or round about that time. It's a specialized allez (aluminum frame) and I purchased it at a LBS for around $600 if I remember correctly.

Granted it had low end components, but I only had to replace the saddle off the start and was content until I had the money for improvement. I upraded in sections when I could. Some components here, wheels there, a few more components, handlebars, etc, and several seats later...here I am with the same frame and still have no immediate plans for replacement.

I'm sure it can still be done today and with higher level equipment at that. Just gotta keep those eyes peeled. Another option, would be to put together your own bike over time when good deals on pieces come up. Might save you some additional dough.

[Trek420]

Granted it had low end components, but I only had to replace the saddle off the start and was content until I had the money for improvement. I upraded in sections when I could. Some components here, wheels there, a few more components, handlebars, etc, and several seats later...here I am with the same frame and still have no immediate plans for replacement.

That's what I'm talking about

Get an upgrade-worthy frame in your price range, build it up over time.

There's little difference between full custom and cutsomised. Except it takes longer to "make the bike yours."

[Triskeliongirl]

Another idea is a performance brand bike if you have a performance near you. One of the gals I ride with has one, and it has great components and is of high 'value'. Fujis also have a great reputation for 'value'.

[pepe6599]

i got my giant for about $600 sale price, last years model.

[MINIskirt]

I got an awesome deal on my first road bike. It's a 2007 Specialized Dolce that I got for $650 at my LBS during a "Ladies Night" event. Regular price was $770.

[Trek420]

Oooooooooh, nice bike

[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.