road bike for price range of $500-$600

[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.

[nicole309]

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)

You can always go used. I bought my 2006 Trek 1000 used for $325. It belonged to a guy who used it only as his race bike. It was like new. Check Craig's list and E-Bay. You can definately find some great deals out there.

[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