road bike for price range of $500-$600

[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'.

[Trek420]

Slightly higher than you wanted to spend, excellent bike, Jamis bikes would be on my short list It's available in WSD.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...satellite.html

I keep saying...flat bar road bikes, fast, comfortable, do it all and a great deal. The Coda line starts here and right in your price range...

www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/coda.html

Same line with nice stuff on it around $1200. Get the basic model and upgrade the heck outa it.

[surgtech1956]

Thanks ladies,
I guess I want a rode bike to get in shape, I have a hybrid, but I think of a hybrid of just cruising around the neigborhood. I think of a rode bike as a 'real training bike'. I also have a permanent knee problem and know that riding is good exercise. Plus I figure if I spend a considerable amount of $$$ I will feel I will have to ride. I will start checking my LBS. I'm the the type that has to extensive research on my purchases. I appreciate all your help. I've owned 2 Treks and a Fuji bike. Sounds like alot of you own Treks, Jamis and Giant bikes.
Nancy

[Starfish]

I keep saying...flat bar road bikes, fast, comfortable, do it all and a great deal.

Just be sure to ride a bunch of bikes...I know a lot of folks love the flat bars, but they are not for me...I get wrist/elbow issues with that position.

[KnottedYet]

Just be sure to ride a bunch of bikes...I know a lot of folks love the flat bars, but they are not for me...I get wrist/elbow issues with that position.

I love my flat-bar 700c commutermobile, but those flat bars just don't do well for me on long rides. On a long ride I want my Salsa Short-n-Shallow drop bars so I can get a variety of positions and give my hands/arms/shoulders a break.

[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