road bike for price range of $500-$600

[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.

[luv2fly]

Nancy - I just found an '06 Specialized Sequoia for just over $600 (retail $770) at the LBS. The same bike shop also has an '06 Dolce for just under $600, which is a great deal. You can find some bargains w/last years models. I see that you are in mid-Michigan, I'm in SE Michigan (near Romeo) so howdy, neighbor Like you, I'm going from a comfort/hybrid to a road bike - I want to go farther/faster.

~ Laurie

[farrellcollie]

Bikeforums.net has a thread under roadbikes - the under $700 roadbike thread that might give you some suggestions.