Where to buy a new bike cheap for 1st timer

[tulip]

Many bike shops also sell used bikes. That way, you get a good bike AND good service.

[woohoo]

I got a great bike from eBay, although I did have to bide my time to get one the right size and type. After I got it I took it to a guy nearby who's a bike workshop rather than a normal LBS. Worked out great... Another good source might be local cycling clubs - they might have members with bikes for sale?

[Crankin]

I second Belmont Wheelworks; they have a whole store dedicated to used bikes. You would get fit properly and have a range of choices.
Also, Quad Cycles in Arlington may have some used bikes. That's where I got my new Jamis. They seemed to have a big selection of lots of different types of bikes.
When we bought our Kuotas the shop cleaned up our Treks and sold them on E Bay very quickly. We got the money. It seems like my WSD sold within minutes of it being put up there.

[Jiffer]

Are you sure you are a 52 frame? You want to be very careful to get the right size and a good fit. For your first bike, it might be wise to buy from a store, whether it's used or not. Hopefully a store you have been referred to and feel you can trust. Not all bike shops are the same in this regard. If you are 100% sure what your frame size is and, especially if you have someone helping you who knows a thing or two about bikes, then you might be fine buying online. But either way, get a bike fit at a shop.