I'm right with you! I rode my first road bike recently, too, and I'm in love. I don't know why I never considered one before!

I found a good used road bike for $500 and I feel like I'm getting an awesome deal. It will last a lot longer and be more comfortable and ride better than anything I could afford new - and if I bought a new bike it would be a used bike within a few months of buying it, anyway, so why not save the $?

Between something new and cheap, and something used and high-quality, quality wins every time.