Decent beginner bike between $300-$500?

[Eden]

I can't bring myself to spend more than $500 on a bike. Preferably $300-$500, but $500 would really be my limit. Am I asking too much?

In a word yes..... In the new road bike world $500 isn't really enough. That can buy you the lowest model in some brands' lines of commuter or hybrid, but it won't buy you a road bike.