Just a thought... I bought in the 300-400 dollar range about six years ago and got a Diamondback hardtail. It has decent components, fits well, but boy she weighs in at just under 32 pounds! ChroMoly frame and no carbon at all. Between her weight and the 15 I need to lose, I'm packing some serious poundage!

If you really love it, you might regret not spending more for a bike that will last you many years. This is hard to say for someone who lives on a pasta budget, but my dad, who raised nine kids always told me, don't settle, wait until you can afford what you really want (within reason and w/o credit).

Maybe, just maybe you can find a deal on a used bike, and then spend the bigger bucks later. Or at least get bike with a frame you can live with forever and swap out components when the time comes.

I am squirreling away mad money for a roadbike...