What is a good beginner road bike?

i race XC, but im looking for a road bike to use for training. what would you recommend thats fairly inexpensive but also light? i definately want the dual control brake levers. a carbon fork and 27-30spd drivetrain would be nice but are not needed. is there anything decent for around $500?


i have a Trek and Jamis dealer in town where i get 20% off anything, so let me know if those names have anything good.What is a good beginner road bike?
Both are good choices, but bang for the buck would not go to Trek. If you're just starting out, I would go with Motobecane or KHS if you can. Jamis is another viable alternative as well as Fuji. Also, Fuji and Motobecane are essentially the same bikes with different badging. Another option is a good used road bike with aluminum frame and 105 or Ultegra component groups (Cannondale and Motobecane come to mind). At $500, you're likely to get Sora or maybe Tiagra drivetrain. They are pretty reliable but I would say go for the Tiagra. Sora is still running 24 speeds I believe. Tiagra is 27 speed and 105 and above are 30 speeds. Older bikes may have a105, Ultegra or even Dura Ace with 27 speeds. Please note: the higher you go, less chance you have of finding a triple crankset. They are out there but most people seem to want a double crank. Motobecane (there goes that word again!!) Sells a lot of bikes with triple crank set ups. Check out their website, bikesdirect.com or check ebay. You'll be glad that you did. Good luck .What is a good beginner road bike?
Trek Madone SSL
KHS, Trek, Giant, and Specialized all have good entry level bikes in your price range


I agree with the other post about the KHS Flite series, and the Specialized Allez is also good, Giant OCR is OK too
god made dirt, and dirt dont hurt.
You cut the choice way back when you set your price, but there are a small number of bikes that would be fine for training. I don't think you'll find a 27/30 gear for that kind of coin either.





First things first. Based on your desire for gears, you want a triple in front and 9 or 10 in the back. Most times you'll lose your racing frame geometry for this, but again for crosstraining this should be OK.


In new stuff you will probably see Shimano Sora as the drivetrain along with ';house brand'; crank and hubs. I think that Sora only goes to 8 speed but I might be wrong. This is probably not a good option.





I think your best bet will be to buy something used, maybe up to 5 or 6 years old. I would specifically look for Shimano 105 components (not just rear derailleur) since anything higher grade than that will likely be out of your price range. The crank might still be house brand.





Don't be picky about bike brand, and ESPECIALLY ignore weight... instead search for the highest grade components- as the parts get better the weight goes down.





I can tell you what NOT to buy... do NOT buy Pinnacle, and be very careful with Caloi and Schwinn. My preferences would be Raleigh, MongoosePRO, Motobecane, and KHS... of those, KHS would be my target...perhaps a Flite 300.





You should try to stay right up against your $500 limit, and be suspicious of anyone that tries to sell you a $3000 bike for anywhere close to your limit.