Recently I've gotten off the trails on on the road. My trail bike was easily modified for about $120 bucks. However, some of the rides I have planned this year (2 half centuries and 1 century and a half) will require a road bike. The trail bike is good but I'm working too much training for these rides. I just can't imagine the ride day with the trail bike.

So I evaluate my dedication to the sport, funds and other plans. Primarily I ride for recreation and health but I'm not a diehard biker. If I was to spend $1000, I could think of a dozen other things to purchase or do with the money. So I'm looking for value. If I find my appreciation for the sport grows, I'd be willing to spend more. (quesiton1: how difficult is it to trade in a bike for a newer and better model?)

I've seen the Jamis Satalite (steel frame) and like it. It has the carbon forks with shimano saro gear and brake system and Truvalit (sp?) crank for about $680 and fits nicely. The Specialized Dolce about the same component make up but an alumnium for the same price and then there was a Giant OCR1 which was also aluminum with mostly the same components but the rear derailer was another level up in the shimano brand.

Any ideas.

check out a Fuji or a Trek 1200

If you are working with a $700 dollar budget see your Fuji dealer, they have several options on low end bikes. If you check thier web site don't go by the list prices, the dealers sell the bikes at big discounts to the list price.

Indeed, I reviewed Fuji and Trek as well as the ones I listed. Once I started test riding, the choice became clear . . . Trek 2200. Although I spent $500 more than I expected, I got $600 off the retail because it was last year's model. How lucky could I be :) I've been grinning from ear to ear and the important thing I've put nearly 50 miles on it in less than 3 days. I love my bike.