hello everybody i am a new to road biking. i would like help picking a first bike and i would like you guys and girls to help me :-) . i am looking at the trek 1000 (http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/road/1000.jsp) and the khs 300 (http://gallery.bcentral.com/GID4038672P2047632-Road-Bikes-Catalog/KHS-2003-Road-Bikes/KHS-Flite-300-2003.aspx) for a starter bike i do not want to spend alot of money less then $500 . so fare i am thinking of getting the khs 300 should i ? or what do you people think i should get ?

i am 5' 10" and about 132 pounds and i LOVE to bike

Thanks for all the help :)

Have you ridden both bikes? What are you planning on doing with them? Do you want to do short races or sprints, or is a century in your future? Are you buying from a LBS or over the 'net?

The frame materials used in these two should help make it easier to choose between them. Aluminum (the Trek) is going to feel livelier, which can become harsh over many miles. Steel (the KHS) should feel smoother over long distances, but probably won't have quite the same responsiveness. Component groups are pretty similar, so it's gonna come down to which bike (and which bike shop) you like better. BTW, if you can push your budget just a bit, you'd have a lot more options, with better components hung on them.

Either way, you're looking at a couple of entry level bikes from reputable manufacturers. Go with the one that fits best and the shop that gives you the best service.