Hi, I am just getting into road biking, (been on the mountains for years) and I am looking for a bike on the cheaper side of things 700- and hopefully used. I am planning to start team time trials towards the end of the summer so this bike needs to good enough to last me one year thru those. Any ideas? :wink5:

If you want a good road bike by used, look in Craigslist, try to stay with Shimano 105 and above. They are there and about 1/2 price as new and you can find bikes that are hardly used.

I got a Trek 1000 a few years back, still runs great. The Trek 1.2 is the new base road bike that is around $700, a bit more.

+1 on the Trek 1000/1.2. Also, take a look at Felt's base level road bike.

Used is a great alternative and you get more for your money. However, make sure you understand what size you need before buying.

bici diretti... just don't be hung up on names/brands, and be sure you know how to make minor adjustments or feel no shame taking it to your lbs

If your comfortable with buying online with no test rides, BikesDirect.com is a good resource. Most of their bikes are Kinesis made so the quality is very good and you can get a great bang for your buck. Just don't expect any support from local bike shops when you need help.

However, if you want to test ride, dealer support, etc. then the Trek 1.2, Specialized Allez Double, and Giant OCR 1 are good models to look at

I've seen a 3 or 4 Giant TCRs that are about 4 years old with Ultegra 9 groups going for around $600. A buddy of mine picked up an '04 for $650 with Spinergy carbon wheels and Ultegra 9 group. They are pre-carbon TCRs but they are good bikes nonetheless. Also, consider Felt as well. I've seen a couple of '05 Felt F75s and two '06 F80s going for around $550-600. Those are 105 equipped but really good bikes. The F75 even has carbon seatstays. Craigslist is the place ito go if you're buying used.

thanks for all your help!
how does this bike sound... Dawes Lighting 1500
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/lt1500.htm
http://www.dawescyclesusa.com/lt1500.html
Is Dawes known to be ok?

Dawes, Motobecane, Windsor, and Mercier were all old Euro brands that went out of business. The names were purchased and are now used for Taiwanese made bikes mostly sold through BikesDirect. I've seen a few in person and they look like typical Taiwan made bikes (which include the Trek, Specialized, and Giant models mentioned in my previous post). The Dawes is decent, but I would recommend stepping up to this one
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/mirage_pro09.htm

Only $130 more but much better frame and parts that will make a lighter bike that will also probably last you longer.

ok i think i am going to go ahead and get a specialized allez... hopefully a double.

Well thanks for the help!
my new bike
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2004&spid=21061
upgraded tires
http://www.eastonbike.com/PRODUCTS/WHEELS/wheel_vista_sl.html

best entry level road bikes are last year's closeout specials.