I am just looking to start here. Is there anything wrong with say a 300 to 400 entry level bike?
Use it for a year or so and then if I decide to stick with it go to something better?
WIth a wife, children, mortgage and everything else I am having a hard time saying I am going to drop 8 to 900 on a bike.
LJ

I must be one to say "no" there is nothing wrong with that. I recently bought a new Raleigh Rute 1 ($455). I would have loved to have purchased the Kestral Talon that was also in the shop, however I work two jobs to support a wife and two children. Lately one of those jobs is not the most secure. It would be irresponsibile to spend such cash, and I avoid debt.
The weather is cold so I have not riden the Route 1 much. I can't wait for warm weather to lay down some miles. I hope I will like the bike after a 20 mile ride. I think I will. I've never even wanted a road bike till the last few months. Yet I purchased and am eager for finding a group ride.
I'm hoping to find that not everyone is into how much the equipment costs. I just believe that acceptance can be enjoyed even though the bike may not be all that elite.

You might consider looking at used bikes. I got mine at 1/4 the price of what it would be new. Plus, when you go to sell it to upgrade you will not take the big depreciation hit. Craig's list is not a bad place to look. The key is to know that the bike you are looking for will fit.

In fact,
I did the same thing. I bought my first bike for around $500. I raced BMX as a kid and then as a grown up, to get into shape, I thought I might like cycling. But I wasn't sure, so I bought an inexpensive bike. Turns out I liked biking and after a year and half or so, I bought a more expensive bike.

I also later bought an inexpensive used bike off of e-bay for the rain. It is great for its intended purpose.

Lastly, you may want to consider going to your LBS rather than buying off of e-bay or craigslist. The reason I say this is b/c if this is your first bike, an LBS can help fit you and you can establish a relationship with them for future service and purchases.

No, rode on a 10 year old, $250 frame cannondale frame that I got off of ebay when I first started riding. I threw on a few hundred dollars worth of upgrades. Total cost for my first bicycles was around $500.

Now I have a few bicycles, all of which cost several times more.

It is often pointed out here that you need to consider accessories in your budget. These are often not trivial expenses. The only thing you absolutely need to start is a helmet. But you'll very soon want a floor pump, a frame pump, some tire levers, some spare tubes, water bottle(s) and cage(s), chain lube. All the clothing is optional, but you're probably going to want some sooner or later. And you'll probably be tempted by shoes and pedals soon.

But by all means, start cheap until you figure out whether you'll like it.

But by all means, start cheap until you figure out whether you'll like it.

Just make sure that you don't start so cheap that it causes you to dislike. cycling. In my opinion, trying to find a used bike at the LBS is the best option. This should give you a reasonable fit, and build up a relationship that will help you if you become more heavily involved in cycling.

Another option is to borrow a friend's second or third bike and ride it every day for a week. That should be enough to give you an idea of whether or not you're going to like it. If you do like it, start saving your money for a better bike instead of buying the $300-400 bike.

Be aware that many cyclists do not lend their bikes to anyone. So it will need to be a really good friend, and don't ask for his good bike.

I am just looking to start here. Is there anything wrong with say a 300 to 400 entry level bike?
Use it for a year or so and then if I decide to stick with it go to something better?
WIth a wife, children, mortgage and everything else I am having a hard time saying I am going to drop 8 to 900 on a bike.
LJ
I'd recommend buying used after you've had a chance to (test) ride bikes at & above your desingated price range. This way you can get an idea of the level of bike you're going to "want" to ride. Going to your LBS would be a good start for fit & trying out new or even leftover model year bikes, possibly even used ones.

I rode my vintage Trek 310 "tank" off & on since buying it new in '86 up until late last year. I wanted to upgrade due to an extreme hill climb basically in my back yard. I went to a few local shops, saw all the popular brands & was able to get an idea of what weight, component level & most of all, what (new) price range I would be considering.

While doing this, I also started looking on ebay and craigslist. Turned out a not so well known road bike, an '05 Felt F70, that met all my criteria was available on c'slist where I live & it had the correct frame size I needed. It was barely ridden & in great shape. I wasn't in any hurry so I saved huge by going the used route.

If you can be patient & are willing to take somewhat of a risk, buy a used one. Good luck & have fun 'cause bike shoppin' is meant to be just that...

By the way, do you still have that "Green KLR?" I've been ridin' an XRL for quite a few years now & ridin' big DP bikes since '82...

at all wrong with that, IN fact, that's what I recommend to beginning riders. You don't know if you'll love it...(PROBABLY), but you never know, and you can always, and most likely will upgrade later...and then you'll start buying and building bikes like a madman...but I digress, buy a new cheap entry level ride. Used is a good option too, but you need to be very sure of your fit requirements, something the LBS should do for free if you are buying new from them, but might charge you for if you are buying used. My first bike was a Specialized Allez Triple for 599 bucks.......rode the p*ss out of it, it's gone through several iterations, and is currently serving as my trainer bike and will be my triathlon bike this summer. Of course, I'm trying to convince my wife to buy me a real TT/Triathlon bike as an anniversary gift next year..HAHA.....She said I need to keep the number of bikes under ten though....:mad:

Whatever the price range.. just make sure you get a well built good quality bike.

I've been through the Walmart cheapy route before and it definitely wasn' t worth it.

For 300-400, I'd get a hybrid. I know it doesn't have a drop bar, but it'll get you on the road.

Used is a great option as well...

Looks like I found a Bianchi Campineo from a friend (I have it in the car to try out for a few weeks) and for the price I cant beat it. It should get me what I need and I can keep it, sell it up grade it if I wish and I will get in to cycling for under 500. My wife was not ammused with the cost of bike, accesories and trainer mounting toward the $1000 mark.
Thanks,
LJ

I bought my bike for $400 and it was about $900 new. 9 speed triple, Tiagra with 105 derailleur and Al frame with a carbon fork. I have about 4,000 miles on it and I'm looking to upgrade to a Ti bike with Ultegra. I didn't want to spend a lot of money because I didn't know if I would ride regularly. If you buy a cheap bike, I would try to get a 9 speed with Tiagra because you'll enjoy it more. If you really have to, then Sora is a little cheaper but not as nice.

Personally, I'd be careful with used bikes. There is nothing wrong with them, but until you're comfortable with riding a road bike and you know what 'feels' right, you might be in for a world of pain. When I first got a road bike (after years of mtb) everything felt strange. But, I was able to get it fit properly at the store, and all was good.

I've since bought a bike on craigslist, and because I knew about fit and such, I was fine. A lot of it is knowing how your body feels and what it likes. It's different for everyone.

I've never bought one, but there are some bikes from Bikes Direct which seem pretty reasonable at that price range.