I am looking for an entry level road bike for under $500 dollars. Any bicycles I should look into?

Question

-I live in eugene... so bike thievery is a big issue... this means i don't want anything flashy.

-I am going to buy new because I purchased used and the bike ended up to be a stolen bike. yippee. I don't want to go through the same s**t

-I will be riding it to school. (so low-profile is preferred)

-I have been to pretty much all LBSs, and the only entry level road bike that was under $500 was a fuji newest 4.0. It's ok.

-I was also offered a Lemond Etape for $470 new... (marked down from 700 something)

Answer 1

Take a look at the Dawes Lightening (link below) from Bikes Direct for only $495 delivered.  You'll be hard pressed to find a better buy than this, and it's not a "brand" name that will attract much attention by potential thieves.

If you don't care for the aero bars just take them off.  They are easily removable clip-ons.  I'm not big on triple cranks unless you plan to do loaded touring, but almost all bikes in this price range have them.

Lots of people like to knock Bikes Direct, especially bike shops, because they can't match their prices.  I used to own a bike shop and understand how the industry works.  They aren't bad or dishonest people, just people trying to make a buck, and they can't match these prices.

I know at least a dozen people here who have bought from them and are happy with the results.  Just make sure you get sizing figured out before you order if you go this route.

Good luck.

Answer 2

For a road bike, the frame is, by far, the most important consideration.  At that price point, it doesn't really matter what name is on the bike (it will be a Chinese or Taiwanese product no matter what it says on the down tube).   The most important factor will be whether or not the bike fits you properly.  In fact, you would be better off with a $400 steel frame road bike that fits than a $5000 carbon frame bike that doesn't.  So... buy a bike that feels comfortable and don't worry so much about the brand or the model or even the components.