[jmw898]

I am VERY new to cycling, and I am looking to purchase my first road bike. I have a few options...just looking for suggestions and direction.
I was looking at a lightly used Litespeed. It's a few years old but in excellent condition and has quality components on it; it's selling for $500. It looks like a great bike and fits me perfect, but I am a little hesitant to buy a used bike.
On the other hand, I am also looking at new bikes...maybe a cross bike...
Any suggestions? I want to keep my total cost under $2000.

[ReCYCLE]

Whatever feels right to you and you feel comfortable with : D

[dpeters11]

I would go to a few local bike shops as well. The benefit would be that you would generally get things like free adjustments, warranty etc. Ideally, a few shops that aren't too far away that sell different brands, so that you can try a Trek, a Cannondale, Specialized, Giant etc. Bikes across different brands have different geometrys. For that price you can get a really nice road bike, though remember some of the addons (water bottle/holder, pumps, helmet, spare tube etc.) Some shops give you a discount on accessories when you buy a bike.

[rawhite1969]

nothing wrong with a used bike, as long as is solid and in good repair. Gets you into the activity of cycling at a lower cost. Then if you find this isn't the activity for you, you aren't out $2k on a new bike. Even if you have some minor repairs/tune up to be done you are still on the low end cost-wise.

[Industry_Hack]

If you have a $2k budget and see a clean Litespeed for $500, take it.

[SprocketGirl]

if it is your size.... which you said it was grab the litespeed! at $500 you can't lose. if you love being on a road bike then you can later decide the exact new bike to get and get it. by later i mean a few years. or heck just ride the litespeed.
new bikes are cool but sometimes you can get more bang going used.
for $2000 you can get a great bike but many of the litespeed frames are $2000 or more. if it is ti that is a great deal if it is carbon that is a great deal....

[wild]

I baught a used Cannondale Quick 6 for $200, it was 2 months old . I got it to see if I wanter a Hybrid. That bike I call my Time X it just keeps on going, it is the one I use when it is raining, if some one wants to ride it is there. I will never get rid of that bike, I don't ride it much but it is allways ready. I would say for $500, look it over good, ride it, and bring it home a $500 litespeed is a steel if it is in good shape.
my.02

[Weav]

A Lightspeed at $500 that fits like a glove and is in good shape is a deal, and nobody will believe you when you tell them what you paid. Like sprocketgirl said, if it's Titanium the frame alone probably cost 2K new.

[Gandalfe]

Sounds too good to be true. Why are you delaying your purchase? Is it ... PINK!

The bragging rights alone are alluring.

[froze]

I 5th the motion. Go with the Litespeed. Besides, if for some reason you don't get into cycling like you plan then you won't have a $2,000 piece of garage art, only a $500 one. Plus $500 is only about $200 more then a top priced Walmart Bike! Get the Litespeed.