Looking at your post again, I realize that you are in a similar situation to where I was. When I started 4 months ago I was looking for a bike in the $500 price range and in that range, the used bikes are pretty limited, and of course you're taking a risk buying used. As I mentioned before, looking back I would have gone used, but I also would have increased my price point and just went for something higher end off the bat. However, if you are looking at $500 and new, I bought the Vilano Forza 4.0 from roadbikeoutlet.com that comes with snap on aero bars. It's $480 so right under your budget and the shipping is free. Here's the link:
http://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/vilano-forza-4-0-triathlon-road-bicyc...
I have put around 1,200 miles and I can't say anything super negative about it. It's an entry level bike, so it's a bit heavy
(around 24 pounds
). The seat it comes with is a torture device, so you'll want to get a new one right away. Also, I would recommend taking it to your LBS to get it put together and fitted. It comes with pretty good online instructions, but like anything else, if you can, leave it to the pros. I did the opposite and put it together myself. When I took it to my bike shop eventually, they found quite a few things loose that could of put me on the pavement. Getting it fitted is also important. Other than that, you just need to invest in some clip less pedals and shoes and you should be functioning. That is the cheapest route to being online that I have seen. But the bike has been solid for me so far. The front derailleur has never been quite right even with the professional tune, but I don't use it very often since it's flat where I am.
The next step up from the same website would be their tri-bike which has a more tri geometry and comes with a carbon fork
(the fork and frame of the bike above is all aluminum
). It's $650 if you're willing to go a little higher in price. Here's the link:
http://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/gavin-corsa-triathlon-bicycle-shimano...
If I still had to go new under $700 I would go with this instead to at least get the geometry/fit.
Like I said, if I had it to do all over again, I would have just went to the 1,500-2,000 price point right off the bat and bought used. But if you want new under $500, the above is what I went with and it's got me this far.
Edited by 3mar 2014-09-15 10:54 AM