What is a good entry level road bike around $500 (used or new)?

I am getting into road bikes. I have never owned a road bike but have owned several mountain bikes. I have no idea what to look for in terms of cost/components and otherwise.

I saw a bunch of Motobecanes on Ebay and would not mind if I had to put some pieces together (done it before on a Mt. Bike) but I don't want to get stuck on a bad bike that I would feel uncomfortable riding.

I want a bike that I can ride too see if I enjoy the sport and still be able to ride/upgrade if I fall in love. The more help you guys offer the better.

Thanks a bunch guys and I look forward to your response!

i was in the same boat a couple years ago. I spent most of my life on a mountain bike but decided to try road biking too. I originally bought a trek 1500 and it was nice all around for a starter bike. The new trek 1.2 is okay and replaces the 1000 which we used to sell for about $600.... if you can, i'd advise you to find a slightly used trek from 2007 or 2006. You can sometimes find a good deal on these. Giant has some decent frames too... the OCR is a touring bike but the TCR would be better for overall speed. Cannondale is okay but better at higher prices. Motobecane isn't too bad. I've seen a couple come into the store and for the price they paid... they are pretty good and come with decent groups. The major and most important thing is to find YOUR size first and know what size to get. Go to a bike shop and get fitted. Make sure you know what size you are... its based on your inseam as well as body structure.

DONT BUY A MADONE OR ANYTHING OVER $1000 yet.... get yourself something simple at first. I tried the whole road bike thing... as i said i started with a 1500 and then moved up to a madone 5.5..... i decided afterwards i perfered Mtn Biking better and sold both. Buy something to try the sport out... remember... you need shoes, helmet, outfit... plus accessories which individually... all can add up to over 100 each.

Justin---if you know a bike shop selling TREK road bikes , ask for their 2008 colored print catalog ( I got one from Japan---the catalog has Japanese lingo so I only read a few in English....). Trek's 'Madone' line-up are INCREDIBLE though expensive---you may research their components ( most have Bontrager gears and Shimano ). Try also to search in Jenson USA (www.jensonusa.com) and Wheel World (www.wheelworld.com) for bargain road rigs.

Sounds like you're looking for a life partner. A pretty good idea would be to go into your local bike shop and take some bikes out on a test ride. If for no other reason just to familiarize you with the way different bikes ride. There are a few types to choose from and it is wise to consider which is best suited to your needs when making your decision. Smart. Once you have it narrowed down to a type and perhaps a couple of brands, pick up some catalogs to take home and read up on the specs. Particularly pay attention to the geometry page. This will help guide into making an informed choice no matter which direction, new or used, you decide to go. If you like the way a particular bike felt when you rode it take note of its geometry measurements and angles. Carry that info into what ever future deals your shopping takes you. Most importantly ride a bunch of bikes. Good luck

Base on this comment you made - "I don't want to get stuck on a bad bike that I would feel uncomfortable riding."
Fit is the most important thing, and you need a real person to help with that if you don't have experience.
Or you you could build your knowledge base on sizing a bike for yourself and then get it online - but fit is the most important thing - not the bike itself.

Road Bikes like anything come in different price points ...
1 - Entry (under $800) - probably aluminum frame with carbon fork & entry level components.
2 - Mid - ($800 -1500) probably aluminum frame carbon fork with better components, or maybe a carbon or steel frame with entry components.
3 - HIgh ($1500+) carbon, or steel or other frame mix with better components. Mostly what you are paying for is better frame & lighter components.
-->Any one of these could be purchased and ridden thousands of miles comfortably. But where are you comfortable entering the market? That's the question?

Some big things to think about:
-Online or local bike shop - since fit is a big piece of this for you - one vote for local bike shop.
-New or used - personal pref. I like used...casue I get more bang for the buck. if you find a local shop that sells used...a vote for used. Craigslist.com is also a good source for used bikes. Expect to pay 1/2 of retail on a used bike.
-Frame material - you have to ride them to feel them - aluminum is most common below $1500. I personally like steel cause it's smooth and bullet proof, but hard to find theses days.
-Components - 2 major camps - Shimano or Campagnolo - Tiagra and 105 are about the lowest you should consider if you are going Shimano and want to ride seriously. Above these all you are really paying for is weight savings and slightly longer lasting parts. In campy parts you get similar with MIrage & Veloce on up. I personally like the italian parts ther;s just something about them. But this will come down to personal preference.
-Geometry - there are several basics - relaxed with sloped top tube for a little more comfy ride. -traditional straight top tube - aggresive sloped down top tube tis one is for racing not comfort. All bike mfg's make sligtly different geometries.

-Lots of big brands to consider - trek, specialized, giant, bianchi, lemond and many more....
-When I got my first bike i decided to go used and got a 5 yr old Steel Bianchi with all Campy parts for $300 on ebay (that woudl have cost ($1500 new)
ANd I got my wife a Windsor ($400) from a Local shop with free service. I would have purchased a new Bottechia(sold on ebay) but I just didn't like the aluminum frame feel - it felt rought to me. But lots of people like aluminum. I rode it at cyclespectrum in my city, who is owned by bikesdirect and sells them along with motbecanes on ebay.

Some bikes -
$500 new ( more like 600 or 700)
Big brands start at more than 500 new.
These are smaller brands... http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/prof...
& on ebay search - BottecchiaUSA - $695

Used - under $400 (look for integrated shifters w/brakes not on the frame & look for carbon fork and 24 speeds or more.)
Cabon frames may not have warranty if purchased used - stick to Steel or Aluminum if buying used.
Giant OCR3 or OCR2 or TCR.
Bianchi - many to choose
Trek many to choose
Lemond many to choose

dont forget to check local used at www.craigslist.com - you have to know what size you need first.

5'7 - 5'9 52-56 cm (research sizing more on your own)
5' 10 - 6' 56 -62 cm