How much can I expect to pay for a decent road bike?

I've been riding my bicycle more and more, and ride about 20 some miles on my beach cruiser at least once or twice a week. I've got this wild idea to ride down to San Diego (90 miles) but I don't think my beach cruiser would be able to handle it. How much should I pay for a used, decent, in good shape women's road bike?

First...please...please...please don't buy anything from walmart...not the GMC Denali either.

Just about ALL decent road bikes (new) are around $650 at start. I paid $1000 for my Giant OCR1.

Most bike shops offer financing so you can take it home and pay it off over a extended period of time (6 months - 1 yr)

Also, good luck finding a used decent road bike this time of year because alot of them have already been stanched up with the start of the season.

I really don't think that riding your beach cruiser will be efficent or comfortable on such a long ride...at least with a road bike you have several hand positions and the bike is lighter and shifting is better so you get more distance.

I really love Giant bikes, if your interested in a more hybrid style bike Giant offers the Cypress and the Sedona for around $400ish or also the metro styled really modern looking TransSend around $700.

If you find a used roadbike in most situations (unless the bike is really great) i wouldn't pay more then $300 for a decent used one.

Good luck and congrats on riding more!

Actually, I have seen new "women specific" road bikes for around $1000. Depending on where you shop you might even get one for less.

20k thx

May I suggest you look at last years models...great deals, at least here in Wisconsin. Visit some bike shops and try out various brands. I am in love with my womens specific Giant FCR 1. I paid a hundred less because I bought it at the end of the season. I also like my Trek MB and if I were to buy another road bike I would strongly consider a Trek. I have a men's hybrid and after riding my road bike and mountain bike will never buy a men's bike again. Bike shops may have used bikes if they take them in trade, check your local papers and bike clubs for folks looking to sell used bikes. I would suggest you have a bike shop fit you for a bike so that you know what you are looking for in a used bike. Maybe even post an ad for what you are looking for. I was told once by a bike shop that there is not a lot of difference between an $800 bike and a $1000 bike. Happy riding.

I bought a great bike from Walmart.com. It's a GMC Denali women's bicycle. Can also be found on amazon.com. For a $150. It's a bit heavy but I am a beginner and only ride in between my training runs so it's great for me. Have gone up to 15-20 miles at a time.