I want to start road biking but I need a good entry level bike, that is also affordable, don't have much money

I only have about $300, and I was going to buy a Vilano Road Bike, but I haven't yet, so if anyone disagrees, let me know.
Thanks!

What about a Windsor bike or a Dawes 1000/1200?

Check your local bike store. You can get great deals if they still have "07s. They might be able to hook you up with trade-ins, or know someone who is willing to sell their bike. Check to see if they have a wall with "classifieds". The bike store is a good place to get information and start a good relationship with. It would of been better if you shopped around in the off-market, The way the gas price and bike sales are going up, it might be difficult to buy an 08" when the new '09s come out.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Those bikes are junk, they have very old and dated parts. if you can save for a little longer, you can get a descent road bike for about $750. Also, many shops offer 90 days same as cash or some type of payment plan, so check into that before you go and waste money on a disposable bike. Seriously, a bike that has down tube shifters is technology that is dated back to the late 80s...

It looks functional, but Tourney and "Shimano SIS" is pretty low-end stuff, about 3-4 levels below Tiagra/Sora IIRC. And 7-speed is fast becoming obsolete. I'd recommend saving a bit more and aim for a $400 bike. Since you're considering mail-order anyway, compare it to this

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/wind...

for about a hundred dollars more. You can spend a hundred dollars just upgrading your rear derailleur these days! If you can't save a bit longer, consider searching for a used bike.

The way I se it is...
if you're just starting out then the bike is not the most important thing. Buy what you can afford. Your next purchase should be a good seat and some decent riding shorts with a gel pad. (believe me you'll thank yourself for it.) When you get a bit fitter and maybe want to race or join a training group then buy a better bike.
Get out and enjoy it!!!

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