What is a good racing road bike for a beginner?

I've just started getting into competitive bike racing and am looking for a entry level bike. My budget is around 700 or 800 dollars. I've heard the Trek 1000 is good (is that true?), are there other options that you would suggest? Do I need to spend more to get a decent level entry bike, or can I get by for that? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!

Trek and Specialized tend to be a bit more pricey for the bike, as compared to other brands. that said I love my Stumpjumper, but you're asking about road rides. check out Giant. they tend to give you a higher value. I also love my carbon fiber TCR! in your price range, check out the Giant OCR's they have a longer wheelbase than the TCR's, and run a shade lower price-wise..

I just bought a bike a few months ago, a Trek 2100. It was last years model and got a great deal on it. I suggest go to a couple of bike shops and see if you can try some bikes. You have to like it before you buy it and see if they can find you some good deals on last year models. You can also try buying a used bike. There are some good deals to grab when people who have to have the newst and latest want to sell their 3 or 4 year old bikes for the newer model. But my suggestion is go to some bike shops and talk.

I'd recommend the Specialized Allez. I got the Specialized Allez 24 Triple last year and have been more than happy with it. I started off with a real cheapo racing bike and within 6 months I felt I needed a new one.

The Trek 1000 is a good bike too but if I was to choose I'd still go for the Specialized Allez.

Just make sure you shop around and get a good deal, and if you can get a test ride that would be even better.

I own a Trek 1000 and have been happy with it. That said, I've heard there are better bikes out there for the money. Trek tends to be light on the components end...slightly lower brakes, shifters, etc. But it seems that most entry level bikes are close to the same, dollar for dollar.