Originally Posted by
C_Myers22
Thank you! I really appreciate all of the responses.
If I were to get a new bike would it be possible to find something that I could race on for less than $1,000? Is there a thread on here that has discussed budget racing bikes?
New under $1000? That's a hard no. However, depending on where you are Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be a goldmine. You don't need a new bike right away, but finding a quality used ride that physically fits you will do absolute wonders for your enjoyment, and your wallet.
A lot of people bought some very, very nice pandemic bikes and are now realizing they make terrible clothes hangars. Keep an eye out for people just trying to clear space in their garage, especially since we are getting later in the riding season.
These are extreme examples, but I got a 2001 Trek 2200 for $20 that I put less than $400 in to, and my cousin found a 2021 REI CO-OP ADV 2.1 for $50 (new, $1050 on sale currently). One new brake cable and a quick derailleur adjustment later and it did a 65mi ride the next week.