Originally Posted by wrk101

There are many other choices out there. First, you have the entire used bike market.

On new bikes, around here $1000 gets entry level. In fact, it is rare to see a single new road bike at a shop for $1000. And thats US $$. But even a new entry level bike will have integrated brake lever/shifters. Many new riders hate downtube shifters. At the $1000 price point, you will likely get made in China (which is OK), pretty generic, aluminum frame bike. Personally, I think your money goes a lot farther with a used bike. I've owned about 1,000 bikes. Last new bike I bought was in 1975....... Nicest bike I own was bought earlier this year, and its a 1981 model. So it was 41 years old when I bought it.

And to be fair to the new stuff, even the entry level parts work pretty well. Uninspiring to those of us into vintage bikes, but functionally proficient.