New to the sport. Need advice...

I am looking to buy a road bike, but I don't have a whole lot of money to spend on it. I have been poking around on the internet looking at how expensive these things are, and am starting to wonder if I can afford a bike. I am wanting to spend less than $500. Any suggestions, or is this even possible? Thanks for any advice!

Also, I dont know what size bike I need. I am 5'10 and about 170 lbs. Thoughts?

Google for an online fit calculator.

For $500, you're looking at used or maybe shopping for closeouts and other bargains during the bike buying season, late fall or early winter. Or get a bike without the STI shifters that have been standard for a couple of decades, like the Fuji Newest 4.0.

If there are any rental shops in your area, you might want to check them out as well. Some rental shops sell off their fleets at the end of each season and buy new bikes for the next season. You know they'll have been well-maintained if they were former rental units.

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I you are willing to buy a used bike, you should be able to get a decent one for $500.

But, you'll have to be willing to spend some time looking for the best deal.

People trade in good bikes all the time, for all kinds of reasons, and you might be able buy a bike that sold new for $1000 or more two years ago for $500.

Start looking at the beautiful vintage steel frame bikes!! You won't spend a fortune and will end up with a trusty friend for years to come!!

go into your local bike shops and see what they have and get sized up. they should help you with this if they are a decent shop. then the search starts. once you know what size frame (in cm or inches, not large or small or whatever because each brand hasdifferent sizes) start looking at ebay and the likes. try and find one that has sti shifters and good parts. also try and learn as much as you can about parts and components. this should help you get a good deal and make sure your not ripped off.

shimano roady components
recreational cycling
2200
sora

entry level roady
tiagra

entry level racing
105

competitive
ultegra

professional
dura ace

at that sort of price range i doubt you'd get anything come up with campag or SRAM but you never know.