new rider .. wants a new bike..

[complience]

I recently started riding my moutainbike around just for general fittness..
and due to the lack of good offroad paths.. ive spent alot of time on the tarmac.. and ive really started to get into it.. playing with the cars is my favourite pasttime.. even tried to overtake a couple

So its time for a road bike so i can actualy nail a few next time..

Willing to spend £300 .. £500 at the most

Is a low low end race spec bike possible for £300?

The main difference in price seems to surround.. other than of weight factors.. the amount of gears. Just how many do i need?
On my mountain bike i have 21.. but i only really use the top 7.

Is this bike any good its got 16 gears
http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=19252&type=0&cat=92

This ones got 18 gears.. but its another 200 squid.
http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=19253&type=0&cat=92

Any help for this potential Lance Armstrong demolishion machine will be
most appricated.

 

[keydates]

At that price range you'd be better off looking for something used...or even a couple year's old new model.

 

[complience]

im not planning on racing in the tour de france or anything..


I tried picking up the £500 quid one at the store.. and it weighed .. about nothing in my opinon. Cant think how they could get much lighter no matter how much cash you threw at it..

Whats wrong with those two particalar bikes?

What about this bike below is that any good?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=72573&item=3697579577&rd=1

 

[keydates]

Decent racing bikes typically start around $1000/£600. That being said, upon closer examination, those two bikes look okay, although you may want to make some adjustments (clipless pedals, better wheels). The ebay one looks very nice, but the buyer wasn't very specific on the drivetrain components etc. Then again, that is £1500...

 

[complience]

Are those type of bikes legal for racing?

Because the time trial bikes i see used in the tour de france.

Arent used on the normal stages.. I asume they must be faster so regulations are stopping them being used.

Or is it they just arnt rugged enough for 300miles of hardriding?