Road bike recommendations

If money is an issue, get an old road bike. They hold their value and you should be able to get something back when you have a better idea of what you want.

They also have the advantage of not looking as flash, therefore having a bit less bidding competition. However, you are up against the vintage market. This is when getting bikes that might not be as obviously attractive to someone after a retro racer are a bargain. I managed to find a 653 Joe Waugh (?) built by Dave Yates, with full campag for a friend for £130ish. The green and white colour scheme just didn't look that great in the pictures, and Waugh doesn't end in a vowel.

Tips:

• frame - go for something made from a named tubing, Reynolds, Columbus, Tange, Dedacciai. Find out which tubing is good, and learn what the stickers look like.
  
• Parts - if you know your stuff then you can pick out random makes that were good but aren't around anymore. However, if you don't then your best sticking to the main names: campag, Shimano, Mavic. Find the hierarchy's and bookmark them for reference.
  
• size - the effective/horizontal top tube measurement is the number to look for. Use one of the online fit calculators to check your size, then go to a big bike store and test a bike in that size.