Seeking road bike recommendations around $500 ish

Buy a used CAAD10 on Craigslist. Thank me later.

For less than $500, used on Craigslist or check out bikesdirect. I ride with a few guys that have motobecanes through BD and they've been happy with them. They're based out of Texas and the owner apparently is pretty hands on with customer support, according to what I've read on MTBR.

And here come the bike snobs saying you can't get anything decent for less than $1500

I have a Trek and it's been solid. Schwinn makes good bikes too and you can get one for like $300.

I found a 2001 Specialized Allez on Craigslist for about $380. Check there. Trek, specialized, giant, Fuji are all good brands if you can find them in your price range.

For $500 get a hybrid/fitness bike. I recently bought a Trek FX2 for that price range.

I currently have an academy Schwinn bike more of a mtb variety. Was $200ish if I recall. May list the bike and see if it gets any hits

For that range I like my Jamis Coda. Sometimes called a flat bar road bike. Drop bar roadies will scoff at this term but who cares. For a little more get the Coda Comp (what I ride). Steel frame plus carbon fork is a good ride on bike paths. Good components.

Most of you are being too rational about this. I say take out a 3 year loan and slam the stem. No questions.