If you want to get into road biking, you're going to need to invest in some gear. I bought my trek road bike on craigslist for $450 which was a pretty good deal. Most new entry level road bikes cost $800. Then I bought a helmet because if you're riding in the road, you really need to protect yourself.

What I didn't realize was how important bike shorts really are to your physical well being. If you don't go over 10 miles, you don't need them. But once you start getting in the higher milage you will really chafe your legs and other sensitive places. Yeah, ouch!

So, I definitely recommend buying a really good pair of bike shorts. Some with a little padding for the bum because road bikes don't have very padded seats.