I just bought my first road bike...2014 felt z100. It is entry level (I think MSRP is around $800) and I picked it up used for $300. If I really get into it I will upgrade to carbon, etc...plus I need to lose about 20 lbs, think that will make me much faster than a carbon bike
I am going on a longish ride (for me) every weekend, around 20 miles. Baby steps...