Buying your first road bike can be overwhelming due to the variety of models and components available. To navigate this, it's essential to establish a budget. Entry-level road bikes generally start around 260 euros or 250 pounds, with higher-priced options offering lighter and stiffer frames and superior components. A budget of around 600 euros or 500 pounds typically provides a good-quality bike with an alloy frame and decent components, capable of handling climbs and even races. It’s also important to consider budgeting for accessories like shoes, pedals, and clothing. When selecting a bike, focus on the components, specifically the group set, which includes the brakes and gears. Group sets come from various manufacturers such as Campagnolo, SRAM, Microshift, and Shimano, with tiers that indicate price and quality. Higher-tier components usually offer lighter materials, more gears, better functionality, and smoother shifting. Entry-level bikes often feature simpler group sets, which are suitable for beginners.