Of course Lance could beat me and 99.999% of all riders out there.

But my intention was not to tout the latest and greatest. It was to allow the new rider to go his own path regardless of what others think of his choices. I also support the idea that current equipment is safer on the street and safer for your body.
A good fit, floating pedals, a good seat, modern brakes, bright colored clothing, helmets can all add to your comfort and safety. All are to be recommended.

A new rider needs all the help and encouragement he can get. Buying a cheap or older bike does save money, but that seldom gives the riding pleasure that is possible with better equipment. I am not saying spend thousands, I'm saying buy what you want. But newer is better in so many ways.

My 220 lbs. Tufos are self sealing, won't come of the rim if they do go flat, stick as well as anything I have used and handle cobblestone, cracks, rough pavement, all without a problem. Yes they are not as soft riding as a lower pressure tire, but they allow this old cyclist a higher cruising, climbing and descending speed than I could muster with LP tires and are safer than sew-ups and almost as light. Safety is important to me on those long high-speed descents in the Alps and Pyrenees!

If your LBS cannot provide you a fit. Try this fit calculator that you can do at home.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

If you need gear and clothes to motivate you, I'm not sure you'd last long. Carbon fiber and a $200 helmet are little solace when you're cranking up that hill with legs burning, mouth thirsting for drink, and lungs heaving.

Earlier this year I paid $550 shipped for second-hand Torelli steel frame road bike. It had a nice true wheelset (easily serviceable 32 spokes per wheel), and clean 10 spd Campagnolo Daytona components. It fits me pretty well, is maybe a little bit heavy at 22 lbs, but I'm having fun and want to ride. Before this bike, I had a Ti-framed Serotta, a stupid-light carbon Giant, and stinky-light Scandium frame hooligan machine with stupid few spokes. If I had to do it over again, I'd take the second-hand Torelli and put the thousand or so bucks saved in the bank to pay for parts and clothing.

That said, I really do like nice riding gear. I'm still stuck on my old Limar helmet, but I splurged on Sidi shoes. I do prefer spending a little more on nice gloves and shorts. I can't be perfect.

I rode Observed Trials....while under sponsorship. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_trials_riding I rode both Mod and Stock.

What I was getting that, is that I see too many people get wrapped up in lighter/faster hoopla. If somebody wants a GREAT workout, with minimal frills...then fixed gear is a fun way to go. Heck, It doesn't even have to be a fixed gear setup. Just something that is comfortable and you'll actually ride. I worked at a LBS in college, and 90% of the people that bought high-end road bikes (as their first bike) either let it sit in their garage, or ended up trading it back in.

What kind of roads does the poster want to ride on? Buying a road bike really might not even be the best solution. You could buy a nice steel MTB frame, build a nice set of wheels, throw some slicks on it, and have a great "road" bike. The possibilities are endless.

As for trackstanding, and such....I think those are riding skills. Not tricks. If you want to be in control of the bike, you should be in control at 40mph, and at 1mph. I've seen a lot of road guys smash shoulders/arms/heads because they just weren't good at maneuvering, and had little grasp of fundamentals. Correlate it to trying to drive your Porsche in a race event, without knowing how to heel/toe. Fundamentals first....speed will come with time.

...Unless you are riding in the Seattle area, where you are either going up, or down. Very little level ground- None on my commute.