Question: what kind of road bike should a beginner buy?
Answer: Shimano, for example, has 5 levels of groupset: Sora - Entry level - Ideal for the beginner. Tiagra - Entry level performance - Ideal for those looking for a higher-end shift feel, but without the price tag. 105 - Enthusiast performance - All the benefits of Ultegra and Dura Ace, but with a slightly higher weight.