Buying a Road Bike: A Beginner's Guide to Timing & Options

Question
I am a first time buyer and was looking at a beginner bike such as a Trek 2100, or a Giant OCR.  When is the best time of year to buy a bike? (Sales or clearances) Being a first time buyer and beginner biker should I buy new or used?  I want a good bike for getting to and from work but also, after some experience I want to climb the canyons around my home.  I dont have much money and cant go over $1000. Any recamendations?

Answer
Hello Adam,

It is difficult to say when exactly to buy a bike, because I don't know where you from. I have in my mind the USA!?
Normally overhere in the Netherlands you can buy a nice bike around the summertime when the new mid-season models are coming. Further it is hard to say why to buy a new one or a used one (the last is handy when you know exactly where to look at a bike).
Also one reason, can you find good used bike's overthere?
The bike has to fit right, that is the most important thing.
For a 1000$ you can really find a very nice used bike, or a bike which you already has named. I should consider as well a Specialized or Merida. Then you'll have to most important bikebuilders on a row.
When you want other information, I'll hope to hear from you.
PS Find a good local bike store, or find a cycleclub where they maybe can advice you where to buy your new bike?!