It's never a bad idea to start out with a well cared for used bike as you can usually get more bang for your buck. But if you can't find a suitable one, Young Talent (Who now sponsor Mads and Andreau Laconaguy), have some nicely specked bikes at crazy low prices.
http://www.pearcecycles.co.uk/product/1259: Bargin Price, mint bike, i should know. It was mine!