what would be a good first bi-plane to start with

thanks,

What kind of flying are you looking to do with it?
For a sedate, putt-putt around the sky bipe, look at perhaps a Kyosho or Gee Bee Tiger Moth, Concept Models Fleet, or a Jenny. There are several ARF versions of the TM around. Jenny will most likely be a kit only. For military types, most anyone's version of the WWI SE-5A is pretty easy to fly, and is easier to get to balance correctly without a lot of noseweight.
For a tear up the sky type bipe, it's going to be hard to beat the Goldberg Ultimate. It's a builder's kit, but it's not too bad to build. It flies beautifully, and with modest power, is easy to handle. There is also the Aeromaster bipe, or one of the Stearman kits/ARFs.
Of course, there is always the electric parkflyer type stuff, like the GWS series Tiger Moth. Dead easy to fly, and very inexpensive.

Hope this helps.

Rick

Speaking only from other's reports: I hear the Sig Hog is a great flying bipe, from docile to extreme, depending on what you like. I have yet to build or fly a bipe, but can't wait to do so! I have a Midwest Super Stearman on the shelf that I have lined up to complete. Unfortunately, I have more projects than I have time! I like flying the GP Ultimate on Realflite simulator, and have also heard the Goldberg Ultimate is a great flyer as well, but it sounds like the Hog is a little easier for a first bipe. No doubt there is an attraction to having two wings!

The Sig Hog is definately worth looking into