Road Bike Advice Please
Discussion
Hello, I'm looking for a road bike for weekly training and to use while doing the occasional triathlon. I'm 6ft and ride off road regularly but need advice on on these sleek road bike stuff. I'm happy to buy second hand or new, but obviously would like to get as much as I can for my buck. Most I want to spend on the road bike is £400, do you have any recommendations?
How does this look?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I know it's over £400, but its been re-listed so I was thinking maybe they would take an offer.
I've also sat on a few bikes in store, and found frames from 55-58 okay, though on the 58 I did feel like I was reaching for the handlebars rather than them just being in the right place for me. (Could be that I'm used to mountain bike set up). Is there a method of working out the best frame size for me, or is it just a case of what feels best?
Any advice, links etc welcome. Thanks.
How does this look?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I know it's over £400, but its been re-listed so I was thinking maybe they would take an offer.
I've also sat on a few bikes in store, and found frames from 55-58 okay, though on the 58 I did feel like I was reaching for the handlebars rather than them just being in the right place for me. (Could be that I'm used to mountain bike set up). Is there a method of working out the best frame size for me, or is it just a case of what feels best?
Any advice, links etc welcome. Thanks.
As it's your first road bike, my advice would be to go to an LBS and get a bike properly fitted.
A bike which doesn't fit properly is a miserable experience, particularly because you'll be more stretched out on a road bike and you're probably going to be aiming for longer mileages.
There are methods of finding a frame size, but as everyone's different, these should be viewed as useful starting points only. The frame size tells only part of the story, stem length and angle are also crucial in achieving a good fit.
In terms of bike: have a look at the Specialized Allez range - you should be able to get some good deals on the outgoing 2008 stock.
A bike which doesn't fit properly is a miserable experience, particularly because you'll be more stretched out on a road bike and you're probably going to be aiming for longer mileages.
There are methods of finding a frame size, but as everyone's different, these should be viewed as useful starting points only. The frame size tells only part of the story, stem length and angle are also crucial in achieving a good fit.
In terms of bike: have a look at the Specialized Allez range - you should be able to get some good deals on the outgoing 2008 stock.
For £400, I'd steer clear of new bikes.
Scanning Ebay for a bike already set up with tri-bars etc. might be a better bet if you're serious about getting involved next year. Of course you can do a tri on any old boneshaker, but after a few events riding on an old shi**er, you'll be gagging for a faster bike! Ebay will be littered with nearly-new bikes purchased last spring on the back of overly ambitious Ironman dreams - go grab a bargain!
Sizewise, a 6ft rider with normal body proportions, IMO would be comfortable on a 56/57 frame but as mentioned above, get a fitting at a LBS or if you can afford it try Cyclefit in Covent Garden.
www.cyclefit.co.uk
Yes, they're expensive, but the £100 odd you spend with them could save you the all sorts of hassle, pain and wallet damage resulting from a poorly fitted bike, that hurts you to ride and never leaves the shed!
Scanning Ebay for a bike already set up with tri-bars etc. might be a better bet if you're serious about getting involved next year. Of course you can do a tri on any old boneshaker, but after a few events riding on an old shi**er, you'll be gagging for a faster bike! Ebay will be littered with nearly-new bikes purchased last spring on the back of overly ambitious Ironman dreams - go grab a bargain!
Sizewise, a 6ft rider with normal body proportions, IMO would be comfortable on a 56/57 frame but as mentioned above, get a fitting at a LBS or if you can afford it try Cyclefit in Covent Garden.
www.cyclefit.co.uk
Yes, they're expensive, but the £100 odd you spend with them could save you the all sorts of hassle, pain and wallet damage resulting from a poorly fitted bike, that hurts you to ride and never leaves the shed!
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