Road Bike Purchasing

[zazwaldo]

Hi all,

Looking to buy a road bike to supplement my Kona 4 Supreme and Giant FCR Composite Hybrid. Cycling 20 miles every other day and now nights are drawing out looking to step up my miles and cycle to work, saving my MTB for weekend jollys.

Visited a local store today and test rode 1 or 2 road bikes, 1st time I've ridden one for many years and it felt really weird to say the least. Narrow bars, Shimano Flight Deck, Extreme Riding Position. I'm just curious how do I know if the bike fits/suits me when the riding position deviates so much from what I'm accustomed to. Felt not too bad when holding onto the brake levers a la bar ends albeit really twitchy (I guess due to the narrow bars and tighter head angle). I'm 5' 10" and tried a 54cm frame same as my hybrid fits great leg wise but not sure how much I should be stretching forward in each of the 3 possible hand positions?

I'm enjoying doing the road miles more than I thought I would hence the compulsion to buy a road bike. Looking for some tips regards changing from MTB to road and back again. How long will it take me to become accustomed to the new riding position for example, will it become instinctive like the sit up, arms wide MTB style of riding?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[oddman]

If you're used to doing good mileage on an MTB you should adapt to a road bike well.

It's reasonable to assume that 54cm (assuming conventional geo) will be a good size if you're 5'10" and a hybrid of that size fits you. The right size frame will just feel 'right'.

Once you get over 20 miles you might notice a bit of back pain or other discomfort - chances are you'll just be adapting - you naturally move around on a mountain bike - on a road bike you have to make a decision to move about ont he bike.

Good luck

T

[anonymous-user]

i was in the same position, life time mtber then found a compulsion to ride road bikes and now want to go racing, careful, its a slippery slope!

i'm about the same size (a gnats whisker under 6 foot) and can feel a little cramped on a 55.5cm frame so its all subjective really. some frames to tend to be on the smaller side as a result of a more aggressive racing style geometry. i found bianchi very uncomfortable and couldnt get comfy on a trex either. sat on a cannondale and loved it (but couldnt afford it!). ended up with a boardman, a good comfy ride and good value for money too

riding on the hoods was a new experience for me too, felt very strange not having brakes on the horizontal either. still only took a few miles to get used to it. i ride on the hoods 100% of the time now so make sure you are comfy in that position. you will be surprised how much of a difference the seat position makes too so if you sit on a bike and its not quite "there" in terms of comfort, try moving the saddle forwards/backwards a bit. take the time to get the right fit though its a lot of work it is worth it. enjoy!

[arryb]

I'm 5'9" and ride a 56" roadie (Trek 1500). It's all down to feel, my seat is set quite far forward so the bike is probably a little on the big side but I haven't had any issues so far.......

Like others have said - try them out - also go on the advice of someone who knows what they're talking about in terms of road bike sizes but they won't be able to tell you how it feels for you to ride, most of the things you mentioned (narrow bars, holding onto the hoods) is generic with all road bikes so it's bound to feel slightly wierd to start with.

[edwardsje]

arryb said:

I'm 5'9" and ride a 56" roadie

That's a helluva big bike - respect!