I am joining my bro in a half iron man... this means I need a road bike. I have never ridden one so any pointers on what to get? Thinking mid level, second hand, frame size approx 56-58 (I think)

any suggestions gratefully received.

Well first off the obvious us that it needs to fit and be comfortable. You are going to be on the bike for a while so it needs to be comfy, also make sure the seat suits you. They come in many different widths and lengths to suit and a mans seat might not be what you need.

Also you are quite tall and slim so this might no be an issue, but the handle bars come in different widths (yes even drop bars do). So makes sure they are comfortable as well. Stems can be changed and flipped to give a m ore comfortable ride as well.

See if you can ride a demo some where so you are 100% of what size you are.

cheers
lee

If you feel you are between sizes, go small. You can shift the contact points around on a road bike by swapping in a longer stem and pushing the saddle back a little, but impossible to make a frame that is too big smaller.

A quick 'wet finger in air' size check: With saddle at right height for you (heel on pedal at full extension) and in a comfortable riding position (probably hands on top of the hoods), the bars should be in line with the front axle (block it out) when looking through them. If you can take a test ride on a shop's or friends to trial sizes, it will be invaluable. Pain in lower back usually indicates saddle too high, pain in mid upper back and the bike is probably on the large size.

As for style of bike, longer headtube usually indicates more comfotable 'sportive' style bikes intended for long stints in the saddle. Difference between specialized allez and secteur are a good point of reference. The secteur will be more comfortable, but more like sailing when there's a head wind up!

As for suggestions, what is your budget...?

Lamby

having had a very wobbly test ride today i seem to be a 56, wlthogh may need a shorter stem than standard and looking at 600-800 second hand, my brother helpfully emailing highly inappropriate £3000 priced bikes! looking at giant Trc.. specialized allez elite on ebay

any other models worth a look?

Giant TCR and Allez both good shouts. Would also consider Cube Peloton, Trek 2.1 or Giant Defy. For that sort of money you probably won't get carbon (though you find find a nice Ribble), but you should be able to get decent Aluminium setup. Look for Tiagra or higher (105, ultegra) groupsets if Shimano, and don't feel you have to shy away from Campagnolo - I built up my better half's bike using Campagnolo and it was beautiful kit.

Happy hunting!

just won this at 930 am

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110977459845?ssPageNa...id=p3984.m1439.l2649

think gadget expects me to cycle it back from Cirencester though