Getting into Roadies

[cybernck]

56 cm top tube sounds right for you, probably with 11 cm stem - that's pretty much the "usual" modern setup for your height.

Having said that - bike fit is MUCH more complex than that, but that's a start and a good one at that.

I'd recommend going with something modern for the first bike, as you'll enjoy it more (and thus want an even better bike, hehe).

Look at alloy framesets with something like Tiagra triple or compact groupset.

The most important future upgrade would then be a better wheelset.

I think I've summed it all up here, so I hope it helps you with your quest.

Thanks, Nikica.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Quick bike fit
http://www.ebicycles.com/article/bicycl ... alculators

More in depth bike fit.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store ... orBike.jsp

Note leg length is real length not trouser length. Read the ? And guides.

 

[twain]

all great info - thanks chaps. something to work on indeed
now just waiting for my bonus to roll in and to see what i'm left with after the mrs gets whiff of it..... hopefully enough to treat myself....

 

[legrandefromage]

Planet X bikes are good value too and have all the carbons.

 

[Woz]

The next question is size, I'm a touch under 6ft, that ribble says 52cm, is this top tube length or something else? considering the geometry and cockpit are different to mtb I'm guessing I'll need a different way to judge sizing....

Since the Kona sloping top tube found its way into modern road frame, go for top tube length - as a ball park 8 - 10 cm less than your retro MTB.