Recommend a road bike
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reanimation
Retrobike Rider
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Nah it shouldn't be. I just looked for relaxed angles similar to classic MTB and tough steel frames and I like where it took me, I've still got a flat bar remember! 
I got a good deal new online but try one at a good big or Indy shop. Or second hand buy try sell, only post to lose.
Got some Fleegle bars today debating what to put them on!
May try shallow drops on the Raleigh but seems I have a lot to learn! :shock:
Nice bike Neil no comment on set up I have all this to come, I guess you just get comfy and confident at the handles.
I got a good deal new online but try one at a good big or Indy shop. Or second hand buy try sell, only post to lose.
Got some Fleegle bars today debating what to put them on!
May try shallow drops on the Raleigh but seems I have a lot to learn!
:shock: Nice bike Neil no comment on set up I have all this to come, I guess you just get comfy and confident at the handles.
Sorry to cause confusion apache. The point I set out to make was 'don't do as I did', as I have ended up with a great riding bike, but not one I would wish to commute on.
What I have learned is that 'race geometry' means twitchy, fast steering and hard on your backside, so look for the phrases 'more relaxed' and 'sportive'.
One thing to remember is that frame sizing mtb to road is different. I was lucky as my son is the same height and build as me, and he had a Bike Science fit done some time ago, so I knew that a bike that suited him would not be a million miles away. It's worth a trip to a good shop, preferably one that specialises in road bikes, to get an idea of your ideal size. After that, the bay is your friend (caveat emptor), or do what I did, and look in the roadbike for sale section.
As for bars and angles... it's all Greek to me too. The Raleigh was set up with a tape measure, and I really had not realised that the hoods / levers were pulled up that far. I have now rotated the bars forward so that the hoods are more level.
When I started riding the Raleigh, riding on the tops of the bars was comfy, and the hoods were a little bit of a stretch. Now, the hoods are an easy reach and I commonly have my fingers wrapped around the front, so an adjustment was just about due, even if I did not realise it
What I have learned is that 'race geometry' means twitchy, fast steering and hard on your backside, so look for the phrases 'more relaxed' and 'sportive'.
One thing to remember is that frame sizing mtb to road is different. I was lucky as my son is the same height and build as me, and he had a Bike Science fit done some time ago, so I knew that a bike that suited him would not be a million miles away. It's worth a trip to a good shop, preferably one that specialises in road bikes, to get an idea of your ideal size. After that, the bay is your friend (caveat emptor), or do what I did, and look in the roadbike for sale section.
As for bars and angles... it's all Greek to me too. The Raleigh was set up with a tape measure, and I really had not realised that the hoods / levers were pulled up that far. I have now rotated the bars forward so that the hoods are more level.
When I started riding the Raleigh, riding on the tops of the bars was comfy, and the hoods were a little bit of a stretch. Now, the hoods are an easy reach and I commonly have my fingers wrapped around the front, so an adjustment was just about due, even if I did not realise it
I'm in the process of buying an Allez Sport through the cycle to work scheme. Parking in Nottingham is now a no no due to the stupid envy, so I'm going to drive part way to Breedon and then ride the rest of the way.
I also want to get fitter and figure I can get out after work for a road ride easier than I can going somewhere good on the MTB.
I've only gone for the Allez because when I worked in a shop we sold loads as first road bikes. I really wanted a Cannondale CAAD8 Sora but they won't be in the country until the end of March.
I've even started to appreciate a good looking road bike!
I also want to get fitter and figure I can get out after work for a road ride easier than I can going somewhere good on the MTB.
I've only gone for the Allez because when I worked in a shop we sold loads as first road bikes. I really wanted a Cannondale CAAD8 Sora but they won't be in the country until the end of March.
I've even started to appreciate a good looking road bike!
Dhphat
Senior Retro Guru
I'd look at an Allez if you want a new bike. If you are looking for a used bike, I'd look for an older Cervelo Soloist or S1. I love the handling of that bike.
I also recommend find a good fitter, and having a fit done before hand so you know what you should be looking at from a geometry/ stack and reach point of view.
I also recommend find a good fitter, and having a fit done before hand so you know what you should be looking at from a geometry/ stack and reach point of view.
reanimation
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Hi I want to piggy back this thread and ask drop handle probe questions.
So my 58cm genesis day one flat bar, brilliant, nice tall head tube not too long, 115 stem flat bars, brill with bar ends up hills, I'm building this Paul milnes cx tourer alloy thing as I can't stretch to an equilibrium, it's similar size to the day one slightly longer top tube by mm's and 10mm lower BB but the head tube is short at 140mm though the forks have an uncut steerer and are long at 415mm a-c so should I plump for shallow drop bars like midges on either bike? And use an un healthy amount of spacers?! about 50mm spacers on this mock up! ! I'm not good at leaning over to race pose and touching my toes n stuff! But I do get bored of a flat bar... Got fleegles on a MTB 120 stem at present on mock up, looks a bit wrong!
Help a drop bar phobe what's worth going for?
Looked at moustaches and stuff not convinced, maybe bull horn or something or shallow tall mounted midges...
So my 58cm genesis day one flat bar, brilliant, nice tall head tube not too long, 115 stem flat bars, brill with bar ends up hills, I'm building this Paul milnes cx tourer alloy thing as I can't stretch to an equilibrium, it's similar size to the day one slightly longer top tube by mm's and 10mm lower BB but the head tube is short at 140mm though the forks have an uncut steerer and are long at 415mm a-c so should I plump for shallow drop bars like midges on either bike? And use an un healthy amount of spacers?! about 50mm spacers on this mock up! ! I'm not good at leaning over to race pose and touching my toes n stuff! But I do get bored of a flat bar... Got fleegles on a MTB 120 stem at present on mock up, looks a bit wrong!
Help a drop bar phobe what's worth going for?
Looked at moustaches and stuff not convinced, maybe bull horn or something or shallow tall mounted midges...
I've now got my Allez and am smitten. I wish I'd bought a road bike a long time ago, they are great fun. I can't get over how fast they are.
I was really worried that it was going to be twitchy because a few people said I should get a Secteur because the geometry is more relaxed. To be honest, the Allez feels pretty stable to me and that's coming from someone used to riding slack, DH orientated bikes. It's not too harsh, although I am going to add a carbon post and a different saddle to provide a bit more give out back. I've invested in some DHB shorts which it good reviews and they seem to be a god send.
I wouldn't be scared of drop bars...they're ace! Although I still use the hoods most.
I'm really looking forward to getting some miles in this year. Went for a cheeky 25 mile lunchtime ride yesterday whilst 'working from home'. I'm hooked!
I was really worried that it was going to be twitchy because a few people said I should get a Secteur because the geometry is more relaxed. To be honest, the Allez feels pretty stable to me and that's coming from someone used to riding slack, DH orientated bikes. It's not too harsh, although I am going to add a carbon post and a different saddle to provide a bit more give out back. I've invested in some DHB shorts which it good reviews and they seem to be a god send.
I wouldn't be scared of drop bars...they're ace! Although I still use the hoods most.
I'm really looking forward to getting some miles in this year. Went for a cheeky 25 mile lunchtime ride yesterday whilst 'working from home'. I'm hooked!
