Heads spinning.. Help

[russ.will]

This is why you should try for size everybody is different, when i bought my PX I tried a medium & a large,after a lot of delibaration I went large, although it was a nice ride I think I should have gone medium, I think the compact design makes them look small, I am 5ft 10" 32" inside leg and ride a 54" in most bikes, the shorter top tube length of the medium 54.7cm would have suited me more than the 57cm of the large, I am not a big fan of compact frames.

The OP said short legs and short reach, thats why I recommended medium.

You have pretty much my measurements and I went medium (54cm) with my RT-58. That said my KTM is a 57cm, but I fitted a 10mm shorter stem and they feel pretty much the same when seated. Given the OPs dimensions, Medium P-X is the way to go. It's always easier to stretch a bike than it is to make it smaller, after all.

PX pro carbon is £750 this weekend with SRAM rival can specify stem length, crank length, handlebar width

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPRIV22/planet-x-pro-carbon-sram-rival-11-road-bike

I couldn't argue with that as we both know Rival 22 is pretty damn slick. Even with Di2 in the house, I don't find myself missing it (too much!) when the RT-58 and it's mudguards are called upon. I still prefer the look over the jelly-mold Shimano, regardless of how good the Ultegra Di2 is.

On a more general note; why shouldn't the OP spend £1k on a first bike? I'd have bloody well blown that, if I'd have it at the time. I got similar comments when I asked advice on a £3k n+1 and all of the dissenters were wrong, full stop. I am in no way what-so-ever suffering what-if? syndrome.

As regards 105/Rival/11-spd, well I'd consider that worth it too. Being able to get a 32* tooth granny gear on the rear is dead handy early on and it also means you don't suffer big jumps between the other ratios. Fact is, 105/Rival (complete) is easily available on some really decent £1k bikes and if you can have it, you should, because it's just nicer to use. When I started back in the '80s, I looked in awe at 12-spd bikes, but managed fine with 10-spd (8 actually usable) but would I go back, or say that's all you need because that's all I've got? No. Knock yourself out!

That's my 2p.

Russell

* Of course, I wouldn't be seen dead using it now, etc, etc, but it bailed me out more than a few times, when I was getting back into the One True Way.

 

[steveindenmark]

I dont know if this helps but I am the same size as you and I take a 54cm frame. But you need to get on both a 54cm and 52cm bike and take it for a test ride. You will soon find out which one feels better. I am just guessing that one of those frames will fit you.

 

[Fubar]

I cannot for the life of me choose a road bike. My budget is £1k max.

First off im struggling with size, i visited my LBS and he tried me on a giant defy but even he couldnt say exactly what i am.

I have short legs, 31. Height 5,10 & 1/2( aparently im inbetween 5,10 and 5,11. and i also have short reach. Any advice on this would be helpful. I looked at a pro bike fit but its £130.

Also im getting caught up reading thousands of posts on forums who say i need this this and this so im finding myself looking at dearer and dearer bikes.

I just want a reliable bike that doesnt fall to pieces that i can go out and ride for hours for fitness initially although i am considering joining a club and doing group rides.

Does such a bike exist?

Sorry for the essay, but im stressing out because theres 1000s of options and brands and differing reviews

Look around for a LBS that includes bike fit in the price (there is one near me that does this), you can check whether they are bumping their bike prices up to cover it first! As other have said don't get hung up on your price tag, get something you feel comfy on then ride, ride, ride - you'll want another new bike in a year anyway.

Oh and after-sales service IS important, some chains can be great - but can also be patchy in the service they provide.