How do you choose?

[LabRatt]

A starting point for frame size might be to multiply your inseam (crotch to floor - not trouser size) by .66 - in which case I'll take a stab and say that you'll be a 53 (which is the equivalent size if the bike had a horizontal top-tube).

*fetches tape measure* Roughly right, I might be a tiny man, but at least I'm in proportion!

I'll drop him an email, see how much he's prepared to move on the price. If it fits, rides well, and suits me, you think £350 would be too much? As I see it, it's what I'm probably after anyway, and decent second hand is a sensible starting point.

 

[Trickydicky]

Just to confuse you, you might find out that Alberto Contador is 5'10'' and uses a 52, and ex-world champ Paolo Bettini at 5'6'' used a 49 (both Specializeds)! You'll see that pro racers tend to use very small frames with a lot of seat-pin showing, so they can get their head down for a more aero position. Don't try and copy this, as they're more flexible than you, and their needs are different.

Yes, im 5ft 9 and i ride a 52 cm top tube with a 11 cm stem and it feels perfect for me, but mine isnt a Spec so the geometry of brand is different so u need to try before you buy.

 

[LabRatt]

I decided not to go with that one in the end - too expensive for a second hand bike and too likely to be too big for me. On looking around I do think the Tricross is probably the bike for me. It's the right kind of do anything, and in a price bracket (£750) I'm comfortable with.
Not something I need to rush into though. I'm going to get the mtb back on the road and ride it a while to get my legs back up, then see where I am. Also, there's a huge leisure ride coming up soon (the "Tour de Penge" - should I mention it in the rides forum?) which should give me the chance to look at a few others and get the opinions of the people riding them. Maybe even test one of these first hand, if I'm lucky and the owner's feeling generous.

 

[LabRatt]

Another one's come up - http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/specialized-tricross-sport/81229963

Some sequential googling and comparing the paint job tells me this is the 2007 model (I've emailed the guy to confirm, but it looks like it) but it is the "sport" variant. If we assume for now it's in good nick with haggling room, what do you think?