What bike? (please help)

Hi,
New to this group and would like a little advice. After MTB'g for a good few
years I've decided to get a road bike. I basically whittled it down to three
models.

http://www.trekbike.co.uk/bikes/road...mance/2300.php

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...ervSessionIdro
ot=m8wt5p7q9p.j27003&bl=road

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/c...del-3RR1T.html

Not knowing much about road bikes I've been trying to find out the best size
frame for my build. The problem is that one shop recommends one size frame
(say 56cm), and another shop recommends 58cm (this is on the specialized
allez comp). I'm not too sure about the sizing of the other bikes I'm
interested in but I assume they'll either be 56cm or 58cm.
Has anyone ridden these three bikes, or does anyone know what they're like
compared to each other.
I think I need all the help I can get as I'm new to the road scene.
I'll be using the bike for longish rides over hilly terrain (Mid, North
Wales road loops etc.)

TIA.


--
chris

"chris" mojo.rising@ntlworlddotcom wrote in message
...

Not knowing much about road bikes I've been trying to find out the best
size
frame for my build. The problem is that one shop recommends one size frame
(say 56cm), and another shop recommends 58cm (this is on the specialized
allez comp).

Ideally you need to ride them, but definately at least sit on them. The
given measurements may vary as may the opinion of the salesperson.

Has anyone ridden these three bikes, or does anyone know what they're like
compared to each other.

I've owned a Cannondale very similar to that shown for just over a year and
so far have no complaints.
The ride can be unforgiving on certain surfaces, I don't know how it
compares to the others, but it is comfortable overall.

I think I need all the help I can get as I'm new to the road scene.
I'll be using the bike for longish rides over hilly terrain (Mid, North
Wales road loops etc.)

Yes, the triple chain ring is definately the way to go for Wales IMHO.

The bottom line may come down to what appeals to your eye as they'll all
fine bikes but rule out any you can't have a go on (hopefully not all
three).

Pete

"chris" mojo.rising@ntlworlddotcom wrote in message
...
Hi,
New to this group and would like a little advice. After MTB'g for a good
few
years I've decided to get a road bike. I basically whittled it down to
three
models.

http://www.trekbike.co.uk/bikes/road...mance/2300.php


http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...ervSessionIdro
ot=m8wt5p7q9p.j27003&bl=road

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/c...del-3RR1T.html

Not knowing much about road bikes I've been trying to find out the best
size
frame for my build. The problem is that one shop recommends one size frame
(say 56cm), and another shop recommends 58cm (this is on the specialized
allez comp). I'm not too sure about the sizing of the other bikes I'm
interested in but I assume they'll either be 56cm or 58cm.
Has anyone ridden these three bikes, or does anyone know what they're like
compared to each other.
I think I need all the help I can get as I'm new to the road scene.
I'll be using the bike for longish rides over hilly terrain (Mid, North
Wales road loops etc.)

TIA.


--
chris



Hi Chris.
If I was about to spend that much I would probably not buy a complete bike
from a large manufacturer but buy a frame & groupset. I am quite heavy so I
would go for Steel but this is personal preference. As I mentioned elsewhere
getting the correct size is essential. All the best.

Stan Cox