Hello,
Have become obsessed with buying my first road bike, and am finding myself spending hours on ebay and in review forums, wading through conflicting advice and sizing confusion. Have narrowed it down to a few options (I think!) but would be grateful for any advice...
I am only 5'3" with an inside leg of 28" (if I'm measuring right), so being a shortie is going to be a factor. Also I have only ridden a road bike for five minutes at Decathlon, so I don't know how it's supposed to feel. I haven't been properly sized yet, two shops have given me advice that conflicted with what I read online. Dont know if I need a 48, 49 or 51, but know it may depend on brand. Argh!
What do people think about these options:
Second hand Raleigh Airlite 100 (2009 model, but never been ridden) £220, 48cm/19".
Brand new Raleigh Airlite 100, 2011 model, £369, 48cm/51cm.
Second hand Specialized Dolce women's specific 51cm (not sure if Sport or Elite), history unknown, £220, if I can ever get the guy to answer his phone, may no longer be available.
Second hand Giant TCR W (women's specific), Small, 2007 (so quite old? Been ridden a fair bit I think) £250.
Comments, advice, other suggestions all appreciated!
Megan
Have become obsessed with buying my first road bike, and am finding myself spending hours on ebay and in review forums, wading through conflicting advice and sizing confusion. Have narrowed it down to a few options (I think!) but would be grateful for any advice...
I am only 5'3" with an inside leg of 28" (if I'm measuring right), so being a shortie is going to be a factor. Also I have only ridden a road bike for five minutes at Decathlon, so I don't know how it's supposed to feel. I haven't been properly sized yet, two shops have given me advice that conflicted with what I read online. Dont know if I need a 48, 49 or 51, but know it may depend on brand. Argh!
What do people think about these options:
Second hand Raleigh Airlite 100 (2009 model, but never been ridden) £220, 48cm/19".
Brand new Raleigh Airlite 100, 2011 model, £369, 48cm/51cm.
Second hand Specialized Dolce women's specific 51cm (not sure if Sport or Elite), history unknown, £220, if I can ever get the guy to answer his phone, may no longer be available.
Second hand Giant TCR W (women's specific), Small, 2007 (so quite old? Been ridden a fair bit I think) £250.
Comments, advice, other suggestions all appreciated!
Megan