Hey from Midlands

[annettcurtain]

Hello!

Thought I'd join after a week or so of browsing! Looking to get a racing bike and are somewhat bermildered by choice.

I've been looking to start with an entry level bike such as the Carrera Virtuoso, but some people say a Medium frame and others a Large. I've heard it uses a compact frame rather than a standard so this exaggerates the top length? Tried both at Halfords but as you can't get outside it seems a little unhelpful.

Roughly the inner leg is 32 inches, and height is around 5'11".

Any feedback is much appreciated or recommendations as to other bikes.

Cheers

 

[totallyfixed]

Welcome! At 5'11" you are very much on the cusp between medium and large but the vital measurement is the top tube length. Compacts to the uninitiated are misleading on road bikes [not racing bikes as you call them ] and you have to measure along a virtual horizontal line. At a guess I would estimate you would probably be looking at something size wise between a 56 and 58cm frame, I am almost 6'4" and ride 60cm bikes but whatever you do don't get a size too big. Another piece of advice is don't always trust in a bike shop to sell you the correct size, the best thing you can do is to take someone experienced along with you. Good luck.

 

[annettcurtain]

Hello. Thanks for the reply. When you say 56 is that along the tube from the seat post to the bars? Would it be better to go for a medium and have a higher seat but lower bars, or vice versa?

Any other bikes of similar type worth looking at?

Thanks for the help

 

[totallyfixed]

Hello. Thanks for the reply. When you say 56 is that along the tube from the seat post to the bars? Would it be better to go for a medium and have a higher seat but lower bars, or vice versa?

Any other bikes of similar type worth looking at?

Thanks for the help

Buying a road bike is not a simple affair and will depend on experience, age, flexibility, what the bike will be used for. The last point is important plus if you are not sure if this is going to be a long term thing then it's not worth spending too much, maybe second hand where you can get more for your money.
Regarding bike set up, again this will partly be determined by what you intend to use the bike for and your age and athleticism. One thing is for sure, bike fit is crucial. I am not going to recommend bikes as they are changing all the time, but on this forum everyone has favourites. I have bikes made from Titanium, Steel, Carbon and Aluminium and I rate them all so don't get too hung up on frame material.
I would still advocate taking someone with you who knows their onions, should be someone on here who lives close enough to help, where are you [roughly]?
Here is a link that helps a bit with understanding sizing:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/bikesizeguide