Turning to the darkside (need some advice)

captainchucky

I'm about to take the plunge and buy a road bike.

I've alot of experiance in mtb, none in road bikes.

I aim to use the bike for general fitness, initially rides from 10-40 miles long, with the possibility of doing some 10 mile time trials / races next year.

Some of the roads near me have quite a rough surface - am i right in thinking a carbon fibre frame will be smoother than an aluminium one?

I weight about 57kg, and am 169cm - at frame size roughly should i be after (a small? around 52cm?)

I've been looking at the scott CR1 team, and the cannondale six carbon 105. (Both from evans as they have finance - it will mean me waiting to end of next month to have cash to buy from other places).

I will probably spend in the region of £1000-£13000 but, less if more is not needed.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/six-carbon-105-compact-2009-road-bike-ec016602

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/cr1-team-20-speed-2009-road-bike--ec016335

Has anyone any advice on these bikes? Or indeed other bikes which may suit a new roadie?[/url]

aracer

captainchucky wrote:

I'm about to take the plunge and buy a road bike.

I thought you said you were turning to the darkside, but you appear to have seen the light. :?

bompington

Let me know what kind of bike you find at the upper (£13,000) end of your range

skyd0g

Yes, generally a carbon frame will be more compliant than an aluminium frame.
A small sounds about right for you (depending on the individual manufacturers method of measurement and whether or not it's a compact frame).

Have you considered any of the Planet X range? The SL Pro Carbon gets good reviews on the threads here and appears to be better specced than the Cannondale & Scott.

You could get an Ultegra build Planet x for your budget! http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/SL_Pro_Carbon_Ultegra_Light.html