Road bike for training and touring

ElShalimo
ElShalimo Posts: 5
edited June 2010 in Road beginners
I've been riding a hardtail MTB for years and now I'm looking to buy a road bike. It's mainly going to be used to get fitter but also for some cycle-touring as well. It needs to be robust as here in West Yorkshire the roads are an unholy disgrace and it needs to be able to fit a rack and muguards.
My mate says get a beefy audax bike but I thought a dedicated touring bike would be good.
I don't know where to start. Any advice would be great. I don't even know what size to get. I'm 6'1" with 33" inside leg and long goriilla arms. I ride a 20" MTB.
My budget is low, say £500-600
thanks

Comments

  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    The Claud Butler Dalesman at this discounted price is probably the best value for money tourer you will find.

    I have a steel audax bike but the rear end is too flexy for heavy touring loads.
  • Jaydoubleyou
    Jaydoubleyou Posts: 41
    I am another newcomer to road bikes and have little experience other than on my new bike.
    I have a Specialized Sectuer (for a couple of months) which is supposedly a more 'touring orientated' version of the Allez. I paid £520 for it at Evans including £80 worth of accessories. I don't know if they are doing the same offer but it is worth asking.
    I love it, and as a road noobie it suits my needs. I am around the same height as you and I got a 58" frame which fits me perfectly. It is really comfy to ride for the couple of hours I tend to be in the saddle for.
    I live on the borders of North Lancs/Cumbria/North Yorkshire and find the extra chainring at the front can come in handy now and again, due to our overabundance of big hills!
    Even if you don't need the little chainring , it is nice to know it is there.

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