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@Renart
Hello guys,
I am relatively new on here but have been looking for a bike for a while. I have always cycled but not seriously. I moved to London a year-or-so ago and sold my clapped out old road bike before doing so as I never envisaged using it here. After a tour of Cornwall (on hired bikes) and watching others cycle in the city, I have changed my mind and would like to buy a bike. My knowledge is limited and was directed to this site by a friend who said that the people on here are helpful and that I wouldn't get ripped off ( a big fear of mine as I approach the world of second hand bikes for almost the first time). What I am looking for is a racing/road bike that will do me for getting to and from work and general city use that I can also take out on longer tours in the country for the day and extended periods (after the success of our week in Cornwall in the summer we have decided to do the same - Brittany this time - next year).
I am a little under 6 foot - which makes me think a 58cm frame would be about right. Please correct me if I am wrong. I do not really understand the difference between the measurements of frame and top tube - any help on this would be appreciated. I want something that will work in the city and out on the road and that will take a rack for panniers (even within the city I often have a lot to carry). I would like a mix between style and practicality (that latter being the more important) and something that is value for money (I don't have a lot of that). I suppose I am looking to pay around £300 with some wiggle room.
I see lots of bikes being sold from Europe and come close to taking a risk but then hold back as I would really like to go and see the bike first and to ride it.
Any help/ direction would be appreciated or if you have a bike for sale and you you are honest with your pricing (I am assured that people on here are) then please get in touch.