Build based round a visp frame - sizing questions and parts advice?

Hi all,

First off, you'll need to excuse any lack of coherence in this post - I think I'm coming down with man-flu... that or still suffering from the weekend ;)

I currently have two bikes, one a Ridgeback hybrid and a fixed gear that is built round an old Raleigh pioneer (hybrid) frame. The tube size for the Ridgeback is 19" center to center and the Raleigh about 20". Both have 700x32 wheels/tyres on them.

Both bikes feel about the right size, though the Raleigh possibly a bit short on the top tube (I've got a feeling that when I replace the handlebar stem it'll make it about the right length).

I'm about 5'10" or there abouts and have a bloody long back.

I currently use both bikes for my very short commute though I've taken the Ridgeback on a few longer rides - longest being about 30mi round.

On one of the longer rides, it was uphill pretty much all the way and in to a headwind - I felt my hands naturally trying to get into a position that I'd want tri-bars for when the winds were at their strongest and the hills at their steepest.

So enough about the back story, here's what I'd like to build:

I'm looking for a fixed gear bike that I can do some fairly serious mileage on. I'm based in particularly windy part of Scotland and there's also a fair few hills.

Ideally I'm planning to cycle from Edinburgh to Dundee on this bike.

My thoughts for this bike was to build it around a VISP (ebay) frame with triathlon bars on it and something around 700x23 for the shoes.

My childhood was spent on crap mountain bikes and I've only had the two hybrid based bikes for a couple of months now, so I'm no expert on what I should expect from a road bike or anything for distance cycling - so feel free to correct me if my choice of frame or bars is totally inappropriate :]

I've heard that the VISP frames run a little small and I'm thinking that maybe a 57cm frame would be the right size, but I'm not sure, can any of you lot help?

Also, if anyone would like to suggest alternative frames/bars or an entirely different setup, I'd be willing to at least listen ;-)

Also, I know VISP frames aren't the lightest, but I'm not overly concerned about the weight of the whole build as I really don't think in the end of the day it'll make /that/ much difference (perhaps I'm wrong?)

I have a frame still for sale if you want something a little better than a visp:
http://www.lfgss.com/thread46154.html

My Visp build: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rinlso/sets/72157624824132832/
Strong frame and ...cheap.

Humm, I'll think about it... might be a bit small though? And being in hilly Scotland (and new to fixed riding!) I'd prefer it drilled for a front break :)

I'm in no mad rush to build this (the trip I'm planning is for next May!) so I'm currently fact finding!

My Visp build: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rinlso/sets/72157624824132832/
Strong frame and ...cheap.

That's really similar to what I'm looking to build! How is it over long distances? (Bit worried about my back, long back = prone to pain/twinges!)

I am using this bike everyday: home job distance 7.39km no pain yet
Morning job trip chart using this bike: http://www.portocalamecanica.ro/wp-content/Picture-3.png (heavy morning traffic)

Thanks akadark - any ideas/tips on the sizing?

btw: The trip I'm looking do looks a little like this: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Dundee&daddr=Edinburgh,+City+of+Edinburgh,+UK&hl=en&geocode=FXSIXQMd0bXS_ynTnGOrREGGSDEq5Us4HjvklA%3BFWC7VQMdsFzP_ykjJpilALiHSDEnF-d8exTyZA&mra=ltm&dirflg=w&sll=56.20706,-3.36588&sspn=1.0556,1.496887&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=9 (though probably a /slightly/ different route) :]

The sizes are fair done: 56 is 56 ( in my case). Make sure to have your size confirmation when you buy.

A long trip there :)

Ok, so I guess I'm looking for somewhere between 55-57.

Yeah the trip is long, wanting to build the bike early and get a good whack of training/miles under my belt before I do it. 'Tis for a proposed charity ride with a friend :)

If you don't know what size frame to buy, try some out before spending your cash. Especially if you think you have abnormal proportions.

mattty, yeah was going to do that =]

The two bikes (both hybrid frames) I have are 19" and 20" center to center (and both are comfortable and line up with any sizing charts/calculators I use), but I'm not sure how much this helps me much with a different frame geometry

Mind if I ask why you want to use a track bike with tri bars for an 85 mile hilly ride?
I'd recommend getting a road bike.

Well, that's why I'm asking for advice ;] I just like the looks of the VISP frame.

I've found when riding with drops though, I just don't enjoy it (admittedly I've not spent much time with them) - I want the tri-bars as I find when dealing with hills and winds my hands and body naturally wants to move into the positions that tri-bars provide.

And back to the ride... I really want to push myself on it... I don't want it to be easy but still want it to be as comfortable as possible (i.e. legs and lungs feeling like they are going to explode = fine, back pain from being in the wrong position = not fine)

You want to use tri bars when climbing hills? Really?

THINKING about it, it seems strange, but honestly, when climbing hills (especially when fatigue starts to hit in) I find the most comfortable position to be over the top of the handle bars right where clip-on tri-bars would be.

I'm not talking about massive steep inclines here though, talking about straight steady gradients.

But... I could well be mistaken, it's just what FEELS right to me - I don't claim to be overly experienced or an expert... just a nutter ;)