[PJ352]

I agree that we'd need more info to offer some viable options, but 1) I give PBK credit for not trying to 'make' the bike fit that you were interested in and 2) I suggest being a little more than reluctant to buy online, considering you suspect you're proportioned 'short arms'. Not knowing your reach requirements would make picking a frame size a pure guess.

One brand worth checking out might be Marin's Natural fit. It's basically a WSD based geo, but with a better marketing term. Some guys have shorter reach requirements (thus the need for shorter TT's) but don't like pink or purple bikes.

 

[PJ352]

Sorry not to respond sooner - I had some site problems.

I'm 52 yo, 5'9" with 30" inseam in bike shoes, so I've been looking at 54 cm frames. I've been riding all my life, but have been on a hybrid Giant for commuting for the past 10 years or so. Before that, I rode an Al Trek. I went on a couple of long rides this summer and realized a) how much fun long rides are and b) how much more fun they would be on a more reasonable bike. I'm pretty fit in general (jzmarathon should give you a clue as to my main sport). So while I haven't been riding road bikes lately, I do know how it's supposed to feel, and that one wasn't right.

I'm looking for a bike for 30-100 mile rides, and want this to be a bike that I keep for a while. In other words, I'm willing to commit some bucks to this, although with the mileage I expect, not too outlandishly.

Thanks

My suggestion is to visit some reputable LBS's, chat about your concerns (re: fit), intended uses, cycling experience (as you offered here) and have them suggest some brands/ models. From there they can size and fit you to the bikes and send you out on test rides, This, IME is the best way to determine your preferences in fit/ feel, ride and handling.

Regarding your comment about looking at 54cm frames, I would suggest forgetting the number written on the label affixed to frames. Snce there are no standards for measuring to determine frame sizes in the industry, brand a's 54 is brand b's 56. That given, because you don't know your sizing requirements, leave that determination to the fitter. The experienced fitters will take some measurements and/ or recognize how you're proportioned and select bikes with geo that will better accomodate them.

In your price range, you have a wealth of quality bikes to choose from. Two that come to mind that have relatively short reach are Bianchi and LOOK, but there are others.