Road Cycling - New to road biking: Questions about a bike

Hey,
I was wondering what you guys thought about the lemond tourmelet? I was taking a look at it the LBS and i like the frame a lot and the fit. i figure i'll upgrade as i get more money.

http://www.lemondbikes.com/2003/bikes/bikes_tourmalet.html

thanks

They're a great bike, I rode one for a while before getting my Klein. If you are looking for an all around reacreational bike however, I have found that you get the most for your money when you buy a Trek. But it is ultimatly up to you.

I've got a Zurich and LOVE it. I haven't been on aluminum so I can't compare. From what I have heard the ride is smoother on steel.

PeterG,

I got into road biking for the first time this last summer when I purchased a Lemond Nevada City. It's a bit lower on the ladder than what you are considering, but I am happy with the quality of the brand overall so far. I'm sure some of the more experience road bikers here have some suggestions about other bikes also. As long as you like the fit and no-one here has anything bad to say about, I don't think you could go wrong.
-Moab

Originally posted by PeterG1185
Hey,
I was wondering what you guys thought about the lemond tourmelet? I was taking a look at it the LBS and i like the frame a lot and the fit. i figure i'll upgrade as i get more money.

http://www.lemondbikes.com/2003/bikes/bikes_tourmalet.html

thanks It's a good enough frame,worth upgrading,but it's a waste of money before stuff wears out.

ok thanks for the advice, but how do i know when it's sized right b/c coming from a mountainbike everything is going to feel stretched out for me but how do i know if i'm fit to the bike correctly?

Originally posted by PeterG1185
ok thanks for the advice, but how do i know when it's sized right b/c coming from a mountainbike everything is going to feel stretched out for me but how do i know if i'm fit to the bike correctly? You find a good shop(that can be the hard part) that can fit you.Do a serotta size cycle fit.Go to www.coloradocyclist.com or www.anvilbikes.com and go through their their fit guidelines,keeping in mind it isn't absolute but should get you in the ball park.

MTB riding positions are not neccessarily upright. A cross country raciner may have the bars 6" lower than the saddle, equivelent to the drops of a road rider.
How upright you ride is a personal matter, you dont have to ride a road bike with a horizontal back. Many non-competative or long distance endurance riders use a more comfortable touring position.
Colorado Cyclist tends to emphasise racing efficiency. A more general purpose treatment of bike fit can be found at peterwhitecycles.com