Road Cycling - basic info

Whats going on everyone? Ive decided to get into road biking. Theres no use using my mountain bike much when all i want to do is ride on paved surfaces, besides I like racing other bikers here in NY, but I have recently learned that the real bikers in terms of speed and touring are roadies (for obvious reasons) Ill always like mountain bikes, but I feel id have more fun on a road bike. I mostly want to tour nothing to crazy about 20 miles a ride give or take in any given weekend spring/summer/fall. With that out of the way im 5'11 170 lbs 33-34 inseam what size bike is good for me? 55 56 cm?? I want to build from the ground up. I was hoping to buy a good frame build it up during the winter to be ready by spring. ofcorse a litespeed would be great but I have rent to pay! LOL! but I do want a nice frame thats worth the time and effort. It can be new or used.
I know steel isint very popular with mountain bikes but what about road bikes? Can I get a good steel frame? I know someone here in NY selling a 49cm bianchi frame from 1996. A Bianchi Campione 49cm Road frame (Steel) he says he dosent know the exact weight but its under 5 pounds. He says that the steel frame is sometimes a better ride and because its a smaller frame the weight difference between the steel and a bigger Aluminum frame is small. Is this a good frame for me. What should I be looking for in terms of frame weight and size? Would I be able to keep up with the Aluminum and Ti crowd with a good steel frame? I understand components, weight (both mine and component weight) skill and strenth play a major part as well. We wont go to much into components now I just want to finish purchasing the right frame that I can build on and enjoy for a few years, besides I have all winter to learn about components. lol Thanx for those willing to help. by the way what are good names for steel frames? What would be a "good catch" in terms of a older steel frame, basically what frame should I be looking out for in my search? Im leaning towards a bianchi.
:D

Nothing wrong with steel frames. Actually I prefer most steel frames to those of aluminum but then again, I ride a smaller frame size (48cm - 50cm) and aluminum frames under 50cm tend to ride rather harsh. However, that 49cm frame will probably be too small for you. The first thing you probably want to do is figure out what size frames will fit you before you start building one up. You're probably close in the 54cm - 56cm range. There are plenty of bike-fitting sites you may want to look at:

Here's a good link to start out at. (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm)

I am a steel fan, so i guess my vote is biased.

But good quality steel road frames are a bit more expensive than the aluminum ones..

You can get quality steel frames with either columbus or reynolds tubing for about $1000 - $1500. There are cheaper ones @ $600 - $900 though..

But if you're going steel, get a custom frame.. I'm sure it will feel better than stock frames..

Anyway, it is best if you ride a couple of bikes before you buy and just take note of the frame sizes.. Or better yet, get professionally fitted.. It's impossible to say what frame will suite you based on your height alone..

Good Luck.

Originally posted by bikeNYC
but I have recently learned that the real bikers in terms of speed and touring are roadies.........
......on fixed gear, of course.....:D

I'd say 54-55 cm would be too small for you. I'm a 34 inseam and was measured at my LBS to need a 61 cm frame. IMHO you're better getting measured up at your LBS instead of estimating.

i am 5'9'' or maybe 5'10" with a 31/32 (both of these estimates) inch inseam and use a 56cm frame.