Hi this is my 1st post so let me introduce myself. Im John and I live in NW Eng Uk. I am 19 and have ridden bikes as long as I can remember (my mum says the stablizers came of my 1st bike when I was 3).

I have always had mountain bikes of various types, my current one being a claud butler cape wrath which was recomended to me by several people and I must admit has a feel of quality to it. However it has became apparent to me when on long bike rides that I need a road bike. Me and my bro inlaw where on a big ride apsolutley knackered and we got passed by many older guys breezing past on road bikes. Sooo.....

What should I get? I dont want a new bike as id rather get something second hand thats been looked after for lees cash. I dont want anything real fancy. Iv looked on ebay uk and found lots of realy cheap racers that look pretty old but well built compared to what you get for the same price new today. Is it best to stear clear of these sort of bikes and go for something newer with more mod cons and stuff? What should I look out for and what sort of things are most necessary on a road bike? Will I feel a massive difference in speed even from an older road/race bike?

Any ideas or advise would be greatly appreciated. Hope to got some good tips from you lot ;-)

Cheers, John