Originally Posted by
CardiacKid
It would help to know what you are planning on using the bike for; commuting, group rides, centuries, triathlons, or just exercise.
Also, how much work are you willing to put into fixing it up. If you need to start buying tools, the cost quickly adds up. There is probably a co-op in Lincoln that will allow you to use their tools.
When you say you need a 21", I assume you are basing that on your mountain bike. You really can't compare the 2. While I ride a 21" mountain bike, I ride a 60 to 63 cm roadbike, which translates to around 24".
I plan on using the bicycle for commuting and for a "fix up project". As for the amount I am willing to put into it... quite a bit... I have nothing to do in my apartment other than sit around and wait to go to work. I have a large tool collection that my father left me when my parents got divorced so I am good in that department.
As for fitting, I read the fitting manuals that were sent to me on this thread and I used my friend's dad's road bike which is a 21" and found out it was too small, so I would assume that a 23" - 24" would be ideal.