My first bike

Happy New year and all that.

The Bike is ordered, due in about 4 to 5 weeks. Then I'll hit the road.

Deciding on which bike was an education in itself. You'll see there is so much info online, and so many various opinions. Though after a while, you hone in and realise you've read all the reviews there are to read and there's nothing else out there bar random opinions on blog forums. So I read all there was to read and took the plunge. Bear in mind I'm a novice and have yet to ride in anger.

But here's what I learned and what I bought.

Two things seem key - the frame and the fit. Far more important than make, model, kit spec etc. Get those two right and you'll have a bike that fits your body and is efficient and comfortable, rather than one you are contorting into. Frame size is also very contingent on brand. You might not be a 54" on a Trek compared to a Bianchi for example.

Because of all that I ended up going for a Condor. This brand has a shop in London that sits you on a rig, and sizes you properly. The staff then recommend the correct sizing, and you order a bespoke bike to fit you. I went for a Moda. See here: http://www.condorcycles.com/moda.html

I spent far too much cash. Mainly cos I just really liked it, and if I'm going to do this thing, I want to do it properly. The Moda is a titanium bike, which means the frame is essentially a bike for life. More on bike details to come...

Now to arrange that docs certificate to ensure I can take on the Pyrenees