Ok, thanks for that. I'm 48 and not particularly fit but I do want to ride in competitions. I have no doubt I will fall off a few times and have lots to learn. I have not tried any bikes and any knowledge I have is based on what I have read and people I have spoke to. I'm not sure where to try a few different bikes so am trying to gather any info I can, that way hopefully I will make the right choice. I want to get a cheaper bike at first so it will probably be a older one.