new bike

The opinions will start to roll in, particularly once you've laid down some criteria. You mentioned racing, which is an important one; a ballpark price range is a key consideration as well.

Do you have any idea of how much you'd like to spend? Or are you open-ended in that respect?

i have a blank cheque, i just need to go out and get the right one

Blank check, eh? Well, If you're a seasoned MTB racer and you're confident that this road bike will get some serious use as a trainer and possible racing rig, I'd suggest a solid frame spec'd with Shimano's 105 or Ultegra groups, depending on your budget.

105 is the perfect training group, in my opinion, while also being smooth, light, and reliable enough to be raced -- it's Shimano's lowest groupset that's truly race-worthy. You can find tons of great bikes sporting 105 in the $1000 USD to $1500 USD range, which amounts to about 500-700 BP, if I'm not mistaken. Not too shabby.

If you're committed enough and willing to spend a touch more, Ultegra-equipped bikes run the gamut from just over $1000 USD to in excess of $3000 USD. It's a fully race-oriented groupset, very tough and all-around a good value.

Here's a handful of solid 105 and/or Ultegra bikes from major labels in the $1000 USD to $2000 USD range.

Bianchi Giro -- a aluminum and carbon mixed frame available in either a 105 triple or double.

2004 Giant TCR Alloy -- a swoopy aluminum frame with an Ultegra drivetrain.

Felt F60 -- a carbon/aluminum mix with 105.

Trek 2100 -- a carbon/aluminum mix with a 105/Ultegra mixed drivetrain.

Fuji Roubaix Pro -- a Reynolds 853 steel frame with a 105 drivetrain.

Lemond Alpe d'Huez -- aluminum frame with a 105/Ultegra mixed drivetrain. Pre-2004 models sport a nice steel frame.

There are many many more, naturally, but have a look at those and see what might be available for closer examination in your area. Good luck!