Decent road bike?

[Rouleur]

dubbs said:

I thought Carbon helped lessen vibration, not add to it.

Only if the component is any good. Same goes for frames - people assume that a CF frame will give a smoother ride than alu, steel or Ti when the opposite can be true if the material and the construction aren't as well thought out. I suspect that cheap CF bars won't be as nice to use as alu ones at the same price, and anyway the ones the OP had specced are only carbon on the tops...

[itsnotarace]

dubbs said:

Rouleur said:

Just noticed that you've gone for ITM carbon bars and stem - I really wouldn't if I were you, they're heavier, may pass on more vibration, and will be less crash resistant than alu alternatives like ITM 7075 ones.

I guess they exist purely for posers.

I thought Carbon helped lessen vibration, not add to it.

They're not carbon. They are alu bars/stem with a carbon cosmetic outer layer

[Rouleur]

Ah. Well, they weigh a ton so what's the point? Who rides stuff like that?

[itsnotarace]

Well they will look ok I suppose

[Gizmoish]

Roman said:

I'd buy a Moda Bolero:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/...

Much higher quality frame, fork and wheels than the Ribble Audax. Similar performance and weight to a £1k Ribble or Planet X Superlight or Moda Rubato but it comes complete with mudguards, greater tyre clearance, rack mounts and has 'sportive' rather that pure traditional 'race' geometry.

Lovely looking bike too.

Available for only £800 here!:
http://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/prod/aud_0001_...

That does look good value. I don't think I've ever seen a Moda, but I've seen good reviews of the Stretto.

[dubbs]

itsnotarace said:

They're not carbon. They are alu bars/stem with a carbon cosmetic outer layer

Ah,in that case yuk :-)

Have to say I've got a carbon stem on the Cervelo and have been thinking of replacing it for an Alu on for some time as there's just that niggle in my head about it's strength - it worries me, the thought of it going pop and the resulting damage doesn't bear thinking about - but then I suppose I should worry more about the forks or frame if I'm that concerned

[chris watton]

I was very tempted by that Moda Bolero, but in the end, I just ordered the Ribble bike and settled on this spec:

Ribble 7005 Audax / Winter Training (including guards) Campagnolo
• Ribble Winter/Audax 7005 Horiz Frame Blue 50cm (C-Top)
• CSN BlackStorm Mguard eyes Winter Forks 1 1/8" ITS
• Ribble Headset Branded Ribble 1 1/8" Hidden (ITS) 45 x 45
• Campagnolo 2012 Centaur Black/Silver 10 Spd Double Groupset
• Campagnolo Power Torque Outboard Cups Eng
• Campagnolo Centaur Black Brakes Road
• Campagnolo 10Spd Centaur UD Cassette 13-29
• Campagnolo 10Spd Centaur Chain
• Campagnolo Centaur Blk/Sil PT 10Spd Cset Compact 170 34/50
• Campagnolo Centaur Black 10Spd Double Front Gear Braze-on
• Campagnolo Centaur Black 10 Speed Rear Derailleur
• Campagnolo Pshift Ergos Centaur Alloy Blk 10 w/cbls Blk Hoods
• Campagnolo 2011 Pr Whls Khamsin Blk Clincher Blk 9/10/11 Camp
• ITM Alutech 6061 (31.8) Bars Black 40 c to c
• ITM Alutech 6061 (31.8) Stem Black 100mm
• Pro-Lite Lodi Saddle Black
• CSN Superleggera Alloy Seatpillar Black 27.2 350mm
• Prorace Nitro Rigid Tyre Black/Black 700x23mm
• Prorace Inner Tube 700x20/23 SV42mm
• ITM Cork Embossed Handlebar Tape Black
System Ex EM15 Dual Function Pedals

Because I know I am so unfit right now, I also ordered a roller trainer:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002OQJINS/ref=...

And support stand:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002K93V96/ref=...

I remember using roller trainers when in a cycle club, and forgot all about them until perusing the Ribble website - a perfect way to start training! I got the trainer from Amazon because Ribble didn't have that particular one in stock, and it's the only reasonably priced trainer with a support accessory.

Hope I've made the right choice........

[wilbo83]

Wouldnt buy any road bike without trying it out for size first, it will make a difference. I ride a Giant Defy and cant fault it, although it is a bit heavy but mine is entry level so components add to the weight.

[Justin S]

Congrats on buying a nice bike. If a Ribble is good enough as a starter bike for a certain Bradley Wiggins..................

[Jayfish]

I'm riding a 34/50 12/25 and i think i'd welcome your 29 more then i'd miss my 12 (in fact my mantra when grinding a hill is 'wish-i'd-bought-a-triple,wish-i'd-bought-a-triple'

[chris watton]

Jayfish said:

I'm riding a 34/50 12/25 and i think i'd welcome your 29 more then i'd miss my 12 (in fact my mantra when grinding a hill is 'wish-i'd-bought-a-triple,wish-i'd-bought-a-triple'

My dad is a life long cyclist, and he recommended the gear ranges, he said they'd suit the Forest of Dean roads better than what I had chosen.

I saved a few pennies by opting for the non-carbon pillar and stem, which weren't really carbon anyway, just a wrap - for an extra £16! I ordered a rear light, bottle and cage and frame pump, too. I shall probably buy some better pedals once I gain some confidence....

[Jayfish]

I'm not decrying your father's superior knowledge but just following my own experience, I rode a lot as a teen and only recently took it back up at 38, I thought i was fit as i was thin, my lungs and legs taught me otherwise... thus i'd rather have the climbing gear than the speed gear

[Gizmoish]

34x29 is - as I suggested up top - a pretty low gear and perfect for getting back into it. You can always change it later!

[Raven Flyer]

Rouleur said:

Only if the component is any good. Same goes for frames - people assume that a CF frame will give a smoother ride than alu, steel or Ti when the opposite can be true if the material and the construction aren't as well thought out. I suspect that cheap CF bars won't be as nice to use as alu ones at the same price, and anyway the ones the OP had specced are only carbon on the tops...

It's rare to read so much bks crammed into just one post.

[castex]

Looks nice. I think you'll be glad you upgraded to Centaur brifters.

[chris watton]

I will train on the rollers first, so that I don't make a panting, dribbling fool of myself in public.

Wonder how long it'll take Ribble to build it....Can't wait!

[roadman]

I have ridden Ribble for around the last 2 years. I have a Ribble Sportiv, carbon frame, campag setup - -rides like a dream, love getting on it the only thing iv changed is the saddle, which i swapped to an all carbon.

A week ago I thought my work bike needed upgrading so I went for the Winter Ribble bike, in almost the same spec as you have gone for. They have pretty good reviews and it should be ok with lugging my panniers to and from work. Hopefully ill get it soon and can give it a proper review.

I think you did that right thing with the Ribble

[Gizmoish]

chris watton said:

I will train on the rollers first, so that I don't make a panting, dribbling fool of myself in public.

Wonder how long it'll take Ribble to build it....Can't wait!

Some might say that it's better to make a panting, dribbling fool of oneself outside in the countryside, far from anywhere. The alternative being to get all Lycra'd up at home, where people who know and used to respect you live.

[Justin S]

You'll pant and dribble less on the road than stuffed in the garage getting overhot. Go for it !!!!

[Steve vRS]

It's much more fun riding in the open as well. You see the country and the differing terrain makes your training infinitely more rewarding than plugging away on rollers.

Steve