Ribble Azzurro or Pro Carbon??
Discussion
Hi
Cycle to work scheme dilemma. I was just about set on a Planet X Pro Carbon (over a Giant Defy Composite 3) when i've just seen the new Ribble Sportive Azzurro (also full carbon). Ribble are doing a deal with a full 105 groupset for £999. Seems a good deal.
The Planet X obviously has the ultegra shifters and mech but varying reports over the stiffness of the frame (however not from anyone who has owned one!)
I honestly don't push my bikes too hard and am more of a weekend leg stretcher than a racer
Which would you go for?
Cycle to work scheme dilemma. I was just about set on a Planet X Pro Carbon (over a Giant Defy Composite 3) when i've just seen the new Ribble Sportive Azzurro (also full carbon). Ribble are doing a deal with a full 105 groupset for £999. Seems a good deal.
The Planet X obviously has the ultegra shifters and mech but varying reports over the stiffness of the frame (however not from anyone who has owned one!)
I honestly don't push my bikes too hard and am more of a weekend leg stretcher than a racer
Which would you go for?
Judged on looks alone, I'd go for the Ribble.
Then I'd be torn between the two. Carbon/Ultegra for a grand? The Planet X starts to look like really good value. As always, the devil is in the detail, and you need to dig into the detailed specifications to see where both manufacturers have 'built down' and saved money to get below that magic C2W price limit.
Then I'd be torn between the two. Carbon/Ultegra for a grand? The Planet X starts to look like really good value. As always, the devil is in the detail, and you need to dig into the detailed specifications to see where both manufacturers have 'built down' and saved money to get below that magic C2W price limit.
Dan_1981 said:
Exactly the same dilemma here.
I was also considering the Grand Fondo from Ribble as I think it's prettier (that how you choose a bike, right?)
The best way to choose between models/brands is to try them, ride them and see which one fits best. If more than one fits/suits you and your riding style, then I would put looks above specification. I was also considering the Grand Fondo from Ribble as I think it's prettier (that how you choose a bike, right?)
If your bike looks good, you'll feel good when you are out on it, which will make you more inclined to get it out of the garage in the first place. A frame that fits, and looks good, with low-spec components can, over time, be upgraded into a frame that fits and looks good with high end components. A drab frame with poor fit and mediocre ride quality will always be just that, even if you sling a load of DuraAce Di2 kit and Zipp wheels at it.
Be aware, with Ribble, that if you don't necessarily have to go with C2W limits, then you can forget those 'fixed price' specification deals, and go absolutely mental with the kit you choose to put on whatever frame takes your fancy.
The Planet X doesn't have Ultegra brakes, which is a bit of let down. You can get a set for £80 or so. They are a worthwhile upgrade.
On looks alone, I'd personally go for the Planet X. As a brand, I also think they a a bit cooler than Ribble. I know its a daft observation, but its just my opinion
On looks alone, I'd personally go for the Planet X. As a brand, I also think they a a bit cooler than Ribble. I know its a daft observation, but its just my opinion

Thanks for the input, very helpful.
Not so easy to do a back to back comparison of of these in the flesh being based in the South but I did make a trip to PX a few months back for a look. The pro carbon seemed a decent bit of kit and very light.
Has anyone got a pro carbon and had issues with the Frame??
Not so easy to do a back to back comparison of of these in the flesh being based in the South but I did make a trip to PX a few months back for a look. The pro carbon seemed a decent bit of kit and very light.
Has anyone got a pro carbon and had issues with the Frame??
I also have a pro carbon. No issues here.
Mine's a bit of an odd spec though. I managed to grab a bargain one which seems to have a mixture of SRAM Force/Rival components but FSA wheels (whether or not that's good)
I love it however, very light and loves to climb and looks pretty damn sexy
Mine's a bit of an odd spec though. I managed to grab a bargain one which seems to have a mixture of SRAM Force/Rival components but FSA wheels (whether or not that's good)
I love it however, very light and loves to climb and looks pretty damn sexy
thetrash said:
I'd avoid Ribble purely because of their s
te customer service. A friend has a Stealth and bent the mech hanger, ribble don't make them anymore. Their advice was take it to mechhanger.com, the bike is only two years old. There's a reason they are cheap.
Planet X has a s
te customer service. A friend has a Stealth and bent the mech hanger, ribble don't make them anymore. Their advice was take it to mechhanger.com, the bike is only two years old. There's a reason they are cheap.
te reputation for customer service as well. My experience with them wasn't great. However their product is good, so just run with it 
bakerstreet said:
Planet X has a s
te reputation for customer service as well. My experience with them wasn't great. However their product is good, so just run with it 
He is having to run! And strip his bike down and post the frame to the mech hanger people so they can make a bespoke one up. I might have mentioned he shouldn't have brought a bike from a back yard enterprise once or twice!
te reputation for customer service as well. My experience with them wasn't great. However their product is good, so just run with it 
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



