Any 'RIBBLE' owners out there??????
Discussion
it probably means "it's ok but nothing special".
I bought one a few years back when I also returned to cycling after years of idleness. I loved it, rode it for a few years until it broke at the chainstays and then moved on to other makers.
My personal view is that Ribble bikes are good value because my self-builds certainly cost more than their packages. They're neither the best nor the worst on the market, but pretty good at their price point. And if I'm honest, I'm not convinced that paying £2k or whatever for a bike really gives you £2k's worth of advantage or enjoyment.
I bought one a few years back when I also returned to cycling after years of idleness. I loved it, rode it for a few years until it broke at the chainstays and then moved on to other makers.
My personal view is that Ribble bikes are good value because my self-builds certainly cost more than their packages. They're neither the best nor the worst on the market, but pretty good at their price point. And if I'm honest, I'm not convinced that paying £2k or whatever for a bike really gives you £2k's worth of advantage or enjoyment.
Living not far from Ribble and being perfectly aware of the sh#t service and quality of years gone by i have to come to their defence and say that they are a world away from where they once were. I go into the shop for tyres, lubes and stuff and cannot be failed to be amazed at what they can do for the prices, especially on some of their high end stuff. Dedaccia carbon frame with Ultegra groupsets for just over 1100 notes is something else, and they ride like they cost 3-4 times the amount.
Chatting to one of the guys in the shop and it seems that they source the frames from the east from the same build line that a certain Italian manufacterer does too. The frames are also shipped to Belgium alongside the 'Italian' counterparts for painting before being sent to Ribble to be stickered up. The Italian ones are stickered up out there and distributed onwards where you then get smacked with the premium for the 'P' name and handling charges. Might sound like bullsh#t but having compared the build quality, geometry, welds and paint finish of the same scandium framed Ribbles and the Italian 'P's i'm inclined to believe them...
Chatting to one of the guys in the shop and it seems that they source the frames from the east from the same build line that a certain Italian manufacterer does too. The frames are also shipped to Belgium alongside the 'Italian' counterparts for painting before being sent to Ribble to be stickered up. The Italian ones are stickered up out there and distributed onwards where you then get smacked with the premium for the 'P' name and handling charges. Might sound like bullsh#t but having compared the build quality, geometry, welds and paint finish of the same scandium framed Ribbles and the Italian 'P's i'm inclined to believe them...
Edited by Bluerallye on Tuesday 30th December 09:50
yeah, I'd say they've come on a lot as well, their mail order has been very good over the past year. GOod prices, quick delivery but they're up against Parkers, CRC & Wiggle so maybe that's why.
I'd also believe the story about frames. I bought a Pedalforce this year and although they're a US company they made no secret of the fact their frames are made in Asia. I've forgotten the factory they used but do remember looking on t'interweb and seeing some very familiar designs on their website, and they also claimed to be manufacturing & badging for both European & US based companies.
I'd also believe the story about frames. I bought a Pedalforce this year and although they're a US company they made no secret of the fact their frames are made in Asia. I've forgotten the factory they used but do remember looking on t'interweb and seeing some very familiar designs on their website, and they also claimed to be manufacturing & badging for both European & US based companies.
trackcar said:
Good to know their customer service is better than it used to be, that's a positive note 
I know at least 5 from my cycling club who say they will never order from Dribble again......that now includes me. Just once too often they have let me down or sent the wrong thing. (maybe a bit like tescos online service, send teh nearest thing)
If its in stock then they are good as the others, but if not then anything goes.
Personally I tend to use wiggle or my LBS or even Halfords who where really really helpful to a friend recently..... no doubt others have had good service from the shop mentioned in the thread
Just my 5 dongs worth
(a dong not worth much it seems after watching Sundays top gear special)
I have a ribble. Its only a cheapish one and was my first and only racer. Had it about 5 years now, I chose a ribble as it was competitively priced and I am local to them. Ive always found the guys in the shop helpful, and the order online, collect at the warehouse service works really well. Quite a few of my cycling buddies ride ribbles and no one has had any problems with the bikes or customer services.
thegavster said:
I have a Ribble from about 17 years ago, it was my first 'proper' road bike, nicked my Dad's old Campag Record hubs, MA40 rims, then a combo of shimano bits and pieces elsewhere. Still got it as a hack bike as it's being replaced by a new Spesh tomorrow 
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