You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I'm finding myself doing the majority of my riding on road these days mainly due to my 25-40 round trip commute. I'm in need of replacing a snapped hybrid so I think a first road bike may be the way to go.
I don't want to spend too much given my tendency to break things and I am tempted by either this [url= http://www.merlincycles.com/ridley-brontes-road-bike-61370.html ]Ridley[/url] or Ribble's [url= http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-evo-pro-carbon-summer-special-edition?part=SE14RIBEVOPROSUMMER&sub=conf_SERW ]Evo Pro Deal[/url].
The Ridley works out £115 cheaper after postage and I quite fancy the 105 shifters. However the Ribble is full carbon though some reviews suggest alu is the way to go at this price. Has anyone tried either or can push me in the right direction.
Thanks all!
My advice: buy it from a shop not online; you need to build up a relationship with a proper shop. Most shops will give you 10% discount, some even more.
Sorry I haven't tried either but I have done the whole, 'born again roadie' thing recently and am already on my second and third bikes having done what you are planning to do.
At this price, I honestly think steel is a better choice especially if you are going to commute on it.
Alloy frames will be stiffer and lighter but they will be considerably less comfortable. If you are going to commute that kind of distance, you should also seriously consider fitting mudguards. I know they are deeply unfashionable and not 'pro' but they do make a big difference to how soggy your arse gets.
The Ribble looks good value - they always were. You might get many years of service from it, or it might give up the ghost after four or five. The Ribble will alsmot certainly crack at some point, but probably long after you've stopped caring about it.
So my recommendation would be to look at something like the Genesis Equilibrium range. It will be heavier by about kilo, but it will be more comfortable and longer lasting than either of the two bikes you're looking at. It will also take mudguards.
I started out with the Equilibrium 10 then sold that and bought a Condor Moda (ti frame) and then got so frustrated with commuting in the wet (my round trip is 100km but I only do it a few times a week) that I bought another Equilibrium to run as a winter/training/commuter bike.
My advice if you know what you want buy online. Rose, canyon, dolan, ribble are all fanastic value. It is hard to buy a bad bike these days...just one that doesnt fit
Thanks all for the advice, I'm in Denmark and the savings are so large compared to bike shops that it's very hard to resist. I will have a look for something local though.
I'll look into any steel options, I hadn't thought of it but I can see the merit in that.
Pauls cycles usually has good deals on last season bikes – http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/
or Ash cycles for previous season’s Giants - http://www.ashcycles.com/
Don't forget Planet X, just don't ask Hora about the best size to get 😀
Thanks all, I decided to go for the Merlin, £635 sent out here seems too good to turn down, forgot to do cashback though, whoops.
Ribble 'Audax' or 531 frame build with tiagra? Would be my suggestion for a reasonable commuter road bike, it will take guards and won't break the bank.
Full carbon 'sportive' type bikes will be lighter but may not stand up to regular commuter miles.
That or head to decathlon and get yourself a triban 3 (if they still have them)...