Anyone riding a Ribble carbon? would you recommend?

[Dave7]

On price & spec' Ribble seem to offer good(ish) value but are their carbon frames any good?
For good I mean responsive/shock absorbant etc. (style & colour is down to personal taste)
I have read the reviews they post on their web-site and they look good but then again they aren't going to post any bad reviews.

 

[Kestevan]

I've been quite tempted by a Ribble carbon in the past, all the press reviews speak quite highly of them, and the prices do look very enticing.

However based on recent personal experience of Ribbles "Customer Service", I've now decided that the only way I'd source a bike from them is if the alternative was to have dirty needles jabbed repeatedly into my eyes.

 

[Alun]

I have bought 2 bikes from Ribble, and loads of other stuff. I've had no problems, but I used to go there rather than phone/website. Looks like they are trying to discourage that sort of thing now. (Visiting in person I mean, not buying bikes.)

 

[Dave7]

I have now emailed them with questions 3 times ...........all answered clearly and quickly.
I visited yesterday and the guy I spoke to (for 45 minutes) was extremely helpful and knowledgeable while speaking my basic language when necessary.
Only decision now is thier Biancho Vs Cube Agree carbon.........similar price & spec'

 

[l4dva]

Try planet x, there bikes look awesome and really well spec'd for the money.

I don't own one but if I were to change bike, I'd def go to them.

 

[Dave7]

Try planet x, there bikes look awesome and really well spec'd for the money.

I don't own one but if I were to change bike, I'd def go to them.

Thanks-I have contacted them..........they no longer do any 'sportive' geometry frames (which is my priority).

 

[Alun]

I've got a Ribble sportive racing, but the older model which is now called the Bianco. Very pleased with it, campag centaur components and khamsin wheels. have done about 5/6k miles at the cost of 2 replacement brake pads and a new wheel bearing. I'm sure the Cube is a good bike as well, difficult choice!

 

[Dave7]

I've got a Ribble sportive racing, but the older model which is now called the Bianco. Very pleased with it, campag centaur components and khamsin wheels. have done about 5/6k miles at the cost of 2 replacement brake pads and a new wheel bearing. I'm sure the Cube is a good bike as well, difficult choice!

Its the Bianco I'm looking. The guy tells me it is (marginally) more comfortable than the Fondo.....comfort is my main concern-what do yuo think?
(at the risk of getting boring I will also post the question on the formum)

 

[Alun]

I haven't ridden the Grand Fondo, but the Bianco is comfortable. I have done a few 100 milers on mine with no aches and pains other than tiredness. Perhaps it's more important to get one fitted correctly, which they can do at Ribble, than small differences between the 2 bikes.
Bikeradar have certainly tested the Bianco, perhaps they have tested the Fondo as well?

From memory the Fondo is a Dedacciai frame, whereas the Bianco is also available here http://pedalforce.com/online/index.php?cPath=21_100088 and so doesn't perhaps doesn't have the same pedigree. Perhaps if you search around you might find the Fondo offered elsewhere as well, though. The Ribble Stealth is also available as a prestige DeRosa R838 at twice the Ribble price for example.

I've had my Ribble for 2 1/2 years and it's still going strong and Ribble are still selling them which must stand for something.

 

[Dave7]

Thanks Alun
I agree re' the fitting. However Ribble no longer have a fitting service!........he tells me they have no-one qualified so don't offer it. They no longer have the jig for sizing etc. either. And they don't allow test rides. TBH they are the reasons I am thinking Cube as the stockist will allow good test rides of different sizes.
Re' the frames I recall he told me that. He explained the carbon process and I think the Bianco would be as good.....it's actually a bit lighter which he says is down to the forks.
I went there quite optomistic and may still get one as they are sooooo nice- but I am of the rare breed that actually likes to handle what I am going to buy.

 

[Alun]

I think Ribble seem to be moving away from the LBS format to become just another online dealer which is a shame. Cube is a good make, but beware someone on here had difficulties with a Cube (I think) carbon frame with a triple chainset where the chain came off the small ring and damaged the frame as there was insufficient clearance between chainring and frame. Carbon comes a distinct second against a chain. Excellent pictures BTW!

 

[BC BOOTLE]

Would love a carbon frame,hear good things, but hear a lot about damage,flex,twitchiness when riding,should I just stay with my 6061 tubing with to be honest I have no real problem with.Or would I really see a significant improvement with a carbon...?

 

[Alun]

There are too many variables to answer that question accurately. I like my carbon frame for a sportive type bike, but I wouldn't have a carbon MTB because of the potential for damage. I can't see why a carbon frame should be twitchy or flex more than aluminium, perhaps that's more to do with the design of the bike than the material.

 

[Dave7]

Or would I really see a significant improvement with a carbon...?

I've never actually ridden one yet* but my aim/goal is comfort and I understand that carbon frames eliminate much of the road buzz/vibration. I am assuming that if carbon forks help then full carbon must be MUCH better................I will find out this week.
*As I'm only 5' 6" I have not found a shop that has anything I fancy in stock for me to try.

 

[BC BOOTLE]

Keep us updated Dave on your test ride