Hesitant to go for Ribble due to mudguard issue, so could be Btwin for extra commuter

[Roadhump]

I am after a further bike as a commute / workhorse and am torn between a Ribble and a Btwin.

At present I have a Specialized Sirrus Pro which I use when I commute, for recreational use when the weather is a bit iffy, and for some Bikeability training. Although it is still a good bike, it has been off the road a few times recently for a few days at a time when it needed repairs and is getting a bit battered. I want another bike to use as a back up, and also one I can use as a durable winter bike.

An advert for a Ribble 7005 Audax Winter bike caught my eye, and I also looked on eBay to see if there were any bargains going. There are several advertised, including a couple of Ribble 7005 Sportives, which seem to be the same bike as the Audax, only coloured white instead of blue. The Ribble seems a good choice, it gets good reviews and some people on CC are happy with theirs, but I now have a nagging doubt in that a couple of CC Ribble owners have said that when mudguards are fitted, it isn't possible to use tyres any bigger than 23mm, in which case I would rather go for something else.

The alternative could be a Btwin, which also gets good reviews and seems remarkable VFM - the 540 Shimano 105 version is going at £650 - but that seems a bit extravagant for what I want it for so I would probably look at a cheaper model or a second hand one.

I would be interested to hear the experience of any other Ribble owners re the mudguards and any other advice people are willing to offer.

Thanks.

 

[Drago]

One of the Dolomite Pinnacles? There are 6 spec levels to suit your requirements, good mudguard clearance, mudguard eyes and rack mounts, but they're still reasonably lithe and sporty.

 

[raleighnut]

Maybe that's the difference between a Winter Audax and a Sportive bike, better clearance and more mounting points. After all who'd be seen on a sportive with mudguards, all your mates would laugh cos "That ain't wot the Pro's use innit"

 

[Drago]

That Merlin is a good looking bike Liz.

 

[vickster]

Are you sure the btwin will take proper fixed mudguards?
Genesis equilibrium will take chromoplastics and a 25mm tyre

Otherwise look at something like a Croix de fer

This is a v good deal https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/reduced-genesis-croix-de-fer-2013-54cm-medium-£425.218341/

Or this
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/pinnacle-dolmite-6-2016.217078/

The Ribble Audax is the perfect winter road bike though so not sure why your reticence?

Or do you want flats like the Sirrus?

 

[Tommy2]

23's are the biggest that will go on my Ribble 7005 winter, I'll try to take some pics of clearance tonight if I get chance.

 

[Roadhump]

Are you sure the btwin will take proper fixed mudguards?
Genesis equilibrium will take chromoplastics and a 25mm tyre

Otherwise look at something like a Croix de fer

This is a v good deal https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/reduced-genesis-croix-de-fer-2013-54cm-medium-£425.218341/

Or this
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/pinnacle-dolmite-6-2016.217078/

The Ribble Audax is the perfect winter road bike though so not sure why your reticence?

Or do you want flats like the Sirrus?

Thanks @vickster. Dropped bars are fine, as are flats, although I would prefer drops for the bike I am after now. It was the comments about being unable to get tyres any bigger than 23 mm with mudguards that has made me think again about the Audax. I have tried to find the threads again but couldn't. @Tommy2 says that about the Sportive, but I am certain I saw someone say the same about the Audax as well.

There is a Sportive on eBay that looks okay and I was considering a bid for it until I saw the comments about the tyres and mudguards. Although I want to keep things cheap, hence looking on eBay, I only live half an hour away from the Ribble store in Preston, so I might call in at the weekend to see if I can clarify it.

The Pinnacle looks a lovely bike but probably a bit too posh for what I want.

 

[vickster]

Maybe @biggs682 has something suitable

 

[biggs682]

Thanks @vickster

@Roadhump i have only just sold a Ribble audax and that was fitted with 25mm tyres and had guards although they were tight

what about this Project Webster aka Lee Cooper ?

Loads of clearance and i have guards waiting to be fitted just not had the time

 

[fossyant]

23mm are fine, absolutely fine.

 

[Adam4868]

I had the blue ribble audux,(regret selling it !) I had 25s on it with mudguards on.Great all round bike,come back i miss you..

 

[Roadhump]

Thanks for the replies from the Audax owners, I'm encouraged.

 

[faster]

I commute on a Ribble winter and I use 25mm Vittoria Rubino pro tyres which fit perfectly with the supplied mudguards Zefal mudguards.

There is plenty of clearance.

I think people have an issue when they try to use the nasty metal mudguard clamp which bolts on to the rear brake bridge, which massively reduces clearance. Just throw this away, cut two small slots in the mudguard, thread a zip tie through and secure around the bolt that holds the brake calliper on. This sounds like a bodge, but in my mind, it's lighter and more elegant than the supplied bracket - it's pretty much invisible and mine has been tied on like this for about 4,000 miles and shows no sign of failing.

These bikes are superb in my opinion. Cheap, stiff, surefooted and fast - you can get into a really low aggressive position if that's what you're after. I averaged 22mph on my commute home this evening (okay - there was a bit of a tailwind!), but usually average about 20mph. Not bad with mudguards - without, I think it'd be nearly as quick as my summer bike.

Sadly, Ribble have listened to feedback about clearance and increased it on the new version. Now you have to use long drop calipers. They've ruined a good bike in my opinion and I don't think there are many, if any bikes which combine being able to use proper mudguards with short drop calipers . God knows what I'll replace it with when it breaks.

 

[bikingdad90]

What about a Dolan? 25c tyres and guards? A rival to the Ribble Audaux?

 

[biggs682]

What about a Dolan? 25c tyres and guards? A rival to the Ribble Audaux?

Looks nicer with latest colour scheme