Ribble bike build experiences ?

[gbb]

It'd be interesting to hear anyones thoughts on a Ribble, probably Sportive Bianco.

Sounds stupid, but i assume the bianco is only available in white ?

I'm thinking 105 groupset and Fulcrum 3 wheels, the rest i'll probably buy the kit they suggest for now (headset, bars, stem etc)
I'm also tempted to just buy some in component form , mostly from Ribble because their prices look right on the nail, but some from other sources and build it myself.

Ive already got Racing 5s upgraded with low friction bearings, i'm seriously wondering if i'm going to splash out £300 plus for the 3s to find they're no faster then my upgraded 5s. My 5s would just need a Shimano freehub, quick cheap swap...decisions decisions.

Carbon frame ? it'll be my first, i have read about cosmetic cracking of the laqueur, how common is that ?
Or should i get a Sportive 7005 alloy frameset ?...no, its not good looking enough, i'm treating myself, may as well do it properly eh.

Any ribble owners thoughts appreciated >

 

[smokeysmoo]

I won't entertain carbon personally, but I've bought a full Ribble 7005 winter bike with full 105 groupset in the past, and I've recently bought a 7005 winter frameset with their own hidden headset and a Cinelli seatpost and built it myself with a Campag Veloce groupset I had. I've never had any problems with any of their products, I had an argument with them in store once as they couldn't wouldn't accept payment in store for something, and I told myself I wouldn't, but, I'm not about to bite my own nose off to spite my face as their prices are some of the very best around, and I can't afford to be that proud.
A mate of mine uses a Ribble 7005SL as his commuter and he loves it. I would completely recommend their alu frames all day.

 

[derrick]

Recently built this one, the ally frame all 105 and Mavic rims, don't know much about tha carbon frames but personally i would not buy a cheap carbon frame, to get anything descent in carbon you are looking at £1200.00 plus.

 

[WorcesteRob]

Recently built this one, the ally frame all 105 and Mavic rims, don't know much about tha carbon frames but personally i would not buy a cheap carbon frame, to get anything descent in carbon you are looking at £1200.00 plus.

bike looks sweet mate and come Easter will be buying one myself!

 

[gbb]

See i've been spoiled with Bianchi alloy frames, i love curved top tubes..
So, i was looking at the Sportive 7046 curved alloy frame, but that word 'ultralight' made me nervous, i'd read Ribbles Ultralight frames are just that, great for racing or weight weenies, but don't expect to get years of service out of one.
But, the 7046 Sprotive is 2kgs, the 'Ultralite' 7005 is 1.250 kg, so there's obviously extra weight, therefor material in the 7046 which is reassuring.

I'm not dead set on carbon, i'm a little apprehensive about one TBH, its the curved tube that interests me...it was that wording 'ultralight' in the 7046 alloy frameset that put me off a tad, but perhaps its not the case as above.

Thanks for the photos BTW, its real nice to see one 'for real' rather than a flat picture on their website.

 

[gbb]

I won't entertain carbon personally, but I've bought a full Ribble 7005 winter bike with full 105 groupset in the past, and I've recently bought a 7005 winter frameset with their own hidden headset and a Cinelli seatpost and built it myself with a Campag Veloce groupset I had. I've never had any problems with any of their products, I had an argument with them in store once as they couldn't wouldn't accept payment in store for something, and I told myself I wouldn't, but, I'm not about to bite my own nose off to spite my face as their prices are some of the very best around, and I can't afford to be that proud.
A mate of mine uses a Ribble 7005SL as his commuter and he loves it. I would completely recommend their alu frames all day.

There's the only parts i'm unsure of...hidden headset and the fitting of ?...any special tools required for fitting the parts into the frame and fork crown ?
BB i assume is ready faced so its just a straightforward assembly down there.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Don't know tbh, when you buy a frame set Ribble fit the headset for you
The BB is as you say ready faced

 

[gbb]

Oh, one stupid question....
Bikebuilder, do they come assembled or in the kit form you ordered ?

I'm whittling it down now to the alloy 7046 Sportive, Ultegra wheelset, 105 groupset and basic other parts...circa £1200.
Thats what you'll pay for a good alloy mainstream bike, but they'll only have basic wheels fitted. Doing it this way you get the extra benefit of good wheels. Ultegra 6700s, i assume they're well regarded ?
What sort of delivery timescale do you normally expect after ordering ?