So, after my spin today, I can confirm that the R872 rides really well and was a great investment.
(I can only compare this with my previous Boardman Team and a mountain bike...)
First thing i noticed is how smooth it is, either Essex Council have resurfaced all the roads round here in my month off a bike or this thing soaks up the bumps... I'm guessing the latter...
Handling wise, sharp as a sharp thing that steers well??? What I mean is that if there is a pothole coming at you that is coming at you fast, a little move of the bars and its dodged, but its not unstable, more controllable, i noticed this when sitting up and going no-handed, on my Boardman I had to peddle franticly to stop wobbling all over the place, on the R872 though, straight as an arrow at the slowest speed, which is good as my back goes after about 25-30 miles hunched over.
I can't comment on much else as all the other bits are from my Boardman - wheels, bars, seat post, group set, etc, but will gradually change all the bits and re-build the Boardman.
The chainset is the only other bit that is new as my LBS couldn't get the BB30 out (even though I got it out in 2 minutes) it's a 105 in silver, works well but looking at the photo, i should have gone for the black instead and also possibly a compact, but at least I can ride it...
All in all it's a great frame set and would recommend it to anyone as new or upgrading...
Feel free to comment as all feedback is welcome and will help with choices in future upgrades and changes.
Also apologies to Pedrosanchezo for highjacking his thread...
Edit... I would like to say that the customer service i received from
Ribble was great, I phoned up with a few questions and the guy who answered was very helpful even on the basic newby items...
I have read other comments, even on here stating that the bike wasn't set up properly, brakes, cables etc not aligned. Sorry, but if i had a bike sent in the post to me, I would check everything before going out.
My LBS sorted my bike out for me and has a lot more knowledge and i still checked everything beforehand...
Also, if i had a choice, i would do the bike myself, just for the experience...