preferred-google-button
log in
register

New Bike – Bianchi/Cube/Scott/Ribble?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • September 4, 2012 at 4:46 pm #16734
    AJWatson

    Hi,

    Im looking at upgrading my bike in the next few months and I know a lot of people will ask the same question ‘What bike should I go for?’. Im just looking to see if anyone has experience of these bikes and any feedback.

    I currently ride a Claud Butler Regent 2011 that has served me well and we have covered a few thousand miles together. Last weekend it did come off the car rack at 50mph and is in the shop having a check over. As yet not too sure if there is any geometry/frame issues. Anyway, Im pretty keen to keep onroad and do some tours/sportives with my new bike. I would like to do LEJOG or London to Paris in 24 hours, those kinds of events along with the usual one day events. It will also be used for the weekly club runs etc. I will use my Claud Bulter for commuting etc. My budget is between £1000 / £1500, maybe more if I can justify it but tops about £1.800.

    Im pretty keen on getting a Bianchi, either the Via Nirone or Sempra, they look pretty cool and seem to have some pretty good components. However reading some reviews about it they were scoring 7/10. Other bikes on my radar are Ribble, Cube or Scott

    Anyone any advice or other bikes to look at?

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 12 replies - 16 through 27 (of 27 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Replies
  • September 4, 2012 at 7:24 pm #698585
    0
    Ultimateweevil

    Well AJ I have a Ribble New
    Well AJ I have a Ribble New Sportive Racing and I’ve had her just over a year now and is my first road bike. I’ve probably done almost 1500 miles on her with a good mix of short 30 odd mile rides to longer 90 odd mile ones in both dry and wet conditions and I love it to a point!

    I like the bike on the longer rides thanks to the slightly taller head tube giving you that little bit of comfort over more race orientated frames and it’s a pretty decent climber with a compact group set on it. However my only gripe is on rough roads you can get a fair bit of road buzz through the frame (could be my tyres and/or pressures).

    I have a full Campag Veloce group set on her plus Campag Khamsin wheels as these looked the best on a couple of other bikes I test rode before deciding on the Ribble since it was great value for money at my price range. I found similarly priced alu bikes from my two LBS’s were pretty awful as you got a lot of road buzz through the frame regardless of the condition of the road.

    I’d highly recommend it over a cheaper alu frame but I can totally see where a good high end alu frame would have it’s merits over a lower grade carbon frame.

    If you can get to test ride any of the ones your considering then I think that will help make up your mind as it will come down to how the bike feels for you rather than someone else’s opinion as it’s based on their experience of it.

    September 4, 2012 at 7:22 pm #698583
    0
    Raleigh

    pjay wrote:I’m sure the S1 is

    pjay wrote:
    I’m sure the S1 is a good frame, but it’s pretty ugly isn’t it?

    Yep, in the same way that Anish Kapoor’s orbit sculpture in the Olympic park is ugly, or a Ferrari Enzo.

    What a silly comment

    Plus, I don’t think an aero frame makes a blind bit of difference to the average amateur rider.

    Aerodynamics affect all cyclists the same, its not like the pros have much more or much less air resistance at different speeds.

    It is at 15mph when over half of your energy is spent on beating air resistance, and as the formula for calculating air resistance has some squared in it (^2) that increases exponentially.

    Don’t get much clearer than this:

    September 4, 2012 at 6:41 pm #698581
    0
    AJWatson

    Thanks Pjay,
    Not too fussed
    Thanks Pjay,

    Not too fussed about it for Touring as I have my Claud Butler for that. Should I take this one on any toures it would be fully supported as most road bikes probably wouldnt take much weight on them for a long trip.

    September 4, 2012 at 6:34 pm #698579
    0
    pjay

    I’m sure the S1 is a good
    I’m sure the S1 is a good frame, but it’s pretty ugly isn’t it? Plus, I don’t think an aero frame makes a blind bit of difference to the average amateur rider.

    The OP mentions ‘tours’, so I’m guessing he wants something that can take a rack and panniers. What about a steel Condor Fratello? Could be specced with SRAM Apex, rack and mudguards for around £1400, then maybe purchase a lighter set of wheels for faster rides.

    September 4, 2012 at 6:22 pm #698577
    0
    Gkam84

    http://www.totalcycling.com/a
    http://www.totalcycling.com/a-z/frames_road/frames_cervelo/FR_CERVELO_S1.html

    September 4, 2012 at 6:15 pm #698575
    0
    Raleigh

    Correct.
    You have to buy it
    Correct.

    You have to buy it from an alternative dealer.

    Elmy cycles of Ipswich do a deal, as do totalcycling.com and tri store.

    September 4, 2012 at 6:11 pm #698573
    0
    AJWatson

    Maybe im looking in the wrong
    Maybe im looking in the wrong place but I cant see they are still doing the S1?

    September 4, 2012 at 5:58 pm #698571
    0
    Adey

    I can vouch for the Via
    I can vouch for the Via Nirone
    Had mine just over a year now and still brings a smile to my face
    Replaced the Vittoro’s with Gators – the only thing that ive read about is other owners replacing the Mach 1 rims as they claim they are too heavy!!
    I dunno – i can’t really complain (they seem ok to me)
    I also had the Campag geared model (my dad taught me well!!) 😉
    The geo could be so different to what you are used to though – try one first
    They are also a beautiful looking bike!! B-)
    Good luck

    September 4, 2012 at 5:44 pm #698569
    0
    Gkam84

    For once, I agree in part
    For once, I agree in part with Raleigh. Go for top end aluminium over cheap carbon, Something with carbon forks. I don’t like carbon stays though.

    I have 9 upright bikes. None of which are all carbon, I believe the value is in the top alu with carbon forks.

    Just because the pro’s use full carbon, does it mean its makes a normal cyclist ride like them? Its the same as going out and buying pro kit……

    September 4, 2012 at 5:41 pm #698567
    0
    Raleigh

    Oh yep, Canyon Ultimate
    Oh yep, Canyon Ultimate AL.

    Best value ones are with force or Ui2.

    What fun you’ll have trawling the internet.

    Before you realise that there is only one bike you need/want.

    S1

    September 4, 2012 at 5:32 pm #698565
    0
    andylul

    Or buy a Stealth
    Or a
    Or buy a Stealth

    Or a Sportive Bianco

    Or a Grand Fondo

    Choose between the Big Three, but if you want something classy, go for Campag (as I did)

    My R872 (as the Stealth is now called) was faultless on the Exmouth Exodus – climbs and descends beautifully.

    Or if you want to go high tech, Canyon are doing their excellent AL9 with Ultegra Di2 for around £1500

    September 4, 2012 at 5:01 pm #698563
    0
    Raleigh

    CERVELO CERVELO CERVELO
    Why
    CERVELO CERVELO CERVELO

    Why get rubbbbish carbon when you can get pro grade aluminium?

    The S1 was used up until 2004 in the Pro Peleton, winning races like Paris Nice and Liege, whilst also being ridden over cobbles.

    Frame – 799.99
    Groupset – Sram starting from 350 off ribble
    Wheels – Palnet X carbon R50’s from 349.99
    Finishing kit – 3T Arx Pro, Ergonova pro and Fizik Arione widely available for c. 120
    Tyres – Schwalbe Ultremos starting from 20

    Do it.

    The slight weight penalty of the Aluminium will more than be made up for by the MASSIVE aerodynamic benefits.

    Its THE cheapest way to get a bike properly developed in a wind tunnel and subsequently used by the pros.

    Don’t listen to what people say about comfort, tyre pressure, bar tape, saddle choice and short preference can make any bike much more comfortable.

    Don’t be blinded by carbon fibre, sure its great, but the Alu used in the Cervelo is a lot different to the stuff used in cheaper frames, this is the smartwall, true aero BIZ.

    Also, the satisfaction of building your own bike is unmatched by anything else.

    All aero bikes, Alu. and CF call the S1 ‘The Daddy.’

    Bite the bullet.

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 12 replies - 16 through 27 (of 27 total)
1 2
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.