HHHHEEEELLLPPPPP!

For your money I’d be looking
For your money I’d be looking for a full tiagra groupset if not 105. I’d avoid the bigger brands as they all have spec compromises compared to a good quality but better value bike like those you’ve seen at Ribble.

The R872 has a good reputation – it’s from the same mould as a far more expensive De Rosa bike, but it has quite an aggressive racing geometry. If you’re looking for something for weekend club runs and sportives (ie a bit more comfortable) I’d consider the Ribble Sportive or Gran Fondo. Also worth considering is whether you’re a fair weather rider or you like to get out in the rain or ride in winter too – most carbon bikes and many ally bikes are difficult
To fit with mudguards due to poor clearance around the wheels – if you think you’d like to be able to fit mudguards then have a look at the Ribble 365 – a full carbon bike designed for year round use that comes fitted with guards.

Another tip with Ribble is to buy from the special editions section of their website – there’s less choice on the build options but the prices are way better! Also it’s worth popping along to their showroom – they don’t do real bike fits as such but they will put you on the right size frame, stem length and handlebar width, which are the most important elements aside from adjusting cleats and saddle height etc – you can get a proper bike fit for them afterwards.

It’s important to point out that if you buy a big brand off the peg bike you won’t be able to choose your own stem length etc, you’d have to buy the right frame size then take it for a bike fit and buy new parts as advised by the fitter and stick the originals on eBay or something – not the most economical way to go about getting a precise fit!

Also, don’t rule out a good aluminium frame – they can certainly be just as good as a lower end carbon one and at your price point you’ll get a carbon fork that’ll help reduce road buzz.

Finally, have a look at Planet X bikes and Dolan too. In a similar vein to Ribble you can choose your frame and build up your spec and they’re both British outfits with very good reputations.

Hope that helps!

Second Hand Carbon?
I
Second Hand Carbon?

I wouldn’t.

Also look at buying 2nd hand
Also look at buying 2nd hand and maybe you’ll pick up a real bargin? I was lucky to find a giant TCR composite with full dura ace and hope wheels for £750.
Lots of people buy bikes because they like the idea of cycling but realise its not for them when they have to ride in crap weather or up hills!!! I know loads of people who have bought bikes on the cycle to work schemes and now the bikes are just an expensive ornament gathering dust.

The Ribble R872 with shimano
The Ribble R872 with shimano 105 seems to be about the same price as a Canyon Ultimate AL.

Ultimately, it’s your decision. Noone can choose for you. The choice out there is overwhelming which never helps.

Would be quite happy for you not to buy a Canyon. I like being the only one out there on the road with mine.