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Planext x pro carbon/Ribble Gran Fondo

by drewthered
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 10:09
7

New to this site and first post.

Recently bought a Ribble Audax and have been bitten by the road bug and am looking for a step up for next smmmer with a view to doing a few sportivs. Ive been looking at the Gran Fondo and the Planet X Pro Carbon. Planet X is basically Sram Red with Rival Brakes n Chainset n Gran Fondo specced the same both come in around £1.5k, but the Planet X has their model b wheels which I have on my Ribble , whereas the Gran Fondo is specced with heavier wheels.

As a newbie to all this was wondering of pros cons and any alternatives. Ive loooked at Synapse but with similar spec is over 2k.

Cheers

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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mrkeith119 | 13 years ago
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When looking at new bikes my theory is to get the best frame that is most suited to you can and not worry too much about the component spec level, because they all work much the same and will all wear out and be replaced many times over the bikes lifespan.

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arrieredupeleton | 13 years ago
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I changed bikes from an Alu framed Trek to a Planet X sl Pro about 2 years ago and would thoroughly recommend it. I have no experience of the Ribble but I'm sure both would put a smile on your face. Mine still does after 2 years. Far better in terms of comfort and climbing ability especially. Build quality is fine and service at PX is excellent in my experience. Those Model B wheels are the equivalent to some pricier models in terms of weight and durability too.

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drewthered | 13 years ago
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Joemmo...thanks for the advice. My Ribble has an FSA carbon post n currently running on Gatorskin 25s. I have decent kit and am currently doing 25-30 miles a ride. I intend keeping my Audax but was just after advice on whether to go for a Carbon or Alloy for my next bike, and given the spec that Ribble/Planet X offer, they seem like a good place to start.

Cheers

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drewthered | 13 years ago
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Joemmo...thanks for the advice. My Ribble has an FSA carbon post n currently running on Gatorskin 25s. I have decent kit and am currently doing 25-30 miles a ride. I intend keeping my Audax but was just after advice on whether to go for a Carbon or Alloy for my next bike, and given the spec that Ribble/Planet X offer, they seem like a good place to start.

Cheers

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joemmo | 13 years ago
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why not keep the Audax and do some longer rides on it first then decide if the experience would really be enhanced by a different bike? You'll probably get a better value performance improvement from some high quality tyres, a carbon seatpost, some good shoes and a comfy pair of shorts.

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drewthered | 13 years ago
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Simon ....thanks for the response! I'm not too far from Ribble so was thinking of paying them a visit. I really like the shifting system on my Ribble Audax (Veloce) but have nothing to compare to but I hear what you're saying.

Cheers
A

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Simon E | 13 years ago
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A few grammes of difference between wheels is insignificant. You should be choosing a bike you like riding. That may mean changing the important bits like saddle, handlebars etc. Groupset differences are small too, they all shift perfectly well, but you need to ask yourself which shifting system you prefer - Shimano, Campag or SRAM's double-tap.

Best way is to visit some shops, get a feel for suitable models so you know you'll be happy riding it. A decent LBS will help you choose rather than bamboozle you into buying what's in stock. I could never spend that kind of money without sitting on a few models and 'kicking tyres' first.

You can of course do sportives on your current bike equally well, but that might not be the answer you're after 3

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