frames?

mike ives

I have been wondering about putting together a better bike than that which I currently use; can anyone advise me about Ribble or Orbea frames. They look to have some good deals at the moment. Does anyone have any good, or otherwise, experiences with either of them? Any comments would be appreciated.

redddraggon

What sort of price frames are you talking about?

I've got a Unbranded Nero Corsa carbon, Ribble also buy them and badge them up, seem like good frames.

mike ives

I was thinking I would go for a lower end carbon until I get fitter and a bit stronger on the steeper hills.

redddraggon

mike ives wrote:

I was thinking I would go for a lower end carbon until I get fitter and a bit stronger on the steeper hills.

That's a Nero Corsa then. They are cheaper from Chain Reaction and don't have Ribble scribbled all over them.

azzerb

http://www.bikes-dolan.uk.com/index.html?lang=en-us

They have some decent frames, and some of them in sale in "Specials".

I bought a Volare, which is really nice and stiff + light as well. :P

redddraggon

azzerb wrote:

http://www.bikes-dolan.uk.com/index.html?lang=en-us

They have some decent frames, and some of them in sale in "Specials".

I bought a Volare, which is really nice and stiff + light as well. :P

Good shout about the Dolans, I wish I'd seen them before I'd my frame. Nothing wrong with my frame but it would have been good to have a few more options.

azzerb

redddraggon wrote:

azzerb wrote:

http://www.bikes-dolan.uk.com/index.html?lang=en-us

They have some decent frames, and some of them in sale in "Specials".

I bought a Volare, which is really nice and stiff + light as well. :P

Good shout about the Dolans, I wish I'd seen them before I'd my frame. Nothing wrong with my frame but it would have been good to have a few more options.

I only saw it after i bought the Centaur.

I actually got my frame with a free fork included too for the same price they're listing.

You did very well on your frame though from what i remember reading.

redddraggon

azzerb wrote:

You did very well on your frame though from what i remember reading.

£450 for Frame, fork and headset, so not too bad. Should finally be finished this weekend with the LBS cutting the steerer.

azzerb

Carbon steerer or alloy?

I got this pipe cutter designed for metal tubes (roughly the same size as that of a steerer tube) so i used that, worried that it might have put strain on the carbon fibre, so did a tiny bit then finished it off with the saw.

Mine came to the same price, but with seat post as well.

redddraggon

azzerb wrote:

Carbon steerer or alloy?

Carbon

Garybee

redddraggon wrote:

azzerb wrote:

Carbon steerer or alloy?

Carbon

You can still cut carbon steerers yourself. Wrap the area you're cutting with masking tape and use a fine toothed (32tpi ish) hacksaw blade and you'll be fine. It's important to let the blade do the work though, don't try to force it through. Also remember, the dust from cutting carbon is harmful so it's a good idea to tape a vacuum cleaner hose to the desk right next to where you're cutting.

To the original poster (sorry for going off topic), i'm very happy with my Ribble frame. My race bike is a Ribble scandium, extremely light (1kg) and sensibly priced (£300). I can replace it about 5 times for the price of a similar weight Scott or similar. Important with a bike if you're racing on it, not so much for general riding and sportives etc. It's worth noting that Ribble frames tend to have a relatively long top tube when compared with frames from other manufacturers. I had to get a size below that which I would usually ride to get the top tube length I wanted.

redddraggon

Garybee wrote:

You can still cut carbon steerers yourself.

The LBS ain't charging and it's only across the road, so I might as well let them do it.

mike ives

Thanks everybody. All the comments and guidance have been great. It does seem like the Dolans have universally gained a very good reputation; the feedback on the Nero Corsa and the Ribble also seem positive. At least now I know in which direction to look. It means I will not be buying blind. Thanks.