Budget Ribble Build/Groupsets/Wheels

cyclingpunk

Hi folkes. Have just ordered a Ribble winter frame, sloping tube. Also ordered the recomended headset and some 105 pedals. Now looking at groupsets. Tiagra for £200 or 105 for £300. I am heading towards the Tiagra as I have found the groupset ok on my Carrera. I also have a Cayo for when I put in the proper miles but the Ribble is going to be used for riding to work and going for rides after work when I do not have time to go home and get the Cayo.

Just before I order though can anyone convince me the 105 is worth the extra £100. Will I notice much difference on the budget frame or should I save my money?

Also is it worth me getting the Tiagra wheels or are they pants? Do not want to spend too much as I am guessing that next summer I will be upgrading my Cayo's wheels so the Askiums may get moved over to the Ribble eventually! Cheers.

redddraggon

The Tiagra wheels aren't too bad and the Aksiums aren't really any better than them.

If you are happy with Tiagra, get it, it'll be cheaper to replace the chains and cassette when you need to. Unless you are going to miss the 10th Sprocket it doesn't really matter.

However Ribble Winter frames look better with Campag

John.T

For the price of the frame and a 105 group you could have had a complete bike with Tiagra. Check their add in Sept 4 Cycling Weekly. £399.99. Providing the component kit does not include anything you definately do not want it is usualy much cheaper to get a complete bike. Sometimes even then. Just Ebay the bits you do not want.

cyclingpunk

Thanks guys. John, I really want to build it myself for the 'experience' I am in no rush to use it and I have a lot of parts laying about from my other bikes that I want to make use of. I think building the bike will help in the future when it comes to other repairs etc and I do like to tinker!!!

I found the frame sizing a bit odd. I hope it is not too small but I went by the guide. I have also sent them an email but no answer yet

John.T

Just a suggestion as not everyone knows that. As for sizing I use a 56cm (C to T) Trek as well. I have a horizontal TT Ribble and matched the TT lengths of the frames. This gave me a 52cm Ribble which actualy measures 56cm to the top of the seat clamp. The low TT does give a rather short head tube. The chart for the sloping frame is a bit confusing but IF the TT length is a true horizontal equivelent then I would need a 48cm. If it is as shown then it would be a long bike, perhaps 2 or 3 cm longer. May be worth a phone call to Ribble

fuzzdog

I just bought an ultegra groupset on line from merlin cycles for £325. they also have 105 for £269. My ultegra is fine. no instructions but you can download and print them off on the Shimano site.

cyclingpunk

Thanks for the heads up Fuzz.

John, sure.. thanks for the tip off on the price. Is a good deal for someone who wants a whole bike for sure.

I will give them a bell tomorrow as still not had a response. In the end I got fed up at looking at the two sizes and ordered one but now I am worrying about it so better to be safe than sorry!

Looking forward to getting the tools some proper use!