Out of stock Ribble Sportive or Nero Corsa 12k?

badhand
badhand Posts: 115
edited April 2009 in Road buying advice
So everybody wants the Ribble Sportive presumably because of the recent Cycling Plus reviews but you can't have one until the end of May. It is a very lovely looking bike, but I was wondering, what's wrong with the Nero Corsa? Or the Ribelle for that matter.

I would love some advice on what to go for, cos I'm not sure what these bikes are set up for and it's very hard to try them out!

Basically I'm an Mtber looking to get a road bike that's comfortable for an easy 50mile weekend ride. I put road tyres on my hardtail Stumpy and it was really hard work. I then test rode a couple of ali road bikes and to be honest my mountain bike was more comfortable.

Then I tried a Roubaix Elite but, although very forgiving, the frame was too small and the man in the shop was really annoying. Plus another Spesh bike is soooo dull.

I really like the idea of Ribble but have no idea what to go for. Or size for that matter.

Am I looking in the wrong place? I have £1500 burning a hole in my pocket...

:?

Comments

  • bilsea159
    bilsea159 Posts: 256
    Firstly the reason why I chose the ribble sportive over the other two was that the nero went up a £100 at the beginning of the year so I felt the sportive offered same spec for less money, for that reason I also decided against the ribelle althought that does have better grade carbon frame. As for size can't help you there you need to use the websites excellent size fitter to work that out, i bought a medium 52cm frame and I am 5ft 9in. As regards to the wait yes it is anoying but I was in the same posistion as you, I had £1500 to spend and happily purchased the sportive and saved £500.
  • zedders
    zedders Posts: 509
    I've just ordered a Ribble Sportive. I hope it will give me the best of both worlds. Quite racey, but also quite comfortable over longer rides. I would say there's nothing wrong with the Nero Corsa frame but it has been around for 2 or 3 yrs (I think), and the Sportive is new!

    For advice on fittings try below. I found it quite useful. Also as stated the Ribble size fitter? it appears to be straight forward as well. Am 5' 8'' & went for a 52cm as well.

    www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE= ... ATOR_INTRO
    "I spend my petrol money on Bikes, Beer, Pizza, and Donuts "

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/38256268@N04/3517156549/
  • badhand
    badhand Posts: 115
    Thanks it's fairly straight forward until you get to the bit that doesn't apply to carbon compacts. However, I have been looking at the Ribelle today, (any thoughts?) and have got a much clearer idea with that. So is the Ribelle any good then? It starts off more expensive but with all the tasty bits I add still works out cheaper than a comparable bike from say Giant, Spesh or Trek.

    I did email Ribble and was told the Sportive was better for longer rides and lighter than the nero corsa. He also said there was a new model coming out in about a month but that would be 'substantially more money'...

    I can't wait a month!! :cry:
  • zedders
    zedders Posts: 509
    AlI good things come to those who wait! A month isn't that long really, is it. As you said you like the look of it, and its had great reviews all round. I have also read a few blogs from this forum and again everyone who has one seems to like it. TBH I haven't heard a bad word said about it, other than folkes being unhappy with the wait! As far as am aware (unless anyone wants to say otherwise) Ribble have a good rep all round?

    If your still looking around, have you looked at Planet X bikes, similar format to the Ribble, ie custom build etc. I was quite tempted myself, and again they appear to be quite well respected.
    "I spend my petrol money on Bikes, Beer, Pizza, and Donuts "

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/38256268@N04/3517156549/
  • badhand
    badhand Posts: 115
    Planet X you say - I'll have a quick look...
  • bazbadger
    bazbadger Posts: 553
    badhand wrote:
    Planet X you say - I'll have a quick look...

    Review here:

    http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... 0#15177870
    Mens agitat molem
  • badhand
    badhand Posts: 115
    It's a conspiracy! Thanks bazbadger for that review. It's nice to see a real persons view. I am looking at the FSA SL pro with a mix of dura ace and ultegra.

    Someone else mentioned the BEone too so I still haven't made up my mind. The girlfriend keeps giving me funny looks :roll:
  • marksteven
    marksteven Posts: 208
    ive got a scuro not a ribble 1 but exac the same & its fantastic i really should add some pics
  • badhand
    badhand Posts: 115
    Yeah you should!

    What size and how tall? And does it do for long rides?
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Go for the bike you like - even if it involves waiting - remember unless you are very rich, it might be a few years before you can replace it - if your not 100%
  • badhand
    badhand Posts: 115
    now looking at the Wilier Mortirolo...

    Know anywhere in Surrey I can try these out? Wish I lived up north.

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