Ribble Gran Fondo Centuar (new pics)

Avanti Roman

I significantly lightened the front end of my (mk1) Gran Fondo recently for relatively little outlay.

Previous spec (all actual weights):
Standard Gran Fondo 45mm rake forks, 260mm steerer - 570g
Deda Pig Piega 44cm O/S handlebars - 332g
Deda Quattro 110mm O/S stem (white) - 181g
Total - 1,080g

New spec:
FK6 fork from e_baygoods on ebay (12k 42mm rake), 260mm steerer - 334g, £28
Cinelli Neo aluminium handlebars 44cm - 249g, £15
Deda Zero 100 Servizio Corse stem, 110mm white - 129g, £42

Total - 712g

Weight saving = 371g
Expenditure = £60
(£85 - selling original stem for £15 & bars for £10)
I'll just keep the original forks.

I'll post a couple of 'on the bike' pics later, I've not yet painted the forks to match the frame but to be honest they don't look out of place as they are. The same seller also offers similar looking forks to those found on the Scott CR1 and Ribble Sportive but I thought the curving semi aero look of the FK6 really suit the GF:


They are not quite as stiff as the original forks when compressing the dropouts by hand without the wheel in position (I doubt many are!) but stiffer than plenty of other forks I've used and I haven't felt any increase in lateral flex when descending or cornering at higher speeds. I can't detect any decrease in rigidity from the lighter bars & stem either and comfort has been similarly unaffected.

The bike does feel slightly more responsive at the front which is what I wanted - I just wish I was lighter myself!

Overall I'd say if you're riding/racing less hilly courses or are more of a sprinter don't bother - the standard forks may not be the lightest but they are very robust, stiff and stable and the GF is a great riding bike as it is.

Nylon_Thighs

I agree, I don't race, just fitness riding for me so I can cope with the extra weight at the front. I also have rigid gatorskin tyres which also don't help I suppose but compared to my sportive racing it is stiffer and a lot better climber even with the added weight. Next stop, new wheels though, about to sell my Xero XR Carbon wheels and get some high end lighter wheels.

hairyleg

Avanti Roman can you post a pic of your bike with the new forks. might just buy some I like climbing hills your post is spot on.

Avanti Roman

OK, here goes, apologies for poor quality iphone pics.

The original set up:



New forks, stem & bars:









I think the the shape of the new forks actually integrate with the frame better than the originals to be honest - especially with the 12k finish. Just got to get around to painting them really but like I said they don't look terribly out of place as they are..

Weight 7.6kg inc. pedals & cages.

hairyleg

The forks suit the frame but would look better with paint I think.....or do they ummm.But top upgrade.

fludey

Liking how it looks, think I would leave the forks as they are show off that lovely weave

Avanti Roman

Hmm, the cheap lazy solution or the more complex, expensive option?

Decisions, decisions..