Ridley Excalibur

MattFr

After seeing the Cycling Plus bike of the year section, I'm considering a Ridley Excalibur, I know it didn't get in the top 5 but I was already heading down the Ridley route. So what does anyone else make of the Excalibur and what else would anyone recommend?
Just to give you some background I'm looking to do some races this year, alongside sportives and the odd club time trial.
Thanks

brin

hoping to pick mine up in a couple of weeks, was torn between the excalibur and the bianchi infinito, after seeing both in the flesh i opted for the excalibur, going to get more of a bike for my money, and a free fitting service too. they are a bigger sized frame than most other bikes, so fitting should come in handy for me. wasn't surprised to see the bianchi in top 5 as it got a raving review in a previous edition, but was surprised the excalibur didn't make it, but, everyone to their own i s'pose. looking forward to picking it up, esp now the weather seems to be changing

MattFr

Yeah I have to admit I'll probably go with the excalibur, going to make sure with a test ride next week. That'll make two in Sunderland if I do.

brin

where you thinking of purchasing yours from? only supplier i could find in N.E. is Bike Repair Man through Prudhoe, had a chat last weekend and said they will spec one up for me for under 2.5k sounds like a good deal

MattFr

I was going to go to Bike Repair Man too, it's a bit of a trek up there when you don't have a car, but if I want a Ridley it's there or up in Amble.

brin

Put my deposit down today, they put a compact g/set on, 'red' kmc chain, and they had white
DT SWISS 'MON CHASSERAL' wheels on to match colours of frame, not my cuppa, swapping them for some mavics (personal choice) so got to wait til next week to pick it up. took it for a spin, handled well. looking forward to picking it up.

MattFr

Sounds a nice bike, I did a test ride today and have to say I prefered it to the Defy and the TCR I compared it to. Just time to work out spec, wheels are a key one, and the Mavics sound a good choice. It may sound bad but I do like DT Swiss's wheels on appearance, though I have nothing but trust in Mavic's. Just doing some research in to the wheels now. I'm trying not to play an expensive game of snap here

CamR

Guys,

I am in a similar situation. I have just ordered a new Ridley from The Bike Repairman but can't decide on the wheels.

I fancy some Mavics but the DT Swiss custom wheels could be an option. Only downside is the 28 hole rims, they will perform well and be easily repairable but not sure if they will look as nice as some of the other wheel/rim options.

Cam

MattFr

It's a tricky one, the one thing that swings me in the favour of the Mavic's is the fact that they have a reputation for being a bit more resilliant, which given the roads up here are falling to pieces, could be advantageous.

brin

Thats the reason - i couldn't feel justification in putting a pair of £600 wheels on a bike that isn't going to be used on the pyrinnees or the alps, where wheels of this standard would be advantagious, just gonna be the hills of northumberland, yorkshire and surrounding districts....well for now anyhow

MattFr

Yeah the Mon Chasseral's seem a little bit more than is required for up here.
I'm thinking DT Swiss 1850's or Mavic Ksyrium Elite's.

CamR

Tony at Prudhoe was talking about building a set of DT wheels using the 415 rims (415 gms in weight) and any hub of choice. This would build in to a lightweight but strong set of wheels and you could pimp your bike with a fancy anodised Hope hub

Cam

MattFr

Sounds nice Cam I have to say. I can't really justify that myself, so it's ksyrium elite's for me.

brin

Talking to tony yesterday about spec for bike,silver mavic kysrium elites ordered, swapping bar and stem for FSA set up (black) but keeping red tape, replacing seatpost with black FSA carbon, ditching the red kmc chain for ultegra,using my own selle italia saddle, gonna stick a cateye strada computer (red)on for me, as my sigma won't fit, just waiting for phone call to go through for sizing up, and hopefully riding it home

MattFr

Sounds nice, I was thinking of the black mavics. So at least our bikes won't be too similar when it comes to detail, when I get mine ordered, hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday.

brin

Picking bike up tomorrow, few things to sort out, then wahey!!!! hope weather ain't to bad so i can take it for a decent spin.

MattFr

I put my deposit down today. I'm gonna pick mine up next week. Hope the weather holds up for you. Enjoy the first ride.

brin

Cheers, when you get sorted maybe arrange a spin together? Treat myself to a colour co-ordinated jersey to go with bike http://www.probikekit.com/_img_200x256/c2424.jpg

MattFr

That sounds like a plan, i'll send you a message when I get mine.
Nice jersey, will definitley go with the bike.

CamR

I have ordered a Helium but i have to wait until end of April for delivery

brin

Wonderful, Brilliant, Superb, Classy......handles well too just got a chance to do a quickish (damn wind!) 20miler this afternoon, but ........oooooohhhhh, well pleased with it.
I looked at a Helium when 1st went to shop, but a tadge out of my price range, nice looking bike tho, shame yer gotta wait, will soon pass.
gonna phone Michael Fish tonight to order some decent (no wind) weather for tomorrow.

CamR

you obviously didn't manage to get through to Michael Fish !!!

I am going to wimp out today (wind = no fun) and do some DIY to gain some brownie points for when the bike does eventually arrive

brin

Yeah, Mrs Fish said michael was round the pub, never mind - still sunny and dry so i shall percivere and take new toy for a spin, altho not my intended route, unless..............