Ribble Wheelset and Upgrade decision....

solboy

I am in the market for a new bike and will probably get a Ribble Sportive. The CSN carbon wheelset looks fantastic but from what i can tell not many people opt for these. Can someone tell me why this is please? Is there a better Wheelset available via Ribble for the same if not less money? The guy at Ribble said they are meant to be used in velodromes and that use outside could mean more drag especially in windy conditions.....

Also i will be buying this bike as an upgrade to my Specialized Allez Elite (2010). Any veiws on this? I want a carbon bike so thats whats driving this upgrade plus i have been offered a good price for the Allez. Thing is the Allez is comfortable as it has quite an upright riding position and i understaand the Ribble to have a similar ride and geometry. Any advise greatfullly recieved.

Karl2010

Alright mate.
How much is your Allez weighing in at? If you want a carbon bike for weight reasons then think about you put on it. Especialy the Groupset & Wheels.

I have a Ribble Gran Fondo which im very happy with. It weighs in at 10.2kg.

Gran Fondo Frame/Forks (1200g)
Ultegra Triple Groupset
Fulcrum 7 Wheels (1930g)
Deda Quatro Stem
Deda Zero Handle Bars
Deda Zero Seat Post
Selle SMP Pro Saddle
Shimano SPD Reverseable Pedals.
Gator Skin Tyres

So thats a total of 3130g on just the frame and wheels.
For me that means the rest of the bits on the bike weigh 7070g.

I only mention this because Halfords have brought out a Tour De France Special CARRERA for 300 quid. Apparently it weighs around 10kgs (the same as my gran fondo)

Anyway the SPORTIVE your on about looks fantastic!
Im happy with my Gran Fondo and it looks the 'boll0x' but just wish it weighed a bit less. Maybe i should have gone for Ultegra SL, and stuck with the standard carbon seat post.

Anyway

Dunno about CSN Carbon Wheelset but if they say its for track racing then id take their word for it. The best wheels ive found so far regards weight and aero dynamics are Mavic Ultimate Carbones 1185g - but they cost 2k for the pair.
Zipp 808 Tubs 1499g - they cost around 2k
Mavic Cosmic Carbone Clincher 1740g - 700quid

Im currently dreaming of Campy S-Record & Mavic Ultimate Carbone Tubs..
(totaling around 3900 quid) hahaha..

solboy

According to Specialized my allez is 9.5KG! I thought it was heavy but perhaps not, need to look into this again...

Weight isnt the only reason for the change but this is where i thought there would be a noticable difference between the two.

cooper.michael1

You have to ask why you want Carbon? If it is for weight, at this price level you will be seriously dissapointed. Think about it, the difference beween a 'light frame' and a 'heavy frame' is what 400-500g...one solitary pound. A standard carbon frame will weigh a very similar amount to a good Aluminium one.

The £2000 carbon frames may weigh 800g so when comparing that yto your Allez you might save 600g or so over your Allez...but for that price that is all you gain. Marketing however suggests that carbon will make you fly up the Tourmalet like a pro, but of course that is marketings job.

You've already said you've got a bike which you like and fits you so well, so want to almost replicate the fit...so is it just carbon you've been sold on?

Dependant upon the wheels/tyres you have spending money on them will reduce weight more effectively and becuase its rotational weight, will aid your cycling more.

Karl2010

if you want to weigh your bike jump on a set of scales holding your bike, make a note of this weight. Then jump on the scales on your own (no bike).

Subtract small number from big number = your bike weight.

dunno how acurate it is but thats how i weighed mine.

solboy

I guess i am sold on the carbon frame but i will also be upgrading the groupset (tiagra on Allez). Is it worth looking at Planet X? Is seems these bikes are substantially lighter.

Regarding the wheel upgrade on the Allez i have considered this also. Are there any recommnedations for around £300? Ultegras look good...

solboy

I dont want to get too hung up on this but just done some calcs and the Speacial edition Ribble bikes come in at just over 9 kg for the Campag Veloce Gran Fondo and 8.1 kg for the Campag Veloce Sportive.

Planet X have now relased a Campag Athena SL Pro and that comes in at 7.48kg???

Guinea Pig

I have a Ribble Gran Fondo - Ultegra 6700 with Mavic Kysrium Elites - I have just weighed it out of curiosity really and it weighs 18.3lb with pedals. There is possibly scope to lose more weight but I think that focusing on weight is losing the point here. The fact is it rides really well and is responsive to ride. It is also comfortable and I like the look. I have another bike that cost me over double what my Ribble did. Double the fun ... Probably not.

gkerr4

why don't you just upgrade the allez? - they are a great frame - very underrated.

have you thought about changing the wheels on the allez? and perhaps start upgrading the groupset parts?