Newbie - Ribble road bikes & groupsets

MattChild

Hi all.
Would like to buy a road bike via cycle to work scheme, so can spend £900-1000. Used to mtb loads years ago, but now well out of touch!
Quite fancy a Ribble carbon bike, but its very difficult to tell the difference between the models - anyone an easy explanation for me?!
Also, what is general concensus on which groupset to go for? I will only be able to add £50-70 on top or original price for changing groupset, so anyone an obvious recommendation for me?
Thanks in advance!! (Off to do more reading/research...)

rolf_f

Hello Mattchild

Try here for a start

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... bble+guide

Best bet is to go for a Special Edition bike - the bike builder prices are much higher but give more options. Ribble do allow upgrades over the C2W limit - I just bought (using C2W) a Gran Fondo with full Campagnolo Centaur for about £1100.

blackpoolkev

I had a similar budget to you and was torn between a Sportive/shimano 105(striking looks,standard groupset) and the Evo Pro Carbon/Campagnolo Athena(plain styling,nicer groupset,heavier frame).
I plumped for the Evo Pro and have had no reason to regret that decision,the Athena groupset looks and feels superb.The complete bike is stylishly simple but I reckon that makes it a little more future proof.
Whichever bike you eventually choose I'm sure it will certainly be value for money.

tx14

don't just look at the groupset, the wheels make a huge difference too. tbh any modern groupset would work quite well.