What Ribble components?

LondonMTB
LondonMTB Posts: 79
edited November 2011 in Road buying advice
Wondered if someone more knowledgeable could advise me. I'm thinking of getting a Ribble 7005 Audax, for amateur road rides, some touring, and use all year-round. I need to watch costs, but am able to spend on components that will really make the bike fun to ride and long-lasting. I was going to get the Tiagra groupset, but really the other components I was just going to go with the Ribble versions/suggestions, including the prorace nitro rigid tyres.
What I don't know is, is it worth spending more on any of these other components? Are any of them really bad and best avoided??
Many thanks for any help!

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    most metal kit these days is pretty good - seatpost, stem etc. The only issue would be weight.

    I wouldn't skimp on tyres though. False economy. Get decent ones.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • Thanks Maddog, what tyres would you recommend? They have various continental ones available on the bike builder options...
    http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikebuild ... BRW&bike=1
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    I'd run Mich Krylion carbons in 23 or 25 but don't get them as part of the bike builder as you can buy them cheaper separately

    see http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=20460

    I'd also spend more on the wheels, say some RS10/20/30s. Wheels take a real beating on a trainer. False economy to go really cheap IMO and the budget Shimano wheels are pretty good IME.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • navrig
    navrig Posts: 1,352
    I bought a Winter Audax with Tiagara. It came with mavic rims and shimano hubs. These have been brilliant wheels. No issues at all.

    I then bought a Gran Fondo with 105. It came with ProLite cheapos. The rear hub has been repaired twice and I still think it is suspect. As suggested above, upgrade the wheels.
  • Hmm, Not getting anywhere with buying my Ribble, now I know more about components, I am utterly confused about frame size. I followed their measurement guide, and got to 59.6cm. Now, I'm only 5'6"-5'7", so not particularly tall for a female, I do have long legs but even so, there's surely no way I need a 60 frame. I emailed Ribble for their advise, and they suggested a 52cm frame - HUH? That's so much smaller than the measurement! And I don't want my legs all folded up, do I?! :?
    Anyone been in a similar position, or have exactly the same body as me and can tell me what fits perfectly? Maybe I need to take a trip up there and try some, but after travel money I won't be able to afford the actual bike :(
  • Hi,

    they may have changed their sizing calculation since I ordered

    I'm 5'10" and ordered 54 C-C ( equivalent to 58 C-T) and this fits me fine. So 60cm is daft for you

    So 52 should be fine for you ( Going to guess that this is 52cm C -T ). Just make sure to get correct length stem

    Regarding other post about wheels used.

    I got the prolite cheapos. I've also got horrible rear hub noises and it will need new bearings , and freehub. I'd get better wheels. Overall I use the bike regularly and it works well albeit a tad heavy with the mudguards and the cheap wheels.
  • My two pence on Ribble 7005.

    At 5ft9 I was riding a 52 c-c, which equates to a 56cm c-t. Definately the right size, although the top tube comes up quite long, i swapped for a shorter stem.