Ribble Sportive 7005 - yay or nay?

tordis

NITR8s wrote:

The only difference between the 2012 and the 2011 model is the fact the 2012 tiagra is a 10 speed instead of 9 and the 2012 model comes with FSA Handlebars and stem, instead of Eddy Merckx.

See, I'd prefer the new Tiagra (which is what I'd get with the Ribble). Still, one of the bike shops on my way to work has the 2012 model in stock, so I can't see why I shouldn't go and see it in the flesh.

Rolf F wrote:

I can't actually see the other table!

I meant the one at the bottom of this image - I assume it's a rough comparison of the more "racy" frame sizes to the more sportive ones.

rolf_f

tordis wrote:

Rolf F wrote:

I can't actually see the other table!

I meant the one at the bottom of this image - I assume it's a rough comparison of the more "racy" frame sizes to the more sportive ones.

Ahhh, no - not quite!

Basically, in the old days people measured bike frames by seat tube height. There were no complications between sportive and racy geometry - everything was pretty much proportionate to size so you only needed seat tube height to determine frame size.

Then the compact frame was invented. Instead of having a horizontal top tube, bikes would now often have sloping top tubes and the angle of the slope could vary quite a lot. That means then that the height of the seat tube is a function of the top tube angle as well as the size of the frame - you could have a bike with a shorter seat tube that was actually larger than one with a longer seat tube.

This is why if you look at the main table for the Ribble there is a measurement c and c+. C+ is the virtual top tube length which is how long the top tube would be if the frame were a traditional one with a horizontal top tube. For some reason this is given rather than the virtual seat tube length - it would have made more sense to set a new standard for frame sizing based on top tube length. If bike frames were just defined by virtual top tube and head tube height things would be a lot easier. Thing is that the "Sportive" frame size measurement (ie the 44cm) really doesn't mean anything as it is determined both by overall frame size and the arbitrary angle of the top tube. Ribble should relabel the table as Compact vs Traditional sizing - Sportive frames are not much more likely to have compact frames than road bikes so they are just confusing the issue. Generally a sportive frame has a slightly shorter c+ measurement and a slightly higher g measurement.So, for a similar seat tube height you have to reach slightly longer and lower.

Anyway, I think the point here is that if you find the Jamis comfy, you can get the exact same fit with the Ribble - if I were you I'd send them the Jamis table and get them to confirm that..

tordis

"Rolf wrote:

Ahhh, no - not quite!

Blimey, I knew that would have been too easy
I think I have to stop looking at other bikes, as it only makes it harder to decide. I'll send the Ribble guys the Jamis table for comparison and order my shiny new bike from them soon. I'd do that now, but I'm going away for a couple of weeks in July, so I'll place the order just before that and hopefully the bike will arrive shortly after I return

rolf_f

tordis wrote:

Blimey, I knew that would have been too easy

Actually, I simplified it a bit - there's also frame angles to think about but they are close enough here

slowhand44

tordis wrote:

1. This may sound daft, but what does the full groupset consist of? :oops: The shifters, front mech and rear mech are all 105.

A full groupset consists of brake/shift levers, front mech, rear mech, brakes, rear cassette, chain, bottom bracket and chainset (the front cogs and cranks). This bike has an FSA chainset (good make, actually owned by SRAM) and Tektro brakes, which appear on a lot of bikes at this price point. That doesn't mean they are bad. I've had 2 bikes with own brand brakes that worked fine.

2. The description says it's 11-25

This is the ratio of teeth on the rear cassette, attched to the rear wheel (apologies if you already know this). Smallest will be 11 teeth, and the biggest will be 25 teeth. Depending on your fitness and the terrain you will be riding, this may be fine. If you are in a hilly area, you may be better off with a 12-27. They should swap it out for you either free or for a very low price.

Oh, and Evans said they could do a price match if I find cheaper Gatorskins in another bike shop. If I decide on the Jamis, I'll try to make them throw in a bottle cage + pedals, too.

Try and upgrade the wheels if you can manage it. After the frame it's probably the most important part of the bike, given that they are rotational weight. You will probably get a better price on the wheels if you buy them at the same time as the bike, as you will be spending a hefty sum in their shop, and they may be more inclined to do a deal.

antonyfromoz

tordis wrote:

Thanks for all your advice, I'll give them a call on Monday and see if they're willing to bend the Special Edition rules a little so I can make the adjustments I think would benefit me.
I just came back from my trip round the bike shops. I tried a few bikes, ruled out most of them, but found one that seemed just right: a Jamis Ventura. It's 105-equipped, fits me like a glove, gives me a comfortable riding position and I like the understated look of it. Oh, and it's not expensive, which is a huge bonus 8)
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jam ... e-ec031776
What do you think? Worth considering?
Mike67, I love both of these, but they're a tad over my budget - I still need to buy pedals, shoes etc.
FSR_XC, the Sensa is a lovely bike (and 105-equipped, too), but the smallest available frame size is 52, while I need 48-49

It is nothing to me but if this bike fits you as well as you have described and it is the price you wanted to pay then what are you looking for in the Ribble bikes that you don't get with this one? You initially wanted 10 speed tiagra but this is 105 which, if the reviews are to be believed, has a better feel and will weigh less. I have 105 on my bike and it works very well. Jamis is a huge US bike company and this particular model also has carbon seat stays which will (should?) make it more comfortable on the road too. Bike Radar gave the bike (not the female specific version) a 3.5/5 - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... e-11-43461 . Ultimately it is your money and choice so go with what feels best to you...

tordis

antonyfromoz wrote:

It is nothing to me but if this bike fits you as well as you have described and it is the price you wanted to pay then what are you looking for in the Ribble bikes that you don't get with this one?

I know it's a silly reason, but I just like the look of the Ribble better :oops: The Jamis is a nice bike, but the Ribble is just that bit nicer

tordis

OK, so I took the Jamis for a test ride this morning and, once I got the hang of changing gears and braking, loved every minute of the ride. In fact, I liked it so much that I put a deposit for it - if I decide to buy it, I could pick it up tomorrow.
So - decision time. And I need your help (again). What would you choose?
In the red corner, the Ribble Sportive 7005. Full Tiagra groupset, good value - roughly £100 cheaper than the Jamis - and with room for a bit of customising. However, there's no chance of a test ride and it takes a while for the bike to be built and shipped.
In the blue corner, the Jamis Ventura Race. Shimano 105 (but not full groupset), carbon seatstays and fork, lightweight and the test ride was pure joy. Ready to be picked up - but around £100 more expensive. Worth it? Or should I stick with the Ribble?

NITR8s

Hi ya, this may sound silly but have you thought about the Ribble Evo pro carbon if you choose it in special edition bikes it comes with full tiagra groupset for £830.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialedition.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=SE12RIBEVOPROSHIM&sub=conf_SERC

slowhand44

tordis wrote:

In the blue corner, the Jamis Ventura Race. Shimano 105 (but not full groupset), carbon seatstays and fork, lightweight and the test ride was pure joy.

I think you've answered your own question. it it was good enough for you to put down a deposit there and then, and you enjoyed it as much as you say, then it's the bike for you.

rolf_f

tordis wrote:

In the blue corner, the Jamis Ventura Race. Shimano 105 (but not full groupset), carbon seatstays and fork, lightweight and the test ride was pure joy. Ready to be picked up - but around £100 more expensive. Worth it? Or should I stick with the Ribble?

Personally, I'd go for the full carbon Ribble Sportive Bianco. Saves having to regret not having gone for full carbon later. If you were comfy on the Jamis given that the geometry is similar you'd be equally comfortable on the Ribble. And I'm ever so slighlty prejudiced against alloy frames with carbon seatstays as some people here have reported problems with the joints. But, to be fair, that seems fairly rare.

But I'm more biased towards Ribble anyway as I'd rather support a UK company than a US one even if there isn't that big a difference in the end.

tordis

NITR8s wrote:

Hi ya, this may sound silly but have you thought about the Ribble Evo pro carbon if you choose it in special edition bikes it comes with full tiagra groupset for £830.

TBH, I haven't considered this one. It seems quite "racy" - and I'm not planning to race, so I'm not sure if it would be the right choice for me.

Rolf F wrote:

Personally, I'd go for the full carbon Ribble Sportive Bianco. Saves having to regret not having gone for full carbon later.

Is carbon really that much better than alloy? And if it is, what makes it so? From what I've heard, it is quite easy to damage. Is that true? I wouldn't want to keep worrying about damaging my bike.
Anyway, I don't think that's an option, as the Sportive Bianco's basic Special Edition version is £943 and my budget is not that high.

snoopsmydogg

tordis wrote:

Is carbon really that much better than alloy? And if it is, what makes it so? From what I've heard, it is quite easy to damage. Is that true? I wouldn't want to keep worrying about damaging my bike.
Anyway, I don't think that's an option, as the Sportive Bianco's basic Special Edition version is £943 and my budget is not that high.

Your going to get a lot of different answers and it may be worth a search on the forum for carbon vs alloy.

I asked a similar question recently and the main advantages seem to be carbons vibration absorbtion and power transfer which unless a pro rider I doubt most would notice but you would be able to damage either unfortunately. Saying that bikes seem to be a lot stronger than you would think. If you watch cycling races where they crash at high speed many will get back on and carry on the same bike, sometimes they will replace the wheels but rarely will the frame break.

I was warned away from the Pro Evo Carbon on here recently but when I spoke to Ribble about alloy bike frames it came highly recommended. Some will say Ribble wanted to sell but I also asked about the difference in certain wheels and was advised to take the cheaper option so I dont believe it was all about upselling.

TBH for the size you are looking for have you tried ebay? yes its a second hand bike but some sizes seem to get very few bids and you could get a lot of bike for the money.

tordis

snoopsmydogg wrote:

TBH for the size you are looking for have you tried ebay? yes its a second hand bike but some sizes seem to get very few bids and you could get a lot of bike for the money.

I have - and there were a few bikes that caught my interest. Thing is, many of the sellers are based in very remote places. I don't have a car (nor a driving licence, for that matter), so I'd need to take a train to pick up the bike and in many cases there's no train station in the vicinity of the seller

antonyfromoz

Rolf F wrote:

tordis wrote:

In the blue corner, the Jamis Ventura Race. Shimano 105 (but not full groupset), carbon seatstays and fork, lightweight and the test ride was pure joy. Ready to be picked up - but around £100 more expensive. Worth it? Or should I stick with the Ribble?

Personally, I'd go for the full carbon Ribble Sportive Bianco. Saves having to regret not having gone for full carbon later. If you were comfy on the Jamis given that the geometry is similar you'd be equally comfortable on the Ribble. And I'm ever so slighlty prejudiced against alloy frames with carbon seatstays as some people here have reported problems with the joints. But, to be fair, that seems fairly rare.

But I'm more biased towards Ribble anyway as I'd rather support a UK company than a US one even if there isn't that big a difference in the end.

I have the carbon/alloy Bianchi via nirone with the same type of frame as the Jamis (alloy main frame and carbon seat stays). I have had it for over 3 years with no problems at all - and my use has included triathlons and rides up to 170kms. I have also packed it in a softcase and flown without issue. Although i have not specifically researched this on the web I have only read of one frame failing (also a bianchi) buthis looked to be well used. I have certainly read of many more carbon frames failing but this might be due to there being a greaternumber of them about. My 2c worth is that you have the choice between a bike that you have said you liked from the moment you saw/tried as against another bike you need to wait for which may or may not be better. As for supporting a UK company - I suppose that with either purchase you are supporting a UK bike shop and neither frame is made in the UK. HTH!

tordis

Thanks for all your help, guys I decided to go for the Jamis and I'm going to pick it up today. Already looking forward to the ride home! Shame it's too late to do the Dunwich Dynamo (no coach tickets left and it won't be easy to get on a train from Ipswich to London tomorrow, as they only take 6 bikes)...
Very, very excited!

centimani

Bird in the hand etc etc...you've tried it, obviously like it, job done. It'll be a good bike, we can all pick minor faults between one and the other, but it wont spoil your enjoyment while on the bike.
Ride it with a big grin

tordis

Picked it up yesterday - so far, so good! I deliberately took the long way home from Canary Wharf to test it properly and it looks like I've made the right choice. It's incredible how this thing picks up speed and riding up hills is a breeze (especially when I compare it to my old hybrid). It seems to be pretty comfortable, too! I'm looking forward to testing it on a longer ride.
So yes, I will be grinning - there's no reason not to

FSR_XC

Excellent.

I've been following this thread, waiting to see what decision you made.

Good choice. Happy riding

vagourasballack

Hello, me and a friend want to buy the bike of the title, but have never seen it live. We will order it from another country and we worry about something that might be crazy. We are looking at some photos and it seems that, at the back ( were the seat tube fits in the frame) it is very low. Almost at the same hight as the top of the back tyre. Is it us or it is just the photos that mess with us? Is it possible for an owner to upload a couple ao photos please?
Thanks in advance.