Ridley Airborne

tardyars

Thought it was about time I put these up.
Pretty much built these up from the forum over the last few years- single teachers income, a wife and two young children etc. etc!
Just got the Ridley about a week ago, built it up and took it out yesterday for a quick run- rides really nicely- a bit more refined than my 2005 Tarmac comp (which I really liked as well!) Hoping to get a few more nice days before the onset of the cold dark wet stuff to get out on some longer rides. Have to say the Ridley felt really solid when descending- much less twitchy than the Tarmac- felt good on the climb too- think this is going to be my best ride for quite some time- Love how it looks as well, which I'm ashamed to admitt matters!! 8) .
The Airborne I built up last year and use as my commute/ not good weather ride, so this does most of the miles unfortunately- Great bike- surprisingly stiff and great fun to ride- already wondering if I'll ever part with it!

I know they're nothing new, but both are really great bikes to ride and if they were brand spankers, I'd be just as pleased with them.
Do think that the Ridley might look better with black wheel!!





Apols for the slightly washed out images!

fludey

Looks good till ya fit the wet weather gear

Harry182

I'm really liking your commuter bike - practical refined luxury and looks like it can kick butt at whim.

chadders81

That Ridley is lovely.

tardyars

Thanks for the comments, as for
"looks like it can kick butt at whim." If only I had the legs! :oops: Still, looks are half the battle eh?!!

imsimon

I think the trellis and fence could probably do with a lick of paint

that ridley does look lovely though! makes me think about looking for a frame and just put all my bits from my allez on it

explosifpete

I think you have a good eye for building bikes
Really like what you have done with the ridley and as for the silver wheels I think the white saddle,stem and tape complement them really well. Hope you have many happy miles on it

ascurrell

Excuse my ignorance and bad eyesight but which model is the Airborne ? Collectables of the future as quite rare.
I have aN Airborne Lancer but not ridden for 2.5 years due to injury / health problems. Piecing it together again with a few changes so hopefully on road again soon. May put a pic on soon. Lovely bikes !!

tardyars

Thanks Pete- really pleased with it- just a shame I've still only been out on it the once- crap weather and work keep getting in the way, still it's something to look forward to. Hope you are enjoying the Kebel, a fine looking build you have there- if you ever want to change it, drop me a pm!!!!

ascurrell- it's an Airborne Zeppelin- lovely bike it is too- I've hammered it over 4000 miles to work and on general rides when the weathers grim since I built it up about 18 months ago. It's a fantastic ride- I was surprised at just how stiff it was when I first rode it having never ridden Ti before- but it handles beautifully and I find it really comfortable on longer rides too. I think the Zeppelin is very similar to the VN Zephyr. The Lancer has longer seat stays than the Zeppelin by the looks of things, a beautiful classic looking frame- like you said, perhaps classics of the future- no corrosion worries too!

explosifpete

I do change bikes pretty often so you never know!
Your Airborne looks lovely, in fact I think its nicer than the Ridley.
As for my new kebel its not the prettiest bike but if does go so blooming fast and makes me smile (and my legs hurt)

Enjoy the bikes

ascurrell

Yes tardyars, no corrosion worries and no doubt will ou last us !!

Yours is one of the higher end models, my Lancer replaced the Valkyrie and was only in production a short while until Airborne hit their problems.
I also have a Thunderbolt at my Spanish Mother in Laws house, again I'm looking forward to getting it on the road again, bloody hilly though !!