Ribble Gran Fondo

dastroboy

Having given up on my employers ever signing up to the government bike to work scheme, and also having saved enough I'm finally taking the plunge and going ahead with purchasing a new road bike.

I've had long enough to do sufficient research and have read plenty of Forum threads to get an idea of what bike I can get for my budget of £1200 and I'm pretty much heart set on a Ribble Gran Fondo. I love italian design and the idea of building a Italian thoroughbred with Dedacciai carbon frame combined with a Campagnolo groupset really appeals to me.

However, as a mail order purchase my only concern is buying the bike before testing it out to make sure I get the best size frame to suit my build, which is fairly average; height 5'11"; weight 80kg. I cant decide between the Medium (51cm) and Large (54cm) frame sizes and would appreciate swinging my leg over one just to try it out for size, so if there is anyone reading this within the vicinity of North Essex who has a Gran Fondo that they wouldn't mind letting me sit on I would be extremely grateful.

Otherwise, if there are any other Gran Fondo owners any other advice on sizing or component choices would be extremely welcome.

nochekmate

Italian thoroughbred??

No more Italian than my nan - bless her - she was Irish!!!

freddiegrubb

I owned a wilier, italian styling -flair-charisma-charm - tradition- history ,you name it & it was there ( in my head) frame made in tiawan. Wake up.

mhj999

They are a nice bike - there is no doubt about that but I have to agree with above posts re Italian heritage. That said if you have your heart set on it go for it! But go in with your eyes open re customer service and delivery times (search this forum).

supercyril

I have one, I'm 5'8" and have a medium with 100mm stem and a good bit of seatpost showing so I would I go with a large. Alternativley you could go to their showroom and try one. Contrary to forum belief they are very helpfull. Mine was built and delivered quicker than they said and I have never had any problems with their mail order dept. Having said that I don't expect things to arrive yesterday.

dirtymonkey1985

My gran fondo was a large and I'm 5'11 and 75kg. That was a perfect size

jonny1967

Ribble have just changed the frame sizes of the Fondo, its now a 55 not 54. You need to ring the bud before you buy. And don't expect to see it any time soon. I ordered one at the beginning of October, quoted the usual 15 to 20 days then got an Email Friday saying end of November. Shame because I really like the fondo, but needed it sooner to replace my other 2 Ribbles that were recently stolen.
I did get a better spec'd Sensa from Merlin which does appear to be a little better in the quality department.

glanma

After my first dealings with Ribble, all I can say is "so far so good"! Spoke to them monday morning this week, a very helpful guy told me that the Gran Fondo forks that I thought were out of stock & needed to go with my new GF frame order had just come in, I then added an ITM headset, processed the order online and got £100 off plus an extra 10% special offer. Yesterday they e-mailed to say the goods have been dispatched and should be here in 2-3 days! Am now rubbing my hands together in anticipation and eyeing up the other components to make my killer ride!

evs78

I have a gran fondo in medium and am probably right on the borderline between a medium and large (I'm just under 5'10"/ 177cm). I am still not sure what would be the right size but they are a great first road bike and have enjoyed every mile i've done on mine. I've had it for nearly 3 years now and have been considering an upgrade but would only do it for a top end race bike (my eyes are set on a look 695), so will be keeping the Ribble for a fair bit yet while I save up!

smidsy

Ring Ribble and discuss your measurements, if they can not give you the correct answer noone can.

fsman

I have the 2013 GF. I'm also 5'11" and have a large with a 110cm stem. Perfect for me.

I agree with the other comments. You should call Ribble, and tell them your height, Inside Leg (measure as per their instructions).

They will advise on the correct frame size, stem length and crank length.

navrig

I've had a GF for couple of years and am just under 5' 10". They recommended a 54cm and it suits me fine.

Italian?

Well it has a little Italian flag on the seat tube with something like "Developed in Italy" underneath. Probably as Italian as Dolmio (made in the Netherlands).

smidsy

From their marketing blurrb

'Gran Fondos or CycloSportives as they are known in France and England first started in Italy.
In recognition of this now celebrated tradition of Italian cycling culture our 2010 Sportive model developed with the assistance of Dedacciai of Italy bears that famous Italian name.'

So TBF they are pretty straight/up front about the fact that it is not actually Italian. (Not that it would necessarily make it better if it was).

rolf_f

Navrig wrote:

Well it has a little Italian flag on the seat tube with something like "Developed in Italy" underneath. Probably as Italian as Dolmio (made in the Netherlands).

smidsy wrote:

From their marketing blurrb

So TBF they are pretty straight/up front about the fact that it is not actually Italian. (Not that it would necessarily make it better if it was).

It actually says 'Crafted in Italy' so, TBF, they are barefaced liars . But anyone who thinks they can get a carbon framed bike with a genuine Italian made frame for well under £1k is to be cherished for their optimism!

smidsy

Rolf F wrote:

But anyone who thinks they can get a carbon framed bike with a genuine Italian made frame for well under £1k is to be cherished for their optimism!

Or go to Winstanleys and buy a Basso 8)

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... 1_Frameset

rolf_f

Rolf F wrote:

But anyone who thinks they can get a carbon framed bike with a genuine Italian made frame for well under £1k is to be cherished for their optimism!

smidsy wrote:

Or go to Winstanleys and buy a Basso 8)

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/31040/Basso_Astra_2011_Frameset

Leaving you with a grand total of £50.50 to turn that rather nice frame into a rideable bike. That could be tight!

crescent

Italian or not (and let's face it it's not), it is a lovely bike. It does have the infamous "Crafted in Italy" sticker, a Dedacciai logo and a couple of Italian flags on the top tube 8) , so I suppose there is an Italian flavour about it which is strangely pleasing for some reason. It is made in Taiwan though along with the majority of the world's carbon frames. Unless you're hell bent on a genuine Italian hand-built frame (and the extra cash that would entail) I wouldn't worry about it.
I'm a fraction under 5'10" and was recommended a Medium by Ribble. It fits me fine although I may change the stem from 100mm to 110mm,. I think at 5'11" you should opt for the Large.
Go for it and enjoy it, mine has received only favourable comments from those who have seen it.

Cheers

fsman

FYI.
I'm 5'10" 33"leg,
Ribble recommedned
GF Large Frame
110mm stem
172.5 crank

Perfect.

dastroboy

Firstly my apologies, perhaps I should have used the term 'Italian heritage' rather than 'Italian thoroughbred', but thanks to all those for pointing out that the bike is actually of Taiwanese decent.

For all of you with helpful advice regarding sizing up my bike, thanks. I never did make it to the Ribble show room to 'try before I buy', but I did manage to visit their stand at the London Bike Show back in spring where they had GF on display, which I was able to try out for size.

As many of you suggested the new large (55cm) frame was the end choice and in the end I have opted for the following setup;
Ribble Gran Fondo Carb Road Frame - Large (55cm)
Ribble Gran Fondo Carbon Road Forks 1 1/8-1 1/2 ITS
Ribble Headset Branded Ribble 1 1/8" Hidden (ITS) 45 x 45
Campagnolo 2013 Centaur Black/Red 10 Spd Double Groupset
- 10Spd Centaur UD Cassette (12-25)
- Centaur Black/Red Power Torque 10 Speed Chainset (Compact 172.5 34/50)
- Centaur Black/Red 10Spd Rear Derailleur (short)
- Powershift Ergopowers Double Centaur Alloy Black/Red 10 Spd
Rodi Airline Evo Clinchers Wheels Pair
ITM Alutech Wing 6061 (31.8) Handlebars (white 42cm)
ITM Alutech 6061 (31.8) Stem (white 100mm)
Selle Italia X1 Man Saddle
ITM Alutech Wing 6061 Seatpillar (white)
Yaw Nitro Rigid Tyre
ITM Cork Embossed Handlebar Tape (red)
No Pedals selected

I have opted to not bother upgrading from the standard saddle as I already have a few bits for I'll adapt onto the bike (San Marco Ponza Power saddle, RSP pedals). As for wheel, I know I'll get some grief for this, but I've opted to splash out on a better groupset with the intention to upgrade the wheels in time, likewise with the tyres.

Once again many thanks for everyones advice its been very helpful.

Totem

I would like to say that my experience with Ribble so far has been exceptional (not received the bike yet). Multiple emails answered same day or within 24 hours. Bike ordered through c2w scheme etc, voucher went through on Tuesday and they took the remaining payment same day and quoted up to 15 days for bike build etc. They did say that the Deda rhm01 bars were out of stock so got a free upgrade to the rhm02 bars and was told as things were in stock bike build would be 8-10 days, so I’m chuffed.

rolf_f

dastroboy wrote:

As for wheel, I know I'll get some grief for this, but I've opted to splash out on a better groupset with the intention to upgrade the wheels in time, likewise with the tyres.

You do probably deserve grief over that but, to be fair, Ribble have irritatingly increased the penalty for the Khamsins from a very good £28 to a less straightforward £45.

But unless you went for the carbon Centaur cranks, then it is really pretty debatable whether you actually have bought the better groupset. There isn't anything in it between Veloce and Centaur these days apart from the optional layer of carbon stuck over the shifters. Whilst my bikes are mostly 2010 Ultratorque Centaur, now the only Campag Groupsets I'd rationally buy are Veloce and Chorus (irrationally I'd buy Record as well!).

Selecting Veloce and the Khamsins gets a better bike for less money with no more need to upgrade the groupset than if you picked Centaur.

fsman

I completely agree with the above. Khamsins and veloce. Wheels are like flywheels, so get a good pair.