£1500 to spend on a bike. question about the ribble r872

mitchfoster
mitchfoster Posts: 13
edited October 2013 in Road buying advice
ok so i have £1500 to spend on a bike, and i am having a hard time deciding what to get, this will be my 1st road bike. i had in mind the ribble r872 with ultegra set or 105's an a better wheel set, but i was told that the cheaper carbon frames arent as good as the alluminium frames in the price range, and that he carbon is crap in this range, is this true? so i thought well maybe go for the specialized allez race, what bike would you get for this amount? im also 6''4 and 95kg if this is needed
any advice is welcome,
thanks in advance
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Comments

  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-sense-dura-ace-2013/

    What about this that people seem to have posted on here, if you like Shimano, this is basically a Ridley frame apparently with Dura Ace and Rotor Chainset... someone in the know should be able to comment.

    Plus, how much more black can it get... none more black. So if the R872 appeals to you I guess this does too, I would GUESS it's a lot better frame. The wheels are basic, but you could upgrade them later.

    Use quidco and get 2% cashback too, so that's £30 back
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Whoever told you the carbon is poor quality is full of ****. The frame used t800 carbon which is one of the highest grades. Not sure if it's the ideal first bike as the position is quite aggressive. You would need the biggest size frame too. Just because a frame is expensive doesn't mean it's definitely better. The 872 comes from an open mold which other manufacturers use too. Why guess it's a better frame? The 872 is a good quality product.
  • Simmsy77
    Simmsy77 Posts: 27
    Might also be worth looking at the Planet X RT-58 or for a an extra 300 quid the N2A
  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    Sounds like you are guessing about the R872 too? The fact it is t800 doesn't mean it's really good, that's a raw material. You could get a t700 frame that's better than a t800, it depends who makes and designs it. You could also give two people the same ingredients to make a meal and one could be the best thing you've eaten in ages, the other could be revolting. Just saying.
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    mfin-and yeah its a guess, because how would i know? just they look nice, seem to be good value for money, and the option to customize is good.

    Camcycle1974 wrote:
    Whoever told you the carbon is poor quality is full of ****. The frame used t800 carbon which is one of the highest grades. Not sure if it's the ideal first bike as the position is quite aggressive. You would need the biggest size frame too. Just because a frame is expensive doesn't mean it's definitely better. The 872 comes from an open mold which other manufacturers use too. Why guess it's a better frame? The 872 is a good quality product.
    thats a good shout looks decent, dura aces too! :) but is the frame better

    he didnt seem convincing, said he was told by the guy at tredz or halfords, i want my bike to be durable.
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    Simmsy77 wrote:
    Might also be worth looking at the Planet X RT-58 or for a an extra 300 quid the N2A
    that n2a is beautiful, i dont know about srams tho are they good? and it doesnt say the price of it, just currently unavailable
  • mfin
    mfin Posts: 6,729
    mitchfoster wrote:
    mfin-and yeah its a guess, because how would i know? just they look nice, seem to be good value for money, and the option to customize is good.

    Camcycle1974 wrote:
    Whoever told you the carbon is poor quality is full of ****. The frame used t800 carbon which is one of the highest grades. Not sure if it's the ideal first bike as the position is quite aggressive. You would need the biggest size frame too. Just because a frame is expensive doesn't mean it's definitely better. The 872 comes from an open mold which other manufacturers use too. Why guess it's a better frame? The 872 is a good quality product.
    thats a good shout looks decent, dura aces too! :) but is the frame better

    he didnt seem convincing, said he was told by the guy at tredz or halfords, i want my bike to be durable.

    My comment was aimed at Camthingy... it reminds me of Dell computers where the component spec numbers look good on paper but in fact the motherboards are nothing to shout about, but people don't notice cos it's new and shiny and better than their last one.

    The best way to pick bikes is to ride them, well, it's the only way.

    All I was doing is passing on a link I'd noticed which looked alright on paper for people who like Shimano (odd I noticed it as I can't stand Shimano myself, that goes for the way it looks and the way it feels in operation, they got the combination dead on for me to not want any of it ever again :) ).
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    i dont really have the opportunity to try most bikes, i dont drive and live out in the sticks lol so any recommendations are appreciated
  • Bookwyse
    Bookwyse Posts: 245
    I have an R872 with ultegra and mavic r-sys SL's on it. Also run it with a set of Planet X 50mm carbon tubs and the thing just flies along. Weighs less than 7.2 kg ready to roll and gets lots of looks.

    Can easily do ver 100 miles and still get off and want to do more. Actually prefer riding it more to my similarly equipped Scott cr1 pro.
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    mfin wrote:
    mitchfoster wrote:
    mfin-and yeah its a guess, because how would i know? just they look nice, seem to be good value for money, and the option to customize is good.

    Camcycle1974 wrote:
    Whoever told you the carbon is poor quality is full of ****. The frame used t800 carbon which is one of the highest grades. Not sure if it's the ideal first bike as the position is quite aggressive. You would need the biggest size frame too. Just because a frame is expensive doesn't mean it's definitely better. The 872 comes from an open mold which other manufacturers use too. Why guess it's a better frame? The 872 is a good quality product.
    thats a good shout looks decent, dura aces too! :) but is the frame better

    he didnt seem convincing, said he was told by the guy at tredz or halfords, i want my bike to be durable.

    My comment was aimed at Camthingy... it reminds me of Dell computers where the component spec numbers look good on paper but in fact the motherboards are nothing to shout about, but people don't notice cos it's new and shiny and better than their last one.

    The best way to pick bikes is to ride them, well, it's the only way.

    All I was doing is passing on a link I'd noticed which looked alright on paper for people who like Shimano (odd I noticed it as I can't stand Shimano myself, that goes for the way it looks and the way it feels in operation, they got the combination dead on for me to not want any of it ever again :) ).


    Why is the tone of your posts so condescending? Anyhow you raise some valid points. no one actually knows if a frame is made well from decent materials, people are relying on trust in the maufacturer. The R872 gets overwhelmingly positive reviews so that's why I am assuming it is a good product. The Ridley fram that the Verenti uses does not get such universal praise however if you check out the reviews.
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    Ignore the comments about the Ribble's or PX 'cheaper' carbon frames not being as good as the other brands.

    The majority of frames are made in the same (very large) factories - mostly in China - both the smaller brands and the big boys - most manufacturing is outsourced nowadays.

    There are some poor quality frames out there - which is why you'd go to Ribble, Planet X etc to weed out the good from the bad. You can also pick up great frames from EBay, but it's obviously more hit and miss.

    The Ribble R872 gets great reviews. I have the N2A and love it (but geometry maybe a little aggressive for some)

    It does make me laugh about these frames not being of the same quality if built unbranded. What some people don't seem to realise is that you get experience and expertise by designing and building frames, and it's very naive to think only the West have these skills, when the majority of the design and manufacturing is done in Asia.
    Simon
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Well said that man! People don't want to believe that the same frame sold by PX/Ribble can be painted up and stickered and sold for three times the price which automatically makes it "better". More fool them. I was in my LBS yesterday and mentioned I had bought an 872 to which I got the predictable sharp intake of breath. When they actually had a look at the spec and pictures online their view changed somewhat! Hard to convert people away from Giant, Specialised, Trek et al which is what they sell.
  • OfficerDigby
    OfficerDigby Posts: 110
    It's equally about the fit.

    E.g. There is massive difference in the position on the Ribble and the Verenti. The Verenti is much higher up.

    If you like the Ribble you have to work out if you would be comfortable at it's stack.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    Giant TCR Composite 1 is a good package at a little over your budget. Full 11spd Ultegra, good frame, good looks.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    maddog 2 wrote:
    Giant TCR Composite 1 is a good package at a little over your budget. Full 11spd Ultegra, good frame, good looks.
    i was thinking of his as 1 of my options, i could probably try this bike out, bike radar didnt give it the best rating, said the defy 1 was better all round
  • gabriel959
    gabriel959 Posts: 4,227
    I am a similar height to you, 6' 4 1/2" and 82kg. I couldn't ride the Ribble as even the biggest frame is too small for me. After getting measured I found out that most compact frames are not for me unfortunately. The Ridley on the other hand would be a much better fit although I am not too keen on the massive head tube. I suppose it would be ok if you prefer a more upright position though.

    I would take the reviews with a pinch of salt, the differences in between the defy and the tcr are all down to geometry, the materials and underlying technology are all the same. For my body shape, the TCR is a better fit.
    x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
    Commuting / Winter rides - Jamis Renegade Expert
    Pootling / Offroad - All-City Macho Man Disc
    Fast rides Cannondale SuperSix Ultegra
  • kingofthetailwind
    kingofthetailwind Posts: 575
    I've a similar budget, and I'm also thinking of the R872. My only concern is the geometry. As others have said above, there is nothing but glowing reviews of it online.

    Have you looked at Canyon? The new Ultimate CF SL looks pretty good. £1350 with 105 and Aksiums. Or £1700 with Athena and Ksyriums.
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    anyone think its a good idea, to not get ultegras, because the 105s set up right is just as good at shifting, brkes are marginally worse, then use that extra cash saved on some better wheels,

    anyone know if these are any good? Mavic Cosmic Elite Clincher Wheels Pair/ or Mavic Ksyrium Equipe S Clincher Wheels
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    I've a similar budget, and I'm also thinking of the R872. My only concern is the geometry. As others have said above, there is nothing but glowing reviews of it online.

    Have you looked at Canyon? The new Ultimate CF SL looks pretty good. £1350 with 105 and Aksiums. Or £1700 with Athena and Ksyriums.

    cant the issue with geometry be sorted out with setting up? havent really looked at the canyons although i do like the look of the athenas
  • gabriel959
    gabriel959 Posts: 4,227
    As I said before I am a similar height and even the biggest Ribble would be too small. I would get measured even if its by a friend. Competitive Cyclist offer this online tool which I found pretty useful in the past http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store ... orBike.jsp
    x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
    Commuting / Winter rides - Jamis Renegade Expert
    Pootling / Offroad - All-City Macho Man Disc
    Fast rides Cannondale SuperSix Ultegra
  • kingofthetailwind
    kingofthetailwind Posts: 575
    mitchfoster wrote:
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    I've a similar budget, and I'm also thinking of the R872. My only concern is the geometry. As others have said above, there is nothing but glowing reviews of it online.

    Have you looked at Canyon? The new Ultimate CF SL looks pretty good. £1350 with 105 and Aksiums. Or £1700 with Athena and Ksyriums.

    cant the issue with geometry be sorted out with setting up? havent really looked at the canyons although i do like the look of the athenas

    To an extent yes. A lot of the R872s I've seen on forums seem to have the full stack of spacers below the stem though. I'd take gabriel959's advice about being very careful about sizing. If the biggest R872 is too small maybe the Sportive Racing might be better. Seems to come in more sizes.

    This is the spec I came up with for a R872 - 105 instead of Ultegra, leaving more for better wheels. Everything I read says you'll notice better wheels more than a better groupset.

    Ribble R872 Carbon Road Frame 52.5cm C to top
    Shimano 105 (5700) Black 10 Spd Double Groupset
    Shimano RS80 24mm Carbon Laminate Clincher Wheels Pair 8/9/10 Shim
    ITM Triango Wing Carbon (31.8) Handlebars Black 42cm
    ITM Alutech 6061 (31.8) Stem Black 100mm
    Trivio Headset Spacers Alloy 1 1/8" Black 10mm
    Selle Italia XO Flow Saddle Black
    ITM Triango Wing Carbon Seatpillar Black 31.6 350mm
    Yaw Nitro Rigid Tyre Black/Black 700x23mm (Have Gatorskins to put on)
    Yaw Butyl Inner Tube 700x18/25 SV42mm
    Fizik Performance Bar Tape Black
    £1,543.80

    PX RT58 is also an option. They've changed the colour though. :|
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    mitchfoster wrote:
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    I've a similar budget, and I'm also thinking of the R872. My only concern is the geometry. As others have said above, there is nothing but glowing reviews of it online.

    Have you looked at Canyon? The new Ultimate CF SL looks pretty good. £1350 with 105 and Aksiums. Or £1700 with Athena and Ksyriums.

    cant the issue with geometry be sorted out with setting up? havent really looked at the canyons although i do like the look of the athenas

    To an extent yes. A lot of the R872s I've seen on forums seem to have the full stack of spacers below the stem though. I'd take gabriel959's advice about being very careful about sizing. If the biggest R872 is too small maybe the Sportive Racing might be better. Seems to come in more sizes.

    This is the spec I came up with for a R872 - 105 instead of Ultegra, leaving more for better wheels. Everything I read says you'll notice better wheels more than a better groupset.

    Ribble R872 Carbon Road Frame 52.5cm C to top
    Shimano 105 (5700) Black 10 Spd Double Groupset
    Shimano RS80 24mm Carbon Laminate Clincher Wheels Pair 8/9/10 Shim
    ITM Triango Wing Carbon (31.8) Handlebars Black 42cm
    ITM Alutech 6061 (31.8) Stem Black 100mm
    Trivio Headset Spacers Alloy 1 1/8" Black 10mm
    Selle Italia XO Flow Saddle Black
    ITM Triango Wing Carbon Seatpillar Black 31.6 350mm
    Yaw Nitro Rigid Tyre Black/Black 700x23mm (Have Gatorskins to put on)
    Yaw Butyl Inner Tube 700x18/25 SV42mm
    Fizik Performance Bar Tape Black
    £1,543.80

    PX RT58 is also an option. They've changed the colour though. :|

    nice build, cant find many reviews on the rs80's tho
  • tedmaul
    tedmaul Posts: 31
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    mitchfoster wrote:
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    PX RT58 is also an option. They've changed the colour though. :|

    They still do the black/stealth one as well. But you can also pick the new white/green one if you prefer. The fact these have the new 11 speed Ultegra as well is quite nice too.

    I'm also looking in this price range as well, and the R872 and RT58 are both pretty near the top of my list currently.
  • petemadoc
    petemadoc Posts: 2,331
    edited October 2013
    The Planet x RT58 with the new Ultegra looks like a great deal. The R872 is quite racey if that's what your after.

    Don't listen to people saying these bikes are rubbish. If you look around at what people are riding at amateur races there are loads of Planet x and ribbles about.
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    tedmaul wrote:
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    mitchfoster wrote:
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    PX RT58 is also an option. They've changed the colour though. :|

    They still do the black/stealth one as well. But you can also pick the new white/green one if you prefer. The fact these have the new 11 speed Ultegra as well is quite nice too.

    I'm also looking in this price range as well, and the R872 and RT58 are both pretty near the top of my list currently.
    i like the rt58 also, would have to have it in black but it looks a bit plain and boring, dont you agree?
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    PeteMadoc wrote:
    The Planet x RT58 with the new Ultegra looks like a great deal. The R872 is quite racey if that's what your after.

    Don't listen to people saying these bikes are rubbish. If you look around at what people are riding at amateur races there are loads of Planet x and ribbles about.
    PeteMadoc wrote:
    The Planet x RT58 with the new Ultegra looks like a great deal. The R872 is quite racey if that's what your after.

    Don't listen to people saying these bikes are rubbish. If you look around at what people are riding at amateur races there are loads of Planet x and ribbles about.

    Compare the geometry of the two frames, there is not a lot of difference. 5mm shorter tt on the RT-58, same size head tube and marginally slacker seat/head tube angles is all. Don't believe all the spiel on the PX site about it, the RT-58 is no relaxed sportive machine. I would have had one but there were none in stock at the time and it was £300 more for only a slightly better spec than the 872.
  • tedmaul
    tedmaul Posts: 31
    mitchfoster wrote:
    tedmaul wrote:
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    mitchfoster wrote:
    KingOfTheTailwind wrote:
    PX RT58 is also an option. They've changed the colour though. :|

    They still do the black/stealth one as well. But you can also pick the new white/green one if you prefer. The fact these have the new 11 speed Ultegra as well is quite nice too.

    I'm also looking in this price range as well, and the R872 and RT58 are both pretty near the top of my list currently.
    i like the rt58 also, would have to have it in black but it looks a bit plain and boring, dont you agree?

    I quite like the stealthy look. Although i do have a strange liking for the new white and green finish. Dunno if i'd get it and then change my mind in a months time though and decide it's too garish! :D
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    Does this tickle your fancy? (looks like XL is for people upto 6"6')

    http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBP ... _road_bike

    CBPXTIPRIV_P1.jpg

    Also the geometry looks a little more forgiving and guess it would be lovely for long days in the saddle.
    Simon
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    gabriel959 wrote:
    As I said before I am a similar height and even the biggest Ribble would be too small. I would get measured even if its by a friend. Competitive Cyclist offer this online tool which I found pretty useful in the past http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store ... orBike.jsp
    have you sat on 1? or tried 1? it says the largest frame is for 6''3 i know thats a inch shorter than me but say i get a longer stem?
  • mitchfoster
    mitchfoster Posts: 13
    gabriel959 wrote:
    I am a similar height to you, 6' 4 1/2" and 82kg. I couldn't ride the Ribble as even the biggest frame is too small for me. After getting measured I found out that most compact frames are not for me unfortunately. The Ridley on the other hand would be a much better fit although I am not too keen on the massive head tube. I suppose it would be ok if you prefer a more upright position though.

    I would take the reviews with a pinch of salt, the differences in between the defy and the tcr are all down to geometry, the materials and underlying technology are all the same. For my body shape, the TCR is a better fit.
    can you recommend any bikes?

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