Dolan V's Ribble, first road bike

Kenno31

Evening all,
This is my first post having got the biking bug.
I'm currently using my specialized Cross trail disk for my commute and get fit regime, but I'm looking to get my first road bike, my commute is only 7 miles each way, and I currently use a mixture of road and canal toe path, as I have a few big climbs if I use the roads all the way.
However I am getting fitter and these hills are looking more appealing ( especially with the recent events on the canal)
I can also take advantage of the cycle to work scheme if I make my mind up pretty quickly,
I've been looking about and have come across both Ribble cycles and Dolan,
I fancy the shimano 105 5800 group set, witch is within reach on both bikes, but I'd like any advice on either
Thanks in advance

pippi_langsamer-2

There's nothing wrong with either Ribble or Dolan, but you would do well to extend your search waaay wider than just those two.

Budget?

sloppyschleckonds

[quote="Pippi Langsamer

Budget?

Kenno31"]
I can also take advantage of the cycle to work scheme if I make my mind up pretty quickly,
[/quote]

pippi_langsamer-2

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19623288#p19623288]SloppySchleckonds[/url] wrote:

[quote="Pippi Langsamer

Budget?

Kenno31"]
I can also take advantage of the cycle to work scheme if I make my mind up pretty quickly,

[/quote]

What does that mean?

Our C2W scheme limit is £2500

Fill yer boots then Kenno!

Kenno31

My cycle to work scheme is only up £1000 and we can not add too it.
To be honest I'd hope to get a pretty good upgrade for road miles compared to my specialised cross trail disk.

Also I'm not tied to either the Dolan or ribble, I just think they look fantastic value for money, obviously if I can get a better bike for my money I'll be more than happy.

pippi_langsamer-2

Couple for comparison:

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIVHRD/planet-x-london-road-sram-rival-22-hydraulic-disc-road-bike
(Probably the most popular and best vfm "do it all", bike of the moment).

Also:

http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-x20-105-11-speed-alloy-cyclocross-bike-75146.html

Kenno31

Thanks, I'll have a look at those today

m14eyd

The R872 105 special edition looks like a good deal, leaves a wee bit of wiggle room for specing a Carbon Seatpost / pedals etc

Note - I'm biased as I got a R872 when I started cycling 2ish months ago

Edit - also check out the De Rosa R838 vs the ribble - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/de-rosa-r838-105-5800-2015/

hegyestomi

Just check which scheme your company is affiliated with: mine only had Evans and I pushed them to enrol to C2W.
Some companies charge a certain percentage for using a third party scheme: check out before deciding.
Also a good few of them do pricematch: if you see a bike you like but can't use your vouchers at that retailer you can approach another company who would take the vouchers and stock the same bike.
Some useful info here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/guide-to-the-cycle-to-work-scheme-18360/

Kenno31

Thanks everyone, I must first of all say how happy I am with the forum and how helpful everybody is, not only in response to my query but also in most of the other post I've read,
Although you have actually made my choice harder as you opened up my eyes to even more options.
All good tho, and I'll be sure to let you know what I decide on

maharg22

Just throwing a curve ball here

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/hoy/sa-calobra-003-2015-road-bike-ec072475#features

I have the 004 and love it,

m14eyd

Oh and there's the Mach 720 from Decathlon;

http://road.cc/content/review/154399-btwin-mach-720