Next Bike Advice

greglogan

OK, so here goes.............

I'm getting ready to buy my next bike. I've narrowed it down to the following and am looking for your opinions on which is the better, based on your personal experience.

Ribble R872 105 SE £ 1074 inc upgrades to wheels and seatpost
Felt F4 Ultegra 2016 £ 1350 standard

I've been back cycling for about 18 months and I'm loving it. I'm able to manage about 80 miles a week without killing myself - I live halfway up a hill so I can't win no matter which way I go. I had been using a Cube Attain SL 2016 (105) with 50/34 + 11/32 and am a bit worried that these bikes are offered with 11/25 or at best 11/28.

So, whats your thoughts?

thanks

Greg.

cougie

Any decent shop will swap the gearing to suit for either a very small cost or free. Don't buy a Bike that's wrong for you.

greglogan

Yeah I know it can be swapped, it's just trying to avoid further cost. In most cases, to go to 11/32, I'll need a longer dereilleur as well as the cassette.

Hendrix2430

Honestly 11-28 would be plenty with a 50-34 for almost anything... unless you live on mont Ventoux

gaffer_slow

Hendrix2430 wrote:

Honestly 11-28 would be plenty with a 50-34 for almost anything... unless you live on mont Ventoux

this is not true.

letap73

greglogan wrote:

Yeah I know it can be swapped, it's just trying to avoid further cost. In most cases, to go to 11/32, I'll need a longer dereilleur as well as the cassette.

I think you are correct here - assuming you are not set on your choices - then I think you should consider the Dolan range of bikes:

https://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-b ... -5800.html

They allow for greater customisation - therefore you can definitely get an 11-32 with any option.

svetty

A 105 cassette costs peanuts - and you could sell the original for a fair chunk of what you'd pay. You'll likely find that the existing rear mech will actually work fine with a 32 sprocket but again you could sell the original to cover the cost of replacing it if necessary. These are not big issues and not something that would put me off a bike that is otherwise ideal for my needs and my wallet.

dannbodge

I went from a 11-32 to an 11-28 and found there to be very little difference.
If anything it will make you stronger and faster.

meursault

The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.

Having said that, getting a new bike depends on a lot of personal factors, not just gear ratios.

Frame geometry - What are using it for, commute/race/fun etc.
Spec - How light or smooth do you want gear changes and components.
Value for money
Looks

I just bought a new Cannondale Synapse because it met all the needs above. Determine what you are using bike for, then research best fit.

ryan_w-2

gaffer_slow wrote:

Hendrix2430 wrote:

Honestly 11-28 would be plenty with a 50-34 for almost anything... unless you live on mont Ventoux

this is not true.

You would spin out before finding anywhere in the UK too steep for a 34/28T...

I've been all over the UK, on long 25% climbs, and at 90kg+ found 39/28T to be fine.