first road bike dilemma

Just in case you're wondering, Wiliers are pretty much as common as Ribbles where I live; that is, I see them just as often. Not frequently, but it's noticeable.

Depends on how rubbish the spec is to be honest: the best - and most boring - piece of advice I'd give would be: test the bike!

Personally I'd choose a 2010 Raleigh, although the Ribble Bianco and the New Sportive are stunning bikes. And actually, 2010 Bianchis should be going cheap too; I would choose Bianchi over Colnago/Wilier.

But you know, the main objects of importance are the wheels and frame. I could imagine myself enjoying an entry level Italian as much as a better equipped Ribble. And in fact I prefer climbing on my cheap steel Raleigh rather than the much lighter Carrera, because when you're out of the saddle the front is much more steady, and it's lower down. So even if the bike is 'objectively' better, that may not be enough, 'subjectively'.

Ah, but you say that you're getting another addition to the fleet: you look like a prospective n+1 cyclist. Then, I'd get a super cheap as chips old school steel frame for under 200 quid, play the **** out of it, and then get something much more expensive - like a serious Wilier/Colnago. Not only will you appreciate the ride of your new ride much more, but you will be able to tinker with your bike in a risk-free way. And at least you'll have an excuse when you're scalped :twisted:

In my opinion the lower end Wiliers etc are like cart horses. They look great but just try picking them up (book a session with a physio first!). The top end models are dream machines and lovely to ride, the entry level ones simply make up the numbers.

If you want a new bike around the £1k mark I don't think there's any competition at the moment for Ribble and Planet X. That's where my money would go without any hesitation.

Peter

Ribble. 8)