Alternative to Ribble frames

Robertd_07

I'm planning on building up a drop-bar commuter for the winter, using existing/second hand parts in the majority.

I've been looking at the Ribble Winter/Audax frame to base it all around, as my primary requirement is that it must take full mudguards.

Are there any other alternatives I could consider, that will take full mudguards?

lennymc

i got the ribble 525 recently and am quite happy with it. The only other alternative that would do what I wanted (race geometry, full mudguards, panniers) was the dolan prefisio. After that you are into the likes of the surly cross check. The surly pacer, genesis (cant rememeber the name) and a few other steel bikes only have one rear mount for mudguard/pannier. Do a search for a thread called "if you were building a commuter" - lots of info in there

Seaneh

Planet X Kaffenback 2 is a decent alternative. Stel frame and fork, rack and munguard mounts, Clarence for chunky tires, disc or canti mounts.

Seaneh

Kona Honky Tonk frameset is an option if you want a more racey bike. Takes up to 28mm tires as well.

Robertd_07

Thanks for all the input.
While my primary requirement is taking mudguards, another one would be interchangeability of parts (wheels etc) between my new commuter and my existing bike.

I feel that having a bit of spare capacity in parts is useful in keeping me on the road Monday to Friday.

I followed the "if you were building a commuter" thread with interest, but I feel a Kaffenbach is a little outside my pricerange right now, and there would be no interchanging parts.

Pinch Flat

You tried Dolan? Couldn't fault the preffisio frame for a work horse no nonsense commuter / winter bike

Idleater

Soma. Even the race smoothie takes mudguards.

macnab

Another vote for the Dolan Proffisio, I built one for a mate recently and thought it was a nice frame. A bit heavy at 1950g for the 56cm frame but no porker. I should add that its quite low on the front so an uncut steerer or a high stem would be needed if you prefer a more relaxed geometry.

krissovo

I commute now with a surly cross check, its a lump of bike but can take any abuse and rock solid handling. I have mudguards, 28c tyres, rack and panniers which take my fat ass, work clothes and laptop.

I also have a genesis equilibrium, much sportier/lighter as it has renyolds 725 frame but can take mudguards with 28c tyres. More expensive but very nice, if I was more clued in I would have bought a croix de fer which would have suited me for commute and leisure.

Robertd_07

Damn it. I thought that asking the question here would help resolve matters in my head, but it's only made things worse.
That equilibirium frame looks fab. If it was €100 cheaper, decision would be made.

Can anyone tell me, does the prefisso really take full mudguards?
Just looking at the image on the website, it looks very tight.

Pinch Flat

Robertd_07 wrote: »

Can anyone tell me, does the prefisso really take full mudguards?
Just looking at the image on the website, it looks very tight.

Have a look at the built up preffisio on the Dolan website. Takes sks bluemels - must admit I had race blades on mine. But will take full sized ones

wendell borton

The equilibrium is nice, regreted not getting one last year when it came in a lonely copper colour.

Pinch Flat

Btw if you are thinking Dolan, have a look at their eBay site. Totally legit for clearing frames - some odd ball sizes - but I picked up a 56cm preffisio for around €150 delivered this way