Ribble or Planet X

onmebike

I'm looking to replace my old carbon bike. Budget isn't huge, so I'm looking at the lower end of the market, but I'm looking for a carbon frame and the 105 groupset.

The two that I've found that look best are:

Ribble Gran Fondo
Damn - can't post a link

Planet X Pro Carbon
Double damn - can't post a link

Which would you choose? I have a slight preference for the Ribble. Components seem to be similar enough and I think it's just that bit nicer looking.

In terms of alternatives, I know that the Cube Agree comes in a bit cheaper and would fulfil my spec 'requirements', but there's something about the Cube that just doesn't really appeal to me. I can't put my finger on it.

All thoughts/experiences welcome.

topcat77

I've the Planet X Pro Carbon.

I bought the frame set when it was down to €350 last year and built the bike myself.

the first thing I found was that the frame is extremely comfortable, it handles very well and i think it's a nice bike to look at.

I'm very happy with the frame to such an extent that i don't feel bike envy when out cycling in a group (maybe wheel set envy?). Very contented cyclist :):):)


I've even been tempted a couple of times to buy another frame set as backup when it's been on offer. been through about 4 different frames in the last 6 years (selling & buying) and it's by far the nicest I've ridden.

Just a point I'm 5'11 & 70kg so i couldn't say what it's like for the heavy. cyclist.

onmebike

That's good to hear. I'm on the heavier end of the spectrum - 6 foot and over 90kg. That weight is starting to come down though. Did you get the frame through PlanetX Ireland in Athlone? If so, how were they to deal with?

topcat77

i bought direct from planet x uk. I've bought a good number i items off them over that last few years and no problems.

marcofan

i was down in planext x in athlone last week they have a huge amount of stock in so at least you could see what you are buying before you buy as oppose to the ribble

RobFowl

Both nice and good enough quality. Go for whichever you prefer the look of ...

onthefringe

onmebike wrote: »

That's good to hear. I'm on the heavier end of the spectrum - 6 foot and over 90kg. That weight is starting to come down though. Did you get the frame through PlanetX Ireland in Athlone? If so, how were they to deal with?

Well I'd pass on the ribble then....bought one a few years back to build up for winter..man the Front of it was flexy...and im close to your dimensions....
Didn't inspire any confidence....stripped it and sold it to whippet who loved it !
Cheap carbon is nowhere near as good as good aluminium ...don't rule it out.

onmebike

onthefringe wrote: »

Well I'd pass on the ribble then....bought one a few years back to build up for winter..man the Front of it was flexy...and im close to your dimensions....
Didn't inspire any confidence....stripped it and sold it to whippet who loved it !
Cheap carbon is nowhere near as good as good aluminium ...don't rule it out.

That's interesting about the Ribble.

When you talk about a good aluminium, do you have any suggestions? For within the same budget, including 105 groupset, I saw an Orbea Avant H30 and a Thompson 8200. Weight isn't important to me - as my body has more excess than a bike will - but the comfort that I'd expect from a carbon frame is important. I know there's other things at play, but my now dead Focus Cayo was much more comfortable on a long ride than my alu hybrid.

ford2600

onmebike wrote: »

That's interesting about the Ribble.

When you talk about a good aluminium, do you have any suggestions? For within the same budget, including 105 groupset, I saw an Orbea Avant H30 and a Thompson 8200. Weight isn't important to me - as my body has more excess than a bike will - but the comfort that I'd expect from a carbon frame is important. I know there's other things at play, but my now dead Focus Cayo was much more comfortable on a long ride than my alu hybrid.

http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-r1-4.0-239502/wg_id-3526

Sell the Aksiums and but dt swiss r23 or whatever it is canyon fit to their endurance model

onthefringe

onmebike wrote: »

That's interesting about the Ribble.

When you talk about a good aluminium, do you have any suggestions? For within the same budget, including 105 groupset, I saw an Orbea Avant H30 and a Thompson 8200. Weight isn't important to me - as my body has more excess than a bike will - but the comfort that I'd expect from a carbon frame is important. I know there's other things at play, but my now dead Focus Cayo was much more comfortable on a long ride than my alu hybrid.

What s your budget ???

onmebike

onthefringe wrote: »

What s your budget ???

The Planet X and Ribble are both 1300. Taking bike to work into account, I'm prepared to stretch that far, but that's the limit.

ckeego

I have a Ribble-the R872, which I bought as frame only last year.

Can't fault it-great frame-stiff and very responsive..You will find another few on here with the same bike, Plastik for one who has a lovely picture of his up Kippure.

Both of us race them-he just goes a lot faster!!!:rolleyes:

They have a newer model with high grade Toray T7/800 carbon called the Sportive Racing, which looks the dog's danglies..Comes in around your budget depending on build

Kidding aside, they are a great frame-maybe not as good value as before with the sterling exchange rate at the moment-but for a full build, they still offer very good bang for your buck.

You should also consider Canyon-as a euro zone brand, you are not affected by the poor euro at the moment-very popular and highly rated bikes and you see a lot more of them around.

It's a good time of the year to be buying too, with the 2016 bikes being released, there are some good reductions on this year's stock.

Best of luck!

onmebike

I looked at Canyon, but the CF7 (if I recall correctly) was about €100 extra and just that bit beyond budget. I have to draw a line somewhere :-)

The Sportive Racing, with 105, is up at a similar price to the Canyon, so that's probably just out of reach. Nice looking bike though.

rtmie

If a 56 frame suits you could look at this sensa-lombardia-limited-edition from Merlin, €1139 +p&p, carbon with 105