Just been for the first proper ride on my new bike, so I thought I’d share. Having decided that almost all my road cycling is in winter, I thought I’d get a proper winter bike, with mudguards. I also fancy a bit of lightweight, yha style touring in the summer, so after much thought decided I needed an audax style bike. So I sold my old frame and bought a new steel Ribble, as it seemed to be just what I was after. I put the Campag Veloce kit, wheels etc from the old bike on, and bought a Carradice saddlebag to complete the look. It’s not too heavy for what it’s going to be used for, and seems to be really comfortable. Rides nicely too, not sluggish at all. So if any of you are thinking of getting one of these frames, do so. It’s really well finished, looks great and rides well. Here’s a pic – it’s redder in real life. Oh, and despite the roads being wet, I came home with a dry bum; result 🙂
Simon, the’re 25c tyes, and I’d say that’s the max. The Mudguards are the SKS Longboard ones. When I fitted them I thought “I’m going to have to shorten these”. However, the black bit is really flexible, going down a kerb it just folds out of the way. And they really keep your feet dry.
The guards are SKS Longboards.
I’ve just fitted some, and they work well; the long front channels water away particularly well at the trailing end. The only problem I’ve found is that the front bottoms out when rolling bigger kerbs or steps, but it’s a flexible rubber flap which bends and springs back, so not a major problem.
FWIW, if anyone is looking for a cheap winter bike check out the old Genesis Aethers.
I’ve got one running full guards (Vavert ones) and 28mm Gatorksins and there’s still plenty of space in there, I imagine you could fit bigger tyres still.
I’ve found it to be comfy, nice to ride and reliable over the last few years.
They are also nice and cheap second hand.