Buy a full bike, like a Scott Foil 40, keep the frame which is ace and the same as most of the upper models, use the kit from it for a winter bike, or ebay to reduce overall cost. Far better value to buy a bike than frame only I reckon. That option would be £2199.99 RRP for the bike but it would defo be a step up from the Ribble. I had a days test on one last summer, it is noticeably quick!
Hadn't thought of buying a full bike. Cheers. Been looking at canyon and stuff, and it's upwards of £1200 for a frame.. Might make sense to go for that.
There is very little out there between Ribble/Planet X etc at sub 1K and pretty full on exotica at 2k+.
The new Px N2 would be worth a look or even the Ribble Stealth.
I was in the same boat and F&F from mainstream manufacturers seem very poor value for money.
I've ended up getting a Giant TCR Sl isp frameset a bit cheaper than the list price!It is the stiffest thing I have ever ridden!!!I've also gone from rs80 24mm to rs80 50mm to carbon 50mm tubs.The tubs are the best being the weight of the 24's but as stiff and slippy feeling as the 50's.But tyres are £70 & a PIA to mount (I won't use tape again).And you're screwed if you flat ,which has'nt happened yet with latex in them but it's always in my mind.
What about one of these: http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FRPXROT57/planet_x_rt_57_carbon_road_frame_and_fork
It looks like it would be stiff - Big stays, big BB shell, tapered steerer etc.
I used to have a Planet X carbon SL and bought a frame and fork from Deng Fu cycles, it was only £315 but its alot stiffer than the PX (with the same wheelset). Instantly noticeable.
