Does anyone know anything about these? A mate is after a good value carbon road bike for general riding as well as triathlons. These seem like good value for money (Ultegra-equiped for £1,100) but I have no idea if they are any good or what “sportive geometry” means.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/SpecialEditionBikes.asp

Sportive usually means ‘like a race bike but a bit taller at the front for you ‘ahem’ older gents who can’t bend over’.

I’ve got something similar…

But…………………………..

Ultegra is a dear do, and so they have to be making savings somewhere, so I would suggest looking around at similar Ultegra equipped bikes at the same sort of price.

These always get recommended – http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/C18_Offer_SL_Pro_Carbon_-_Medium.html

I had the non carbon superlight and it was nice and fast and reasonably comfortable.

The mate in question is about 6’5″ but a fairly sprightly 34 years old. A longer headtube therefore might not be a problem.

grumm – thanks for the recommendation. I have mentioned the Planet X bike already so it is on the list. Ta

I would suggest that you’d probably be better off going to a LBS that sells road bikes and getting your 34 yo mate to try some out and get their advice.

aP – good advice but unfortunately the LBS’s tend not to sell such good vfm bikes. Of course, there is nothing stopping him getting the advice and buying elsewhere…

I’ll leave it up to you then, I know what I’d do.

aP is right, it doesn’t make sense,imo to part with over £1000 on anyones recomendation on here. By all means take advice but you can’t beat going to a good LBS, a poorly fitted inappropriate bike is not a good VFM.

I’ve been looking at one for the CTW scheme.

The price is the same as their nero corsa which has had nothing but good reviews.

So I expect (hope) that this carbon frame is as good as the nero corsa

If Preston is’nt that far away then you can always pop into the shop and they will check out the sizing for you on their little jig thing.