Ribble carbon road bike, Sora groupset, Shimano 501 wheels. £549
Best carbon deal since forum fave Argos Ventura CP50?
Price with delivery after SHOP5 code £542.49
Also 2% quidco
Top comments
frakison to MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 164#7
For anyone who cares:
The Shimano Hierarchy
Shimano make quality components that fit out a good percentage of bikes in the pro peloton. However, they are fully aware that not everyone is willing or able to fork out for pro-worthy components. Groupsets begin with Claris – which is still good quality and hard-working, then work up to Dura Ace, which has a strong presence on the professional racing scene, and there are plenty of options along the way. Here’s a look at what you get for your cash at each level:
SHIMANO CLARIS:
Introduced around this time last year, Shimano Claris 2400 replaced the simply named entry level ‘2300’ groupset. With more and more people buying bikes for commuting and sportives, it became important for Shimano to focus on and at last provide a name for their entry level range.
Claris is 8 speed and comes in various configurations, with compact and triple options available. The range includes everything from shifters (shaped as per the next step up, Tiagra), to hubs and brake callipers. Shimano hope this will encourage bike manufacturers to spec a bike with the full Claris range, rather than swapping out components such as brakes for cheaper options.
SHIMANO SORA:
Fitted on the high majority of bikes in the £600 to £850 range, Sora groupsets have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.
What was once an 8 speed shifting system which used a lever to swipe to a bigger cog and a button to shift to a smaller cog, is now a 9 speed system with dual control. Dual control also features on the lower spec Claris, and just means all the shifting comes from the levers – which is simpler to use.
The Sora groupset can come in a compact or triple chainring configuration, and cassettes available range from a 14-25, through to the 11-32 which will have you sorted on a hilly ride.
Reach on the levers can be adjusted with extra spacers, and the entire system is painted in black.
SHIMANO TIAGRA:
Tiagra has long been the gearing of choice for sub £1k road bikes. Tiagra comes in 8, 9 and 10 speed (the addition of 10 speed came in 2012), and is available in double, triple and compact options.
Designed for entry level riders, Tiagra still offers crisp and sharp gear changes, and is robust enough to survive years of commuting, and tough sportives.
SHIMANO 105:
Moving up the scale, 105 is a popular choice that is ahead of the entry level options in terms of quality, weight and longevity, but not so much so that the price is too much of a deterrent. The most affordable of the Shimamo road groupsets not classed as ‘entry level’, 105 is a big seller and the difference from Tiagra will be noticeable with quicker shifting and stiffer crankset.
A 105 groupset isn’t too posh for commuting, but it won’t look out of place on the start line of a race. It’s a 10 speed groupset, and can be combined with a double, compact or triple chain ring. For 2015, 105 is going 11 speed, and a fair amount of 2012 Dura Ace technology has filtered down to the newest 105 systems.
At the 105 price point, you won’t have a window on the shifter to show you which gear you are in:
A carbon framed bike with Shimano 105 groupset will probably set you back about £1,500, whilst an alloy with 105 will probably come in at around £1,000.
SHIMANO ULTEGRA:
On the next rung of the ladder comes Shimano Ultegra, a strong favourite amongst racers and those after a strong, crisp shift, stiff cranks on the chianset, and prompt braking that bites the wheel rim.
The newest version of Ultegra is designed to be tuned to the rider – with an 11 speed cassette that can go from 11-23 (small gaps between gears, but smaller big ring so fewer low gears) to 11-32 – which will give a good range of smaller gears and would be used for either a very hilly sportive or cyclocross riding.
The Ultegra groupset is lighter than the cheaper options, and a shorter stroke at the lever makes shifting more effortless. Ultegra shifters offer a decisive click at the point of gear change for confidence inspiring assurance.
For those looking to step out of the mechanical world, and into electronic shifting, Ultegra is available with Di2 shifting.
SHIMANO DURA ACE:
Top of the range Dura Ace offers notably improved shifting which clicks securely into place at the effortless ping of the lever. Dura Ace, however, comes with a price tag to match its excellence.
Used by professional racers, Dura Ace offers the lightest Shimano components in the range, and the shifters are the most comfortable to ride due to careful ergonomic shaping.
For those wanting absolute perfection, Dura Ace can come equipped for electronic Di2 shifting, too.
So really, the groupset is as would be expected on a "branded" bike such as this?
chrisbass to MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 163#3
no sora is third in shimanos range
do you have any links to those other bikes?
All comments (31)
MAdam98
15 Jul 16#1
All in the frame.
MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 162#2
Sora Groupset is the cheapest of the Shimao range Rutland do many last year models for £499.99 with a carbon frame and better groupset. Don't be tempted just for the carbon
chrisbass to MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 163#3
no sora is third in shimanos range
do you have any links to those other bikes?
woz9us1 to MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 161#4
False and false
louthepoo to MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 161#6
No its not :laughing:
frakison to MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 164#7
For anyone who cares:
The Shimano Hierarchy
Shimano make quality components that fit out a good percentage of bikes in the pro peloton. However, they are fully aware that not everyone is willing or able to fork out for pro-worthy components. Groupsets begin with Claris – which is still good quality and hard-working, then work up to Dura Ace, which has a strong presence on the professional racing scene, and there are plenty of options along the way. Here’s a look at what you get for your cash at each level:
SHIMANO CLARIS:
Introduced around this time last year, Shimano Claris 2400 replaced the simply named entry level ‘2300’ groupset. With more and more people buying bikes for commuting and sportives, it became important for Shimano to focus on and at last provide a name for their entry level range.
Claris is 8 speed and comes in various configurations, with compact and triple options available. The range includes everything from shifters (shaped as per the next step up, Tiagra), to hubs and brake callipers. Shimano hope this will encourage bike manufacturers to spec a bike with the full Claris range, rather than swapping out components such as brakes for cheaper options.
SHIMANO SORA:
Fitted on the high majority of bikes in the £600 to £850 range, Sora groupsets have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.
What was once an 8 speed shifting system which used a lever to swipe to a bigger cog and a button to shift to a smaller cog, is now a 9 speed system with dual control. Dual control also features on the lower spec Claris, and just means all the shifting comes from the levers – which is simpler to use.
The Sora groupset can come in a compact or triple chainring configuration, and cassettes available range from a 14-25, through to the 11-32 which will have you sorted on a hilly ride.
Reach on the levers can be adjusted with extra spacers, and the entire system is painted in black.
SHIMANO TIAGRA:
Tiagra has long been the gearing of choice for sub £1k road bikes. Tiagra comes in 8, 9 and 10 speed (the addition of 10 speed came in 2012), and is available in double, triple and compact options.
Designed for entry level riders, Tiagra still offers crisp and sharp gear changes, and is robust enough to survive years of commuting, and tough sportives.
SHIMANO 105:
Moving up the scale, 105 is a popular choice that is ahead of the entry level options in terms of quality, weight and longevity, but not so much so that the price is too much of a deterrent. The most affordable of the Shimamo road groupsets not classed as ‘entry level’, 105 is a big seller and the difference from Tiagra will be noticeable with quicker shifting and stiffer crankset.
A 105 groupset isn’t too posh for commuting, but it won’t look out of place on the start line of a race. It’s a 10 speed groupset, and can be combined with a double, compact or triple chain ring. For 2015, 105 is going 11 speed, and a fair amount of 2012 Dura Ace technology has filtered down to the newest 105 systems.
At the 105 price point, you won’t have a window on the shifter to show you which gear you are in:
A carbon framed bike with Shimano 105 groupset will probably set you back about £1,500, whilst an alloy with 105 will probably come in at around £1,000.
SHIMANO ULTEGRA:
On the next rung of the ladder comes Shimano Ultegra, a strong favourite amongst racers and those after a strong, crisp shift, stiff cranks on the chianset, and prompt braking that bites the wheel rim.
The newest version of Ultegra is designed to be tuned to the rider – with an 11 speed cassette that can go from 11-23 (small gaps between gears, but smaller big ring so fewer low gears) to 11-32 – which will give a good range of smaller gears and would be used for either a very hilly sportive or cyclocross riding.
The Ultegra groupset is lighter than the cheaper options, and a shorter stroke at the lever makes shifting more effortless. Ultegra shifters offer a decisive click at the point of gear change for confidence inspiring assurance.
For those looking to step out of the mechanical world, and into electronic shifting, Ultegra is available with Di2 shifting.
SHIMANO DURA ACE:
Top of the range Dura Ace offers notably improved shifting which clicks securely into place at the effortless ping of the lever. Dura Ace, however, comes with a price tag to match its excellence.
Used by professional racers, Dura Ace offers the lightest Shimano components in the range, and the shifters are the most comfortable to ride due to careful ergonomic shaping.
For those wanting absolute perfection, Dura Ace can come equipped for electronic Di2 shifting, too.
So really, the groupset is as would be expected on a "branded" bike such as this?
MonkeyMan90
15 Jul 16#5
Just looked and the deals aren't on anymore they were for the 2015 models with ultegra 6600 groupset. Trouble with bikes is you have to be wanting to buy at the right time to get the best deal because they don't last long. I haven't voted either way as deals vary throughout the year
SpamJavelin
15 Jul 16#8
Pauper spec and a 6 year old frame. Not exactly cutting-edge and no bike snob value either!
MAdam98
16 Jul 16#9
Utter nonsense. Sorry.
Most bikes that cost from £600-£850 will be aluminium. A bike that costs that much is an absolute rip off unless it has at least Tiagra. A decent deal might be if it has 105 5800.
And an alloy bike with 105 will only cost £1000 if you buy it at a high price.
Not the greatest deal unless you want an older generic frame (will likely be a generic commercial mould) with a low end drivetrain.
morrig
16 Jul 161#10
Oh come off it you lot it's a good bike at a good price with the bragability off it been carbon and the ability to upgrade when and if to up grade.
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
Best carbon deal since forum fave Argos Ventura CP50?
Price with delivery after SHOP5 code £542.49
Also 2% quidco
Top comments
The Shimano Hierarchy
Shimano make quality components that fit out a good percentage of bikes in the pro peloton. However, they are fully aware that not everyone is willing or able to fork out for pro-worthy components. Groupsets begin with Claris – which is still good quality and hard-working, then work up to Dura Ace, which has a strong presence on the professional racing scene, and there are plenty of options along the way. Here’s a look at what you get for your cash at each level:
SHIMANO CLARIS:
Introduced around this time last year, Shimano Claris 2400 replaced the simply named entry level ‘2300’ groupset. With more and more people buying bikes for commuting and sportives, it became important for Shimano to focus on and at last provide a name for their entry level range.
Claris is 8 speed and comes in various configurations, with compact and triple options available. The range includes everything from shifters (shaped as per the next step up, Tiagra), to hubs and brake callipers. Shimano hope this will encourage bike manufacturers to spec a bike with the full Claris range, rather than swapping out components such as brakes for cheaper options.
SHIMANO SORA:
Fitted on the high majority of bikes in the £600 to £850 range, Sora groupsets have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.
What was once an 8 speed shifting system which used a lever to swipe to a bigger cog and a button to shift to a smaller cog, is now a 9 speed system with dual control. Dual control also features on the lower spec Claris, and just means all the shifting comes from the levers – which is simpler to use.
The Sora groupset can come in a compact or triple chainring configuration, and cassettes available range from a 14-25, through to the 11-32 which will have you sorted on a hilly ride.
Reach on the levers can be adjusted with extra spacers, and the entire system is painted in black.
SHIMANO TIAGRA:
Tiagra has long been the gearing of choice for sub £1k road bikes. Tiagra comes in 8, 9 and 10 speed (the addition of 10 speed came in 2012), and is available in double, triple and compact options.
Designed for entry level riders, Tiagra still offers crisp and sharp gear changes, and is robust enough to survive years of commuting, and tough sportives.
SHIMANO 105:
Moving up the scale, 105 is a popular choice that is ahead of the entry level options in terms of quality, weight and longevity, but not so much so that the price is too much of a deterrent. The most affordable of the Shimamo road groupsets not classed as ‘entry level’, 105 is a big seller and the difference from Tiagra will be noticeable with quicker shifting and stiffer crankset.
A 105 groupset isn’t too posh for commuting, but it won’t look out of place on the start line of a race. It’s a 10 speed groupset, and can be combined with a double, compact or triple chain ring. For 2015, 105 is going 11 speed, and a fair amount of 2012 Dura Ace technology has filtered down to the newest 105 systems.
At the 105 price point, you won’t have a window on the shifter to show you which gear you are in:
A carbon framed bike with Shimano 105 groupset will probably set you back about £1,500, whilst an alloy with 105 will probably come in at around £1,000.
SHIMANO ULTEGRA:
On the next rung of the ladder comes Shimano Ultegra, a strong favourite amongst racers and those after a strong, crisp shift, stiff cranks on the chianset, and prompt braking that bites the wheel rim.
The newest version of Ultegra is designed to be tuned to the rider – with an 11 speed cassette that can go from 11-23 (small gaps between gears, but smaller big ring so fewer low gears) to 11-32 – which will give a good range of smaller gears and would be used for either a very hilly sportive or cyclocross riding.
The Ultegra groupset is lighter than the cheaper options, and a shorter stroke at the lever makes shifting more effortless. Ultegra shifters offer a decisive click at the point of gear change for confidence inspiring assurance.
For those looking to step out of the mechanical world, and into electronic shifting, Ultegra is available with Di2 shifting.
SHIMANO DURA ACE:
Top of the range Dura Ace offers notably improved shifting which clicks securely into place at the effortless ping of the lever. Dura Ace, however, comes with a price tag to match its excellence.
Used by professional racers, Dura Ace offers the lightest Shimano components in the range, and the shifters are the most comfortable to ride due to careful ergonomic shaping.
For those wanting absolute perfection, Dura Ace can come equipped for electronic Di2 shifting, too.
So really, the groupset is as would be expected on a "branded" bike such as this?
do you have any links to those other bikes?
All comments (31)
do you have any links to those other bikes?
The Shimano Hierarchy
Shimano make quality components that fit out a good percentage of bikes in the pro peloton. However, they are fully aware that not everyone is willing or able to fork out for pro-worthy components. Groupsets begin with Claris – which is still good quality and hard-working, then work up to Dura Ace, which has a strong presence on the professional racing scene, and there are plenty of options along the way. Here’s a look at what you get for your cash at each level:
SHIMANO CLARIS:
Introduced around this time last year, Shimano Claris 2400 replaced the simply named entry level ‘2300’ groupset. With more and more people buying bikes for commuting and sportives, it became important for Shimano to focus on and at last provide a name for their entry level range.
Claris is 8 speed and comes in various configurations, with compact and triple options available. The range includes everything from shifters (shaped as per the next step up, Tiagra), to hubs and brake callipers. Shimano hope this will encourage bike manufacturers to spec a bike with the full Claris range, rather than swapping out components such as brakes for cheaper options.
SHIMANO SORA:
Fitted on the high majority of bikes in the £600 to £850 range, Sora groupsets have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.
What was once an 8 speed shifting system which used a lever to swipe to a bigger cog and a button to shift to a smaller cog, is now a 9 speed system with dual control. Dual control also features on the lower spec Claris, and just means all the shifting comes from the levers – which is simpler to use.
The Sora groupset can come in a compact or triple chainring configuration, and cassettes available range from a 14-25, through to the 11-32 which will have you sorted on a hilly ride.
Reach on the levers can be adjusted with extra spacers, and the entire system is painted in black.
SHIMANO TIAGRA:
Tiagra has long been the gearing of choice for sub £1k road bikes. Tiagra comes in 8, 9 and 10 speed (the addition of 10 speed came in 2012), and is available in double, triple and compact options.
Designed for entry level riders, Tiagra still offers crisp and sharp gear changes, and is robust enough to survive years of commuting, and tough sportives.
SHIMANO 105:
Moving up the scale, 105 is a popular choice that is ahead of the entry level options in terms of quality, weight and longevity, but not so much so that the price is too much of a deterrent. The most affordable of the Shimamo road groupsets not classed as ‘entry level’, 105 is a big seller and the difference from Tiagra will be noticeable with quicker shifting and stiffer crankset.
A 105 groupset isn’t too posh for commuting, but it won’t look out of place on the start line of a race. It’s a 10 speed groupset, and can be combined with a double, compact or triple chain ring. For 2015, 105 is going 11 speed, and a fair amount of 2012 Dura Ace technology has filtered down to the newest 105 systems.
At the 105 price point, you won’t have a window on the shifter to show you which gear you are in:
A carbon framed bike with Shimano 105 groupset will probably set you back about £1,500, whilst an alloy with 105 will probably come in at around £1,000.
SHIMANO ULTEGRA:
On the next rung of the ladder comes Shimano Ultegra, a strong favourite amongst racers and those after a strong, crisp shift, stiff cranks on the chianset, and prompt braking that bites the wheel rim.
The newest version of Ultegra is designed to be tuned to the rider – with an 11 speed cassette that can go from 11-23 (small gaps between gears, but smaller big ring so fewer low gears) to 11-32 – which will give a good range of smaller gears and would be used for either a very hilly sportive or cyclocross riding.
The Ultegra groupset is lighter than the cheaper options, and a shorter stroke at the lever makes shifting more effortless. Ultegra shifters offer a decisive click at the point of gear change for confidence inspiring assurance.
For those looking to step out of the mechanical world, and into electronic shifting, Ultegra is available with Di2 shifting.
SHIMANO DURA ACE:
Top of the range Dura Ace offers notably improved shifting which clicks securely into place at the effortless ping of the lever. Dura Ace, however, comes with a price tag to match its excellence.
Used by professional racers, Dura Ace offers the lightest Shimano components in the range, and the shifters are the most comfortable to ride due to careful ergonomic shaping.
For those wanting absolute perfection, Dura Ace can come equipped for electronic Di2 shifting, too.
So really, the groupset is as would be expected on a "branded" bike such as this?
Most bikes that cost from £600-£850 will be aluminium. A bike that costs that much is an absolute rip off unless it has at least Tiagra. A decent deal might be if it has 105 5800.
And an alloy bike with 105 will only cost £1000 if you buy it at a high price.
Not the greatest deal unless you want an older generic frame (will likely be a generic commercial mould) with a low end drivetrain.