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New Bike or upgrade Components?

by blueshoe5000
Mon, Dec 29, 2014 12:57
4

Hi All,
I'm new to the forum but have been riding for around 6 years. I mainly use my bike which is a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Veloce Compact 2011 for a daily commute to and from work, 5 days a week. My commute is 12 miles each way. There’s very little wrong with my existing bike and it has been great from the day I bought here from new 4 years ago.

Now I need some advice........

This year I've opted into a work scheme again and have £1000 burning a hole in pocket. 1

My intention was to buy an alloy frame donor bike from Ribble with Shimano Ultegra groupset and treat my existing steed to a component upgrade. The donor bike would go to the SOH. All in, it’s approx £1000 and I am able to swap the components out. I'm aware of the T&C's for a cycle voucher before anyone asks. 3

Now I don’t need a new bike, but can’t help but keep looking at the Ribble Aero 883 which is approx £1279+60 admin fee. I've never had a carbon bike, but I love the look, the integrated cabling, and the direct mount brakes. Do I buy this and keep both bikes?

I don't have an issue with spending the extra £300 nor swapping components on the bikes. What should I do? What would you do and why?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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4 comments

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Daveyraveygravey | 10 years ago
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I'd get the new bike. I'm also looking at a CTW purchase, and the actual choosing the bike is a great process, for me anyway. I've had my ebay special for 2 years, done nearly 11,000 miles on it in that time and love it, but if something new comes along, it will be back on ebay to appease the wife!

I wouldn't worry that the new one is too good for the commute or not forgiving; it's only 12 miles each so not like you'll have to spend all day in the saddle. I would keep the old one for the worse months of the year though.

Avatar
blueshoe5000 | 10 years ago
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glynr36 wrote:

Can't think why you'd want to commute on an aero bike, with race geo, and it won't offer very forgiving ride at all.
There are far better ways you could spend your £1300 for a bike that'll be mainly used on the commute, regardless of how much you like the, the other option would be better (though why not keep the new frame? Instead of a 4 year old?)

If it were only those two options I'd go for the Alu framed Ribble, but keep the Ribble frame.
If it were another option I'd look for something more commute suitable.

thanks for the reply glynr36. You’re right, it’s not the most forgiving but it does fit like a glove and is light (carbon forks and seat stays) I’ve not really looked into the commuter options but would be open to suggestions if you have any thoughts?
For me I guess I'm still fairly young and prefer the cooler quicker looking bike. Aesthetics play part too and for me the Bianchi is a good looking bike 1 I know this is entirely subjective! 3

I thought I’d keep the frame as I think it’s pretty light approx 11kg with the few carbon bits it has. If the Alu frame/build is lighter I'd keep that one.

the Kaner wrote:

You could also go Ribble with a campag build, if you like campag components...
I'd take the 883 and use that (with Ultegra), as I already run Shimano - as is.
But... I also already have a winter bike (Kona Jake)...I'd make my current Ribble Sportive Racing (also with Ultegra) my winter bike and pass the Kona on to my son/daughter...and feel resplendent as I rode the 883 on nice clear days...but then again I always did fancy a Canyon....and I don't have C2W at my disposal....
Glad I don't have that decision to make...(it's all n+1, in theory...anyway, isn't it???)

Haha Kaner I won't be sucked into the whole Campag Shimano debate. I wouldn't want the thread going off topic 1

I'm indifferent as to which groupset I go with. I really liked my Tiagra setup on my Allez back in the day. The Veloce on my current setup has been superb once it was correctly indexed and adjusted. I do think that Campag haven't done anything groundbreaking with their components recently. Also love the Shimano 4 arm crank (the basebuild 883 with 105 groupset includes this)

The 883 with Ultegra comps come in at £1500 just a bit too much for me 1
Indeed it is always n+1. I've resisted the urge to upgrade for 4 years!

Avatar
The _Kaner | 10 years ago
0 likes

You could also go Ribble with a campag build, if you like campag components...
I'd take the 883 and use that (with Ultegra), as I already run Shimano - as is.
But... I also already have a winter bike (Kona Jake)...I'd make my current Ribble Sportive Racing (also with Ultegra) my winter bike and pass the Kona on to my son/daughter...and feel resplendent as I rode the 883 on nice clear days...but then again I always did fancy a Canyon....and I don't have C2W at my disposal....
Glad I don't have that decision to make...(it's all n+1, in theory...anyway, isn't it???)

Avatar
glynr36 | 10 years ago
0 likes

Can't think why you'd want to commute on an aero bike, with race geo, and it won't offer very forgiving ride at all.
There are far better ways you could spend your £1300 for a bike that'll be mainly used on the commute, regardless of how much you like the, the other option would be better (though why not keep the new frame? Instead of a 4 year old?)

If it were only those two options I'd go for the Alu framed ribble, but keep the ribble frame.
If it were another option I'd look for something more commute suitable.

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