Ride215

Currently, I have the new '21 Orbea Orca M30 (OMR) on order. It has a full 105 drivetrain and the base level carbon frame for $2400 US. The problem is, it isn't expected to ship until next Spring.

I recently discovered Ribble bikes. I know they've been around for a while but you just don't see much about them in the States (at least I haven't). They let you customize your bikes aesthetics for only $326. With the same 105 drivetrain and the additional upgrades of a D shaped carbon seat post, an integrated carbon aero cockpit and custom paint the Endurance SL model is only $350 more. The main demerit points are a 3 year warranty over lifetime on the Orbea. I work on my own stuff, so not having factory shop support isn't a big deal to me and the Ribble has a threaded BB.

It seems I'd get my hands on it before the end of the calendar year as well. Should I roll the dice on the Ribble or keep the Orbea order and just wait it out?

Bob the Mech

Ribble Bikes (based in Preston, Lancashire, UK) has a very healthy folllowing in the UK and a very good rep. Quality wise it's up there with the best of them IMO.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/review...urance-sl-disc
https://www.facebook.com/RibbleCycles/

blakcloud

Wouldn't it just be easier to purchase a bike in America, preferably in Philadelphia? The bike won't be damaged in transit, or at least it won't be when you pick it up. You might be even able to test drive the model before you buy. If I had to chose a bike that was ordered and I lived in the US, I would chose Canyon over Ribble. They have a 30 day trial period which you won't get with the Ribble. The other thing that you might want to consider is if you ever are in the habit of reselling your old bikes is the Ribble will be a harder sell than a brand that can be easily had in the US. Not knocking the Ribble bike because I have never head or read anything bad about the bike, I am thinking more about logistics than anything else.

Ride215

Of course it would be easier to get something locally. If I stick with the Ordea order, I'd be picking up it nearby. Canyon and the Giant TCR Advance Pro 2 Compact were my options initially before I saw the '21 Orbea. The Ultimate and Endurace 7.0 (and TCR) have more boring designs than the other options which is why I kept looking. The Ribble would be much more unique and you wouldn't see a ton of people with it (much like the Orbea). Oh and Ribble does indeed have a 30 day "test ride" on standard builds at least. You'd just pay a restocking fee.

Good points about re-sale but I'm willing to take a risk. I'd keep the bike for a while as long as it's great.

Ride215

Thanks Bob. I'm really close to giving them a shot!

Germanrazor

I don’t know anything of Ribble but I have owned Orbea and to me, they are the best bikes I have owned. Great geometry and just a sweet ride.

I understand the not wanting to deal with a long wait.....it’s ridiculous quite honestly what is happening. Weigh the options and make a sound decision. Good luck.

Bob the Mech

It's true brand wise, Ribble is a bit of an unknow quantity over the pond.

Steve B.

Waiting till November will be the hardest part, then winter shuts down riding till spring anyway, so maybe the waitIn till spring will not be intolerable.

Ride215

That's usually true however our winters have been milder and milder as of late. We had some pretty good weather even in December the last few years. I have cold weather kit already so I'd could still sneak some rides in over the "cold" months.

a1penguin

If you purchase an "assembled" bike from UK, be prepared to pay import duty tax! Low bike inventory right now is unfortunate, but hopefully people will continue to bike after the pandemic.

DaveSSS 

Check out bike exchange. There are some nice Colnago clx disc models still left. Just compare the stack and reach.

https://www.bikeexchange.com/s/road-bikes/colnago