Trek,Cannondale,Bianchi or Ribble

[john crossan]

Thinking of buying a road bike to improve stamina for MTB'ing - out on that about two or three times a week.Budget £500 - £750Need a small frame as i'm 5'5 with a 28"inside legCurrent list i'm consideringTrek 1000...£500Cannondale R500...£750Bianchi Nirvone Alu...£500Ribble 7500 SL withITM Millenium fork, Campag Xenon Triple, Gipiemme T-Quatro wheels, etc for £576 or would it be worth spending another £100 on a Dedaccium 7003 frame.All comments appreciated.Thanks."

[jessbee]

Everybody raves about the Ribble and in the recent Cycling Weekly (March 5 issue) and their huge road test it got a big thumbs up - 9/10!! The only crit was against its Gipiemme wheels. Me, I'd go Trek. Big company, great quality, good backing, solid resale value and a lot of fun! (But I've never ridden Ribble and wouldn't personally touch Cannondale)

[Nicholas Jones]

I've just ordered a Ribble 7005 SL, with a Shimano Sora groupset and Campagnolo Vento wheels. When it arrives (a couple of weeks yet) I'll let you know what I think. But as it will be the first road bike I've ever had I'm bound to be impressed.

[Brian Innes]

Nicholas!I can be sure that you will come home from your first ride on the road bike with a HUGE GRIN from ear to ear! I know I certainly did!Enjoy the steed when you get it!-- Brian

[jessbee]

Now the fun begins!! You'll love it! Just don't go hammering it off road as you with your MTB - the Ribble won't like it, nor will you! Enjoy every minute - we all do!!