new bike

[sir adrian dangerous]

I'm looking at buying a new bike this summer and can't make my mind up between a de Rosa r838 ultegra, or a canyon ultimate cf sl 9.0. The canyon is cheaper, but the de Rosa is from my lbs and they say they'll set it up to my exact requirements.My question is. Is it worth the extra £500.

 

[Citius]

The De Rosa R838 uses the same frame, from the same factory in China as the Ribble Stealth (Xpa FM339). Unless you are happy to spend more for the De Rosa badge, look at the Ribble Stealth as well, as it will almost certainly be a lot cheaper.

 

[sir adrian dangerous]

Thanks for the reply. I had a go on a ribble and didn't get on with it, so it looks like a canyon for me.

 

[Citius]

Thanks for the reply. I had a go on a ribble and didn't get on with it, so it looks like a canyon for me.

Which Ribble? There's nothing wrong with their bikes per se.

 

[vickster]

Surely the LBS will let you ride the de rosa, at least on a turbo

How do you know you'll get on with the canyon given you can't easily see them in tne UK, unless you have a pal with one

 

[sir adrian dangerous]

I rode a gran fondo that my mate owned and I had a go on a canyon, that a complete stranger turned up on, when we stopped at langsett cafe to re fuel.The bike shop say they will do a full set up so it fits me perfect. They specialize in Italian brands ie ciocc, casati and the likes and have a good rep.

 

[Citius]

I rode a gran fondo that my mate owned and I had a go on a canyon, that a complete stranger turned up on, when we stopped at langsett cafe to re fuel.The bike shop say they will do a full set up so it fits me perfect. They specialize in Italian brands ie ciocc, casati and the likes and have a good rep.

That's fine, but the point I'm trying to make is that the R838 is not an 'Italian' frame - it is an open mould frame from China (FM339 is the model number) which is sold by De Rosa, and Ribble, among others. It is a perfectly good frame with a good reputation, but unless you particularly want a De Rosa badge on it, the Ribble version will be exactly the same bike, but cheaper.

 

[sir adrian dangerous]

I'm glad you told me about de Rosa and to be fair I do like the look of the ribble. I've got a few month left to think about it, I'm sure I'll change my mind a few times till then. Thanks for the advice.

 

[samsbike]

Putting aside where the frame is sourced from, I think £500 is a lot to pay for lbs support. A £100 or so is fine, especially as they may fit you better, however if you are confident on getting comfortable get the canyon. Watch the waiting times, there was/is a thread on bikeradar about how long it takes.

Nice to be able to make that kind of choice. Good luck

Just to add to the mix, while the frame maybe open mould there maybe variations in the carbon layup. I guess no one really knows expect the factory and the layup and type of carbon seems to be where the competitive edge/ difference is.

 

[Citius]

Just to add to the mix, while the frame maybe open mould there maybe variations in the carbon layup. I guess no one really knows expect the factory and the layup and type of carbon seems to be where the competitive edge/ difference is.

There is no difference in layup. One of the main points of open mould design is that it allows manufacturers to call-off frames as and when required. The frames are all made to the same spec, regardless of who is buying them. If there was any difference, De Rosa would be shouting about it in their product details - but they aren't.

 

[SteCenturion]

I'm glad you told me about de Rosa and to be fair I do like the look of the ribble. I've got a few month left to think about it, I'm sure I'll change my mind a few times till then. Thanks for the advice.

The Ribble is the R872 & as pointed out is exactly the same frame as the De Rosa R838, it used to be called the 'Stealth' & many still use this moniker.

The frame & forks is half the price of the De Rosa f&f, I would tend towards buying the frame & fork & having it built up to my exact spec.... ribbles base line wheels are poor & heavy.

 

[Sittingduck]

You can arrange test rides on Canyons. Mate from my club did this and tested a couple out before ordering. I think he arranged it via Sigma Sports but could be wrong. Definitely worth asking Canyon though, as they have partner shops here. Great bikes!

 

[sir adrian dangerous]

I've read that waiting times for canyons are quite a long time, which would drive me barmy. When I've ordered something I want it yesterday.