Ribble R872 (Stealth 2012) **REVIEW**

[Pedrosanchezo]

An R872 with Di2 (had my eye on this config for a few weeks) got a good write up in Bike of the Year in this month's Cycling Plus. Won Best Spec and was one of the lightest in test at 8.08KG.

Good thing is they list all the finishing kit, so I should be able to work out the exact weight of my preferred build before ordering!

Well got mine to 7kg's with Shimano so defo get it around 7kg's with Di2, should you feel the need. It's all about the finishing kit.
I've still to buy cycling plus this month but will defo get it. I don't, personally, read much into these tests as it's all about the individual. One mans idea of of bike porn is another's bike hell. Curiously though i find myself asking what the winner was??

I was interested to see if i got sore at all with the long-ish ride. The only discomfort i had was slight neck pain by the end of the ride. This is ALL to do with the race position i fitted myself to the bike. Not the bike itself. I am positioned very aero with a sizeable drop to the bars. It took some abuse over the road into Dunkeld. Really is one of the worst i've seen in Scotland. It's not pot holes so much, it's more terrible surface which leads to a feeling like cobbles. Horrid. The Stealth though handled it pretty well for a stiff bike.

 

[redcard]

Giant Defy Advanced 2 won.

Focus Cayo Evo, Stock Scenero G2, Domane 4.3, Boardman SLR 9.0 were the other finalists.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

Giant Defy Advanced 2 won.

Focus Cayo Evo, Stock Scenero G2, Domane 4.3, Boardman SLR 9.0 were the other finalists.

Hmmm, as i say, not really something i pay attention to too much. I will read it though.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

You have built my dream bike. How tall are you and how quickly do you tire of new bikes?

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

You have built my dream bike. How tall are you and how quickly do you tire of new bikes?

5'11 with a 33" inseam. Very quickly normally but this one is a little different. It is also my dream build so you have two chances -Slim and none. Have you seen Slim anywhere?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

5'11 with a 33" inseam. Very quickly normally but this one is a little different. It is also my dream build so you have two chances -Slim and none. Have you seen Slim anywhere?

Slims outta town!

 

[redcard]

Slims outta town!

If I end up getting an R872 and Ribble screw up and send me 2, I'll send you the spare one!

 

[avsd]

Got the Ribble R872 frame and forks last weekend.

The Ride. Job done and back out for a 10 mile blast. Couldn't help but go fast! Couldn't wipe the grin off my face either after sprinting out of a corner, then again and again. build.

Pedro.

Now that is what a bike is all about. What a great review. Stay safe and grinning

 

[Andrew_Culture]

If I end up getting an R872 and Ribble screw up and send me 2, I'll send you the spare one!

Huzzah! That stealth look gives me funny willy feelings.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I shoe* this to my wife and made clear my feelings by rubbing my thighs and making a sound like escaping gas. She got the hint but she don't got the cash.




*Suffolk word for 'show'

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

I shoe* this to my wife and made clear my feelings by rubbing my thighs like escaping gas. She got the hint but she don't got the cash.




*Suffolk word for 'show'

 

[Nut E1]

Thank you for this review.
I have already purchased this frame & forks and my LBS is swapping bits over from my Boardman Team for me...
I was wondering if I'd done the right thing or should I have stuck with what I had, but thanks to your review, I now feel confident I've made the right choice, can't wait for it to be finished now!!!

 

[Rsdesigner]

I love the look of the R872 and seriously considering it. I'm currently on the Ribble sportive 7046 but I'm worried the riding position of the 872 is going to be too extreme for long distances, do you feel very stretched out? I've only been riding seriously for about a year, why is the 872 always refereed to as a 'race' bike? My other option is the sportive bianco, it gets good reviews but I'm not so keen on the look.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

I love the look of the R872 and seriously considering it. I'm currently on the Ribble sportive 7046 but I'm worried the riding position of the 872 is going to be too extreme for long distances, do you feel very stretched out? I've only been riding seriously for about a year, why is the 872 always refereed to as a 'race' bike? My other option is the sportive bianco, it gets good reviews but I'm not so keen on the look.

It's all about the stiffness of the R872. There isn't a great deal of flex but i think tyres and wheel choice will have more of an influence here than frame and forks.
Dare i say i could have built it with a long head tube and enough spacers to make it a Sportive machine. I will be using mine for TT'ing and racing so i fitted the bike to my most aero position. I find it very comfy but i can't compare it to your 7046 i am afraid as i have never ridden one.

In a nutshell the Stealth (R872) has a very stiff bottom bracket area and the frame isn't designed to flex much.

 

[Rsdesigner]

Doesn't sound too scary, I'll definitely be adding a few spacers in though. Do you get a lot of toe clip?