Ridgeback Expedition 2014 Touring Bike

[Barabus]

Hi, I've been looking for reviews on this bike as I really like the look and spec on it.
Can't find any feedback anywhere !
Have any of your good selves had any experience of this bicycle ?
Would be grateful to pick your brains, ta

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I believe the Expedition is a completely new model for 2014 which will be why you can't find reviews yet. (Link for those who haven't seen the model we're talking about)

I've no direct experience of the brand I'm afraid but everything I've come across suggests that their touring bikes are well respected in a similar way to the ones from Dawes.

I'm sure someone who knows them better will be along shortly.

 

[raleighnut]

Had a look on Phils link and it looks good. I've got an old Ridgeback Adventure which I tour on and that's got a Tange CrMo frame so quite similar and probably about the same geometry (really comfy but responsive) Not so sure about the rear cassette though does it really say 12-36 or is it my eyes as with a 28 inner ring that seems a bit OTT far better if it says 12-30 or swap to that for a tighter cluster (better for maintaining cadence) looks good to me though, a very underrated brand.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Yes, it does really say 12-36 for the cassette. The spec doesn't say but I'd guess one of these or similar. By my calculations, with the 559 size wheels it should give a range of approx 19.5 to 100 gear inches. Good enough to get over pretty much anything even fully laden but should still scoot along quite nicely on the flat.

 

[raleighnut]

Yes, it does really say 12-36 for the cassette. The spec doesn't say but I'd guess one of these or similar. By my calculations, with the 559 size wheels it should give a range of approx 19.5 to 100 gear inches. Good enough to get over pretty much anything even fully laden but should still scoot along quite nicely on the flat.

Yeah 11-32s more like it still below 1-1 gearing, now I've been known to twiddle up hills but there is a limit on 28-36 I'd be faster walking

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Yeah 11-32s more like it still below 1-1 gearing, now I've been known to twiddle up hills but there is a limit on 28-36 I'd be faster walking

(Stands in front of bike to hide 22-30 granny gear )

 

[raleighnut]

(Stands in front of bike to hide 22-30 granny gear )

Useful on a rickshaw though!

 

[Soltydog]

I have a Ridgeback Panorama & its a lovely bike for touring & commuting. Think the Expedition is slightly lower spec but will be more than up to the job I'm sure. My only gripe would be that the stock wheels were a little poor for carrying my hefty frame around but that was a good excuse for a dynamo hub upgrade

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Useful on a rickshaw though!

Indeed. Also for riding stuff like this:

 

[MattMM]

My Ridgeback hybrid has been great. They are the in-house brand of the UK distributor of Shimano so I think you tend to get decent components for the buck.

 

[Barabus]

Many thanks for the feedback guys.
I'm commuting at the moment on a Specialized Alley Sport
and holidayed last year on my Dawes Clubman.
Enjoying both these bikes but really like that Ridgeback !

 

[Blue Hills]

Now flat bar apparently.

Sounds great.

http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/expedition