Ribble vs Liv

[Jd843]

Hi

I am trying to get an "objective" comparison between the two bikes below and wondered if anyone on here could help.

https://www.liv-cycling.com/gb/avail-advanced-2
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-r ... B872DRE102

Both have 105 groupsets, with the Ribble having the actual 105 crankset and the Liv having the "non-groupset" RS510 crank - but the Liv is nearly £1k more expensive. Is the Liv frame a lot better than the Ribble? I'm not really sure how you compare frames to one another.

[Valbrona]

I would immediately put the Giant frame in the 'definitely better' category. A Giant frame like this is top notch .. made by Giant in their own factory.

The Ribble frame would have been made in Taiwan, just like the Giant, to designs provided by Ribble. Or it might be a 'generic' frame available to buy by other bike companies from a maker of frames. It seems to be of 'basic' design.

But a thousand pounds is a lot more and I have to question whether you would see any gains in performance. Perhaps expect the Giant frame to be a bit lighter and possibly a nicer ride feel.

[mattsccm]

If you are not comparing apples and bannanas you are comparing Granny Smiths and Bramleys.
To really tell you will have to look at every part and directly compare. Wheels including hubs and spokes, bars, bar tape even. Mine field.
A couple of non quantifiables might be that the Liv is aimed at the female market and is bound to be adding a premium for a smaller and maybe more fussy market. Ribble are one of the direct sellers so won't be funding shops etc and thus are one less link in the chain to feed. These are usually better value. The Liv racing team is rather higher up the ranks than the Ribble one.
Then you have the really messy bit. Brand perception. Do you see a big name as the thing to have? Some of us don't , some do.
Then you have customer service. Can you buy the Liv nearby? You only have one ( or have they expended?) Ribble outlet. A couple of months ago Giant (Liv) had a terrible reputation for warranty having refused to honour one when the customer took it apart to return rather than pay a bike shop. Huge amount of argument, go and look on STW forum for the details.

Personally I would go Ribble. The difference would buy me another set of wheels as they are the most likely upgrade I would make. I am also in the buy small brands to be different camp. Finally it is a nicer colour.

[VinceLedge]

Objectively, the Ribble looks like a bargain price and a nice bike, not much else out there that is full carbon and 105 available for less than £2500.
Can't see respective weights anywhere, if a big difference might sway the decision.
Gp for the Ribble!

[Sparky56]

I would strongly avoid Ribble -- terrible customer service. Have a read about the reviews of the company before you decide (e.g. trustpilot).
My experience was one of unexplained delays and really poor communication such that I lost faith in the company, cancelled my order & went elsewhere for a bike.

[sukuinage]

I would strongly avoid Ribble -- terrible customer service. Have a read about the reviews of the company before you decide (e.g. trustpilot).
My experience was one of unexplained delays and really poor communication such that I lost faith in the company, cancelled my order & went elsewhere for a bike.

I've ordered from Ribble a few times and never had a problem. I certainly wouldn't be put off ordering from them if I were saving around 1k

[peterb]

I've ordered from Ribble a few times and never had a problem. I certainly wouldn't be put off ordering from them if I were saving around 1k

Me too - most recent bike order with Ribble was progressed and delivered without a problem. Quite a long date to completion quoted but no delay to delivery, and build progress could be checked on-line. You can also configure their bikes to your requirements to some extent - component upgrades, stem length, crank length, lighter or carbon wheels, tyres etc. Try playing around with the on-line configurator. (This can also change the estimated delivery date, depending on availability or otherwise of components). Bike was delivered on time, well set up and in a tough cardboard bike box.

[Seagoon]

Just on the geometry, I would go for the Ribble it will be a lot easier to get the saddle in the right position.

[peterb]

We don't know whether you are male or female but I think it's worth repeating that the LIV geometry is primarily targeted at females. Not to say that men can't ride them and the geometry may suit some male builds but if you look through the LV website you will see the emphasis.

[TrevA]

Ribble have started opening showrooms around the country. We have one in the main shopping centre in Nottingham. You can at least see a particular model that you are interested in. They also have a measuring jig so that they can size you up and set it up to replicate the position of a particular bike. They have most of their current range in stock including e-bikes, though not in every size. You can’t just turn up and buy one, but you can place your order in the shop and change the spec, as per their website.

Several friends have bought Ribbles, and they seem to under promise regarding delivery. Often quoting months for delivery, and the bike turning up within weeks. It all depends on the availability of groupsets, as far as I can see.

[mattsccm]

Not bought myself but all of those I know who have ahve nothing but praise for Ribble.

[531colin]

Just on the geometry, I would go for the Ribble it will be a lot easier to get the saddle in the right position.

What makes you say that, please?
Both bikes have a terrifyingly steep seat tube angle, throwing your weight onto your hands.

[tim-b]

Speak to Ribble, it's entirely possible that Giant build their bikes. They've made bikes for several household names

[Jd843]

Thanks all!