Terry Dolan Ribble 653

Re:

Cheers,

I've actually subsequently upgraded this to Dura Ace 7700. I did like the 'champagne' 105, but I've appreciated 9-speed and the extra shininess since the upgrade!

9 speed Dura Ace is good stuff!

hey all good to see some interest in Terry Dolan built bikes. I have a pre 85 Ribble. Dura-ace components with a Mavic 851 derailleur, 753 Reynolds tubing.

I have one of these. My brother-in-law had left his languishing unloved at the back of the garage for years. He was going to take it to the dump, but had the presence of mind to ask me if I knew of anyone who could make good use of it, so I stepped up to the plate.
I took it to Ellis Briggs for a respray in as close a match as possible to the original metallic blue. I cleaned all the original parts and refitted them, only replacing missing or damaged bits such as chain, cables, saddle and seatpost. I tried the wheels and fitted new tubes and tyres.
It’s a 7 speed campy mixed group set. The rear brakes a little stiff (aren’t they always) and the rear wheel is such a tight fit that you have to let the air out of the rear tyre to remove the wheel!
Here are some photos.

Fantastic!

That looks lovely. Ribbles usually leave me a bit cold, but not that one. I'd never have thought of trying a Cambium, but it looks right at home. Any more pictures?

Thats a cracking colour (the blue sparkle)!

Thanks for the kind words - it really is a lovely bike to ride and I've grown to love it (never would have chosen a white bike if im honest, but the frame turned up at exactly the right time, the right size, and the right ££!).

Here are a few snaps of it since I put the 7700 groupset on it. Keep meaning to pick up some less scuffed cranks but I've stopped noticing it now so I probably never will!

Hi Alex,
I see your bike has a Terry Dolan signature decal on the top tube. Were all Ribble 653’s built by Terry Dolan, or only ones with this decal?
David

Re:

I have no idea I’m afraid - I’m a bit of an ingoramus when it comes to these things!