My Ribble Christmas Tree

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Yes very nice Clive!

Looking forward to ride report!

Like the dark rings too, was wondering about dark for my latest calamity!

 

[kingbling]

Thanks Finney, Mike looking forward to tomorrows ride.
The TA rings, brakes, brifters, hubs and rims came from a job lots off ebay . As to the 600 groupo and that 653 frame what this space…

 

[Blackbike]

Re:

The build is spectacular!!! You sir build a very nice "Plan B"

Best Wishes: Mike

 

[kingbling]

Thanks Mike

Well had it out on the open road today and can't believe how nimble it is. The 38 chain ring makes such a difference on the hills, I'm no climber but I didn't need to used all the gears on my usual route as I do with the Pennine. Mentioning the Pennine I've had a proper chance to compare campag (chours 10sp) and shimano (Dura ace 9sp) brifters over the last 2 days and for me I'm liking the shimano as its not so clunky and feels much smoother on the change.
I'd taken a multi tool with me but had no need to use it the build was good from the go. I think the only downside to this build is I now have another bike which I hadn't planned for (as in not the build plan) If the Dolan built 653 Ribble had never appeared on the radar I'd of been happy with this Frame and its 600 set up but I ask you would you turn down one of Terry Dolan's frames ? well I couldn't anyway .
I love the colour and the lettering so I will have to use it again as for the 531 I think its gonna be a nice dry day commuter

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Nice to know it's working nicely mate.

Good area for cycling too, judging by the background

 

[kingbling]

Re: A Cougar in the woods

What would you do when a frame turns up and ticks a few more boxes than the current project it's rough, needs a paint job but it's got a bit more you can see the difference in the workmanship it's more in period with the current group set it fits the glove slightly better.

It's Back sent this off to the painters in early May and got it back this morning :shock:
Its now has black lettering and I'm going to lug line this one. But as Mrs Bling kindly paid for the respray for my Christmas prezzy I'm apparently not allowed to touch it until then...

...We shall see

 

[kingbling]

Wanna Look ere don't tell the missus

 

[kingbling]

So while Mrs Bling has been away at work I've been putting some finishing touches to the frame namely lug lining and decals I'm waiting on a 600EX decal and shimano chain stay protector to finish it off and I will hopefully fit the headset and bottom bracket before I have to wrap it up for Christmas.
I've also bought some new TA specialites Alize chainrings in 50 & 38 tooth they are for 9-11 speed but will do the job. I can't wait for Christmas Day. I hope I can find a black ITM stem by then too.

 

[kingbling]

I've been on the hunt for a black ITM stem but had no luck finding one on the net so I thought I'd look for other makes and so low an behold a NOS 3ttt bar and stem combo turn up on the bay most happy stem is a 2002 evol and the bars are ergo power due's sorry about the crap picture.

 

[kingbling]

Done all I can now before xmas and have orders to wrap it up now
sorted dropout adjusters, bottom bracket, cable guide and cable stops only 2 weeks to wait.