First retro build - Ribble 531c

[The Badger]

Hi all,

This is my first post on the forum and my first (hopefully not my last) retro build so go easy. I have always wanted to build a bike from the frame up but being a little apprehensive, I thought i'd start simple.
I picked up this mid 90's (I believe) Ribble 531c with a Tange Seiki headset from good old ebay. It was resprayed in the last 12 months and new decals with the 'new' Ribble logo applied.



Looks to be quite a tidy frame and nicely finished.

Had the dilemma of whether to keep it retro with the finishing kit or go modern with the stem, bars, saddle etc. But really liked these 3ttt Status stem and Ergo Power bars.





Should be getting the wheels and chainset next. I may cop out and bit it as a fixie/single speed to start. But so far so good!

 

[oonaff]

bars and stem look good , i much prefer the full curve bars too.

 

[roadking]

Looks like a nicely built frame, and me being fussy the Reynolds decals are a little earlier than the frame...do like the finish on the bars and stem.

Rk.

 

[kgt]

Keep it retro and it will be a really nice one.

 

[cce]

Where did you get those ribble decals from?

 

[Valvoltec]

Nice paint work and the bars look good too.

 

[samsbike]

The stem and bars look great, never seen them before.

 

[The Badger]

Thanks for the positive responses. Yes, I saw the 3ttt Status stem and thought it looked very nice for a NOS stem. Tried to find matching coloured bars in the same brand but these were as close as I could get. But still really like the finish. Seat post is going to be fun! I'm trying to keep the look classic and simple as possible as it's a first build. I have a nice set of Campag vintage brake levers picked out with white hoods.

I am gutted as the wheels and chainset, etc were supposed to arrive at the weekend but never materialized !
Just anxious to get her finished now.

 

[The Badger]

Ok, finally took delivery of some more kit for my Ribble build.


My make-shift work stand


To keep the cost down I opted for Rigida/Ryde flyer rims with King Kong hubs



Sturmey Archer drivetrain


I picked up a lovely set of Campag Athena levers with white hoods but when they arrived, the hood was ripped and the lever scratched on one. Very gutted! Thinking a set of gum walled tyres will set the black and chrome wheels off nicely. Any recommendations on decent (but not too expensive) ones?

 

[oonaff]

ah a single speed project! . i would go for an aero seat post to be in keeping with the era of the bars and stem , .don't know if you can get anodised ones, may be that would compliment the bars.but silver would look equally as good.
saddle.. thats nearly always a surprise with single speeder's