Mountain Biking Upgrades
The Best Value High Spec Tourer Out There- Ridgeback Panorama 2011
Not surprisingly, Ridgeback Panorama‘s strength is its frame, which being steel (and Reynolds 725, which is arguably their finest for touring) is comfortable and strong, and a real treat after years of commuting on an unforgiving aluminium mountain bike, which left me tired and aching, even after the shortest of bursts. The geometry is spot on for a relaxed ride, and the ergo tour bars give you plenty of positions to move around during a day in the saddle. Most of the parts are good enough – Shimano standard fare for chainset, brakes and levers – but with some inexpensive upgrades, you can transform this bike into something a bit more special. Lose the Ridgeback-badged saddle and replace it with a Brooks B17 – no contest. The standard Conti tyres are uncomfortable and slow even at 75psi as recommended – I replaced them with Conti Gatorskin Hardshell (28mm version), which, even at 100psi, feel a lot more supple and of course, run a lot faster. The Shimano brake blocks are frankly useless and too hard too, wearing out the rear Alex DH19 rims after less than 3,000 miles, which is really poor. I changed them for KoolStop Salmon blocks which are a lot softer and brake a lot better too, particularly in the wet, and went for a Rigida Sputnik rim instead, which is as tough as nails, and should last a lot longer. The Ridgeback Panorama is not cheap and certainly no lightweight, but is the perfect mile-muncher, loaded or otherwise, if comfort and sturdiness are your main criteria. And the price £1249 – fantastic!
Manufactures Description:
Fast and lightweight, the Ridgeback Panorama 2011 touring bike is ideal for day rides. It features triple butted Cro Moly forks and frames which are constructed to a size specific geometry to ensure stability and sure handling.
Blending traditional know how with contemporary technology, a World series bike has lots beautiful features to help you pedal further. Built to a high quality specification, frames are constructed to a size specific geometry to ensure stability and sure handling, even when fully loaded. Fast and lightweight the Horizon and Century are ideal for day rides. The Solo is a great winter trainer or simple commuter bike whilst the dependably durable Voyage and Panorama are timeless long distance tourers.
Specification of Ridgeback Panorama 2011 model:
Frame: Reynolds 725 tubes and stays
Fork: Triple butted Cro Moly
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Number of Gears: 27
Shifters: Shimano Tiagra Dual Control STI
Chainset: Shimano Alivio
Chainrings: 48/38/28
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-59
Cassette: Shimano Cassette 11-32 9sp
Chain: HG73
Front Brake: Shimano R550 cantilever
Rear Brake: Shimano R550 cantilever
Brake Levers: Shimano STI with Tektro 720 top levers
Handlebars: 6061 Aluminium Ergo Tour
Stem: 6061 Aluminium Ahead
Headset: Sealed Intellaset with alloy spacer
Grips: Cork Tape Black
Rims: Alex DH-19 36h
Front Hub: Shimano Deore
Rear Hub: Shimano Deore
Spokes: Stainless steel
Front Tyre: Continental Contact 700 x 32c
Rear Tyre: Continental Contact 700 x 32c
Saddle: Tour leather
Seatpost: SL Aluminium 27.2mm
Mountain Bike Maintenance
