Ribble is one of the leading lights in the gravel space. Its CGR, launched as a V1 in 2017, tapped into a desire to go beyond the road, and was ready for any cyclocross race, sportive or gravel adventure you wanted to throw at it.
The brand has also expanded the spectrum of riding styles it caters to in recent years with the addition of the Gravel and ALLROAD models to its line-up.
The Lancastrian manufacturer’s not done yet, though.
Ribble has refined its offering further with the launch of the new ULTRA-GRIT and ALLGRIT ranges. The former is an out-and-out race bike with significant wins already under its belt – three podiums in the UCI world series, not least the gold in Switzerland in June.
The latter range is more suited to adventure riding, with slightly more relaxed geometry and loaded with mounts to leave you with an all-rounder capable of off-the-beaten-path exploring, bikepacking and more.
With aero-optimised airfoil frames, a tantalising titanium release, two unique ebike options and near-limitless upgrade opportunities using Ribble’s online Bike Builder, here are the highlights of Ribble’s new gravel ranges.
Real competitive grit
Ribble has a history of pushing the boundaries of aero-optimisation on its road bike range, from the revolutionary tube profiles of the ULTRA-AERO to the groundbreaking design of the ULTRA handlebar.
The performance-focused ULTRA-GRIT is its first gravel bike to benefit from the company’s extensive wind-tunnel and CFD learnings.
Tapping into insights from the recently released ULTRA-RACE, the ULTRA-GRIT employs similar airfoil tube shapes and fully internal routing to improve aerodynamics, while the fully integrated cockpit of the SRAM Force XPLR AXS E1 model reduces drag even further.
The carbon fibre frameset is constructed from a combination of T1000 and M46 fibres to produce a featherlight sub-900g frame. Builds come in at the 8.3kg mark – competitive for any gravel bike.
Aero and weight boxes ticked, the geometry also puts performance above all else.
Influenced by the Ribble Outliers Pro Gravel Team, its low and long shape lends itself to racing and has helped riders clinch wins in the men’s and women’s categories at this year’s Dirty Reiver and UCI World Series events.
Finished with Vision’s aero-optimised SC45 wheelsets, which are fitted with 45mm Schwalbe G-One R PRO tyres, it’s set up for a smorgasbord of gravel grinding – from tight, twisting singletrack to wide open fireroads.
It hasn't got a one-track mind though, combining a smart frame storage compartment and triple bottle mounts with top tube mounts and mudguard eyelets, proving its cross-category adaptability.
Ribble ALLGRIT AL SRAM Apex XPLR
While the ULTRA-GRIT is made for racing, the ALLGRIT keeps some of those performance enhancements and dials down the geometry to create a do-it-all adventure design.
The entry-level ALLGRIT AL is made from 7005 series aluminium but defies its pocket-friendly price tag. There’s not a weld mark in sight, while it features a full carbon fibre fork and D-shaped seatpost.
Carrying credentials are boosted further by extra mounts on the fork and underside of the down tube, and bolts for a rear luggage rack.
DT Swiss G1800 wheels keep things rolling on 45mm Schwalbe G-One R Performance tyres, and there’s room to go even wider – 50mm at the back and up to 53mm (2.1in) up front.
ALLGRIT TI-X SRAM Force XPLR AXS E1
Ribble is renowned for its commitment to titanium, and the TI-X is arguably the star of the ALLGRIT show.
Crafted from high-end 3AL-2.5V titanium and including a 3D-printed head tube and seat cluster, the model screams luxury, while also benefiting from the material’s proprietary lightness, durability and ride quality.
The top-of-the-range SRAM Force XPLR AXS E1 model might set you back £5,298, but you’re investing in a frame that will last a lifetime and a high-spec list of components that makes that outlay good value.
The bike features a host of aero and carbon fibre finishing kit – Vision’s SC45 wheels and an integrated cockpit – and a spindle-based power meter.
ALLGRIT E AL
For those who like their off-road antics with an electric-assisted boost, the ALLGRIT has two options – the E AL and E Carbon-X. Ribble says this extra boost gives you “the power to explore”.
The former starts with the £2,899 SRAM Apex XPLR model, and uses Mahle’s rear-hub X30 drive unit mounted to Mavic Allroad 1 rims to give you 250W and 45Nm of torque.
Powered by a down-tube integrated 237Wh iX2 battery, the additional weight is distributed across the bike, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice handling for that extra assistance.
ALLGRIT E Carbon-X SRAM Rival XLPR AXS E1
Giving you the power to go further, Ribble has gone big on its ebike offering in recent years, and the ALLGRIT E Carbon X is its most capable e-gravel bike yet.
Featuring the same T1000 and M46 carbon fibre layup as the ULTRA-GRIT, its 900g carbon frame allows for the complete bike to come in a smidge over 10kg – making it lighter than some brands' non-assisted offerings.
Like the AL Carbon, Mahle is in charge of providing extra propulsion, although its more premium and powerful X20 system – at 3kg, the lightest on the market – is preferred.
Available in three builds, the £4,499 middle-of-the-range SRAM Rival XPLR AXS E1 is the highlight, and keeps things more manageable for the DIY home mechanic with a semi-integrated stem and bar setup.
Upgrade options
Like other Ribble ranges, it’s possible to customise the ULTRA-GRIT and ALLGRIT models to your heart’s content – from wheel and tyre combinations to a bespoke livery.
One key addition across all ranges and models is the ability to upgrade to a RockShox Rudy Ultimate 30mm suspension fork for £300. Although you’ll sacrifice 3mm of front fork tyre clearance, the short-travel damping should more than make up for it.
Custom paint is also an option across much of Ribble’s range, including its new gravel bikes. Riders can pick from 35 different colours, with prices starting at £350.