Ribble has completely revamped its line-up with the introduction of the Allroad range, which features three new road bikes: the Allroad SL R, Allroad SL and Allroad SL R e. The range-topping SL R offers room for tires up to 38mm wide, internal storage and “aero performance of its own”. coupled with endurance-specific geometry, Ribble reports. Prices for Allroad bikes start at £1,699 and go up to £8,499, and we already have one of each model for review. Read on for all the juicy tech info and our lead reviewer’s first impressions…
We’ve seen a lot of brands release bikes lately that they claim are neither gravel nor road, instead calling them “all-road” bikes that are designed to be able to handle both paved roads and rougher terrain. They will often feature a mix of road bike geometry with wider tire clearance and mounting points.
> What is an allroad bike?
Ribble is the latest to join the trend with its new Allroad range, which the brand says offers “its aerodynamic performance and mixed-terrain adventure, all without compromising speed or comfort”.
According to Ribble, the Allroad range incorporates rundown technology from its flagship Ultra Road aero platform, featuring “aerodynamically optimized tube profiles” and more relaxed endurance-specific geometry. In addition, the frames offer improved tire clearance of up to 38mm (SL R and SL R e models), internal storage and more mounting points.
Jamie Burrow, Head of Product at Ribble, says: “Our extensive research and development program has enabled us to introduce key findings into the Allroad range, giving each bike a competitive and performance edge, resulting in a complete package for all riders.
“The Allroad platform has been carefully designed and tuned to offer incredible all-day endurance riding combined with unmatched performance.”
…these are big claims!
The Allroad platform consists of three new bikes: the range-topping Allroad SL R, the entry-level Allroad SL and the electric Allroad SL R e. The Allroad SL is available in three different levels: Sport, Enthusiast and Pro. Meanwhile, the top-level SL R and SL R e models are also equipped with the higher-end Hero. Let’s go into more details…
Allroad SL R
The Ribble Allroad SL R sits at the top of the Ribble Allroad road bike range, replacing the top-of-the-line Endurance SL Disc priced at £8,299.
Ribble boasts: “The flagship Allroad SL R incorporates aerodynamically advanced technology from the premium Ultra Road platform to create a super-lightweight machine designed to cut through the air with maximum efficiency.”
> Best road bike handlebars
It features aerodynamically optimized trailing technology from Ribble’s Ultra range with extended seatstays and wider forks and a new integrated UB2 bar. This second generation of Ribble’s proprietary Ultra handlebars is said to have been optimized for endurance road setups, while still featuring “airflow-disrupting wake generators and aerodynamically shaped drops.”
The aero frame is paired with a looser geometry than most aero road bikes, according to Ribble, and offers up to 38mm more tire clearance compared to 32mm on the Endurance SL Disc. This clearance is less than that of the Ridley Grifn RS, Ridley’s premium all-road offering, which offers clearance for tires up to 42mm wide, but more than Lapierre’s Pulsium AllRoad wheel, which accommodates tires up to 35mm wide.
Ribble’s Allroad SL R also has internal frame mounts in the down tube, a feature we’ve seen on other bikes like the Canyon Endurace CFR road bike and the Canyon Grail gravel bike.
The range-topping All Road SL R Hero build is said to weigh in at 7.5kg (size M), making it slightly heavier than the Ribble Endurance SL R Hero it replaces, with a claimed weight starting at 7.3kg (size M).
Models and prices
Ribble Allroad SL R Sport (£2,999)
Group set Shimano 105 mechanical
Handlebars Level Alloy
Wheels Two wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc
Ribble Allroad SL R Enthusiast (£3,999)
Group set Shifting Shimano 105 Di2
Handlebars Level Alloy
Wheels Two wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc
Ribble Allroad SL R Pro (£4,999)
Group set Shimano Ultegra Di2
Handlebars Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Mavic Cosmic S 42 Carbon wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Hero (£8,299)
Group set Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Handlebars Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Zipp 353 NSW Carbon Disc wheelset
Allroad SL
> The best endurance road bikes
The Allroad SL is a lower-end model, yet it boasts a full carbon frame and fork, using the same layout as the brand’s popular Endurance SL road bike it replaces. It also features improved tire clearance that accommodates up to 35mm tires compared to 32mm for the Endurance SL.
The Allroad SL is available in three different trim levels: Sport, Enthusiast and Pro. Meanwhile, the SL R and SL R e models are also equipped with a higher-spec ‘Hero’ version.
The Allroad SL Pro build with 105 Di2 weighs a claimed 8.8kg (size M). By comparison, Ribble’s outgoing Endurance SL Pro, fitted with Ultegra Di2 instead of 105 Di2, has a claimed weight of 7.85kg.
Models and prices
Ribble Allroad SL Sport (£1,699)
Group set Shimano Tiagra
Wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc two-wheeler
Ribble Allroad SL Enthusiast (£1,999)
Group set Shimano 105 mechanical
Wheels Two wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc
Ribble Allroad SL Pro (£2,999)
Group set Shifting Shimano 105 Di2
Wheels Mavic Cosmic S 42 Carbon wheelset
Allroad SL R e
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The Allroad SL R e is the electric version of the Allroad SL R with the same carbon construction and almost identical frame design with up to 38mm tire clearance, the only difference being a slightly modified down tube to accommodate the battery.
The SL R e features the MAHLE X20 drive system, which offers a claimed assistance of 140 km per charge.
It comes in three suggested trims: Sport, Enthusiast and Hero, with prices starting at £3,999. Ribble says the top Hero build of this bike weighs 11.8kg (size M).
Models and prices
Ribble Allroad SL R e Sport (£3,999)
Group set Shimano 105 mechanical
Handlebars Level Alloy
Wheels Mavic Allroad Disc wheels
Ribble Allroad SL R e Enthusiast (£4,599)
Group set Shifting Shimano 105 Di2
Handlebars Level Alloy
Wheels Mavic Allroad Disc wheels
Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro (£5,999)
Group set Shimano Ultegra Di2
Handlebars Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Carbon wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R e Hero (£8,499)
Group set Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Handlebars Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Carbon wheelset
Although the Allroad range is available in these recommended builds, you can also customize the fit and finish by choosing from a range of wheels, seats and handlebars, as well as custom paint using Ribble’s CustomColour configurator.
Additionally, we’re told that while this first edition focuses on carbon fiber models, there are plans to introduce aluminum, titanium and steel versions soon.
Geometry
Ribble’s flagship Allroad SL R and SL R e bikes share identical geometry (pictured above), while the Allroad SL (pictured below) differs slightly in stack height, reach, front center and seat tube height.
Ribble describes the Allroad wheels as having more relaxed endurance-specific geometry, and we can see that the mid-size Allroad SL R and SL R e come with a 545mm top tube, 500mm seat tube and 160mm head tube. The frame angles are 73° (head angle) and 73.5° (seat angle). The stack height is 568.4mm while the reach is 376.5mm.
Compared to the Ribble Endurance SL Disc (size M), the Allroad models offer a more relaxed, upright riding position. The Allroad SL R and SL Re feature a shorter top tube length of 545 mm versus 550 mm, a taller head tube of 160 mm versus 150 mm, and a significantly higher stack height of 568.4 mm versus 541 mm. Additionally, the reach is shorter at 376.5mm compared to the Endurance SL R’s 390mm.
The new Ribble Allroad range: first impressions
As we mentioned, Ribble gave us some Allroad wheels to review ahead of time… just ahead of time, so we can’t offer a review or first-ride impressions at the time of this writing. However, our lead reviewer Stu Kerton took a few test laps and offers his initial assessment of the range below:
With the way the market has moved over the last few years, Ribble’s road and gravel range has blurred a bit, so I personally think it’s the perfect time to introduce these Allroad models to streamline its catalogue. With wide tire clearances and hidden fender lugs, the Allroad bikes retain the versatility of the outgoing CGR models, but with the road-focused performance of the (also disappearing) Endurance line at the fore.
Pure off-road stuff can now be left to the Ribble Gravel range of bikes. The geometry looks interesting – and relaxed – but let’s be honest, for most of us who aren’t racers, it’s probably the best compromise in terms of performance. With a wide variety of builds, there are plenty of options when trying to balance the performance you want and the budget you have.
Pricing also looks very competitive, especially the fact that the two SL models come in under two grand – not something we see often lately.
The SL R e is a welcome inclusion as I still believe there is a place in the market for quality performance e-road bikes, and the fact that Ribble have specified the Mahle X20 motor system should make the SL R e a fun and efficient bike. ride.
All in all, it’s very positive from my initial view of the bikes, so I’m looking forward to sitting on all three models to give each a thorough review.
For more information, go to the Ribble website.
What do you think of Ribble’s new Allroad range? Let us know in the comments section below.