Ribble has completely overhauled its range with the introduction of the Allroad range, featuring three new road bikes: the Allroad SL R, Allroad SL and Allroad SL R e. The top-spec SL R offers clearance for tyres up to 38mm wide, internal storage and “world-class aerodynamic performance” paired with endurance-focused geometry, according to Ribble. Prices for the Allroad bikes start at £1,699 and go up to £8,499, and we already have one of each model to review. Read on for all the juicy tech info and our senior reviewer’s first impressions…
We’ve seen a lot of brands lately release bikes that claim to be neither gravel nor road, instead calling them “all-road” bikes that are designed to handle both paved roads and rougher terrain. They often feature a mix of road bike geometry with wider tire clearance and mounts.
> What is an all-road bike?
Ribble is the latest to join the trend with its new Allroad range, which is set to replace the Endurance and CGR ranges. Ribble says the Allroad range “delivers world-class aerodynamic performance and mixed-terrain adventure, all without compromising on speed or comfort.”
According to Ribble, the Allroad range features trickle-down technology from the flagship Ultra Road aero platform, with “aerodynamically optimised tube profiles” and a more relaxed, endurance-focused geometry. Additionally, the frames offer improved tyre clearance of up to 38mm (SL R and SL R e models), internal storage and multiple mounting points.
Jamie Burrow, Head of Product at Ribble, said: “Our extensive R&D programme has allowed 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 engineered and refined to deliver an incredible, all-day ride combined with unbeatable performance.”
…that’s quite a few claims!
The Allroad platform comprises three new engines: the Allroad SL R, the lower-end Allroad SL, and the electric Allroad SL R e. The Allroad SL is available in three different trim levels: Sport, Enthusiast, and Pro. Meanwhile, the higher-end SL R and SL R e models also get a higher-spec Hero version. Let’s delve a little deeper…
Allroad SL-R
The Ribble Allroad SL R sits at the top of the Ribble Allroad road bike range and replaces the Endurance SL R. The top-of-the-range version costs £8,299.
Ribble boasts: “The flagship Allroad SL R features the advanced aerodynamic technology of the class-leading Ultra Road platform, creating a super-light machine that slices through the air with ultimate efficiency.”
> Best racing bike handlebars
It features aero-optimised technology from Ribble’s Ultra range, with flared seatstays and wider forks, and the new UB2 integrated stem. This second generation of Ribble’s patented Ultra bars is said to be optimised for an endurance road setup, while still featuring “airflow-disrupting wake generators and aerodynamic drops”.
The aero frame is paired with a more relaxed geometry than most aero road bikes, according to Ribble, and offers increased tire clearance of up to 38mm, compared to 32mm on the Endurance SL R. This tire clearance is less than the Ridley Grifn RS, Ridley’s premium all-road offering, which can accommodate tires up to 42mm, but more than Lapierre’s Pulsium AllRoad bike, which can fit tires up to 35mm wide.
Ribble’s Allroad SL R also features internal storage in the down tube, a feature we’ve seen on other bikes including the Canyon Endurace CFR road bike and Canyon Grail gravel bike.
The top-spec All Road SL R Hero is said to weigh in at 7.5kg (size M), making it slightly heavier than the Ribble Endurance SL R Hero it replaces. Claimed weights start at 7.3kg (size M).
Models and prices
Ribble Allroad SL R Sport (£2,999)
Groupset Shimano 105 mechanical
Send Level alloy
Wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Enthusiast (£3,999)
Groupset Shimano 105 Di2
Send Level alloy
Wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Pro (£4,999)
Groupset Shimano Ultegra Di2
Send Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Mavic Cosmic S 42 Carbon Wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Hero (£8,299)
Groupset Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Send Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Zipp 353 NSW Carbon Disc Wheelset
Allroad SL
> Best endurance road bikes
The Allroad SL is the lower-end model, but it still features a full carbon frame and fork, with the same layup as the brand’s popular Endurance SL road bike it replaces. It also gets improved tire clearance, with room for tires up to 35mm, compared to 32mm on the Endurance SL.
The Allroad SL is available in three different versions: Sport, Enthusiast and Pro. The SL R and SL R e models also have a higher-spec ‘Hero’ version.
The Allroad SL Pro build with 105 Di2 weighs a claimed 8.8kg (size M). For comparison, Ribble’s outgoing Endurance SL Pro, equipped with Ultegra Di2 rather than 105 Di2, has a claimed weight of 7.85kg.
Models and prices
Ribble Allroad SL R Sport (£1,699)
Groupset Shimano Tiagra
Wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Enthusiast (£1,999)
Groupset Shimano 105 mechanical
Wheels Mavic Aksium 1 Disc wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Pro (£2,999)
Groupset Shimano 105 Di2
Wheels Mavic Cosmic S 42 Carbon Wheelset
Allroad SL R e
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The Allroad SL R e is an electric version of the Allroad SL R, with the same carbon construction and a virtually identical frame design with clearance for tires up to 38 mm. The only difference is a slightly modified down tube for the battery.
The SL R e is equipped with a MAHLE X20 drive system, which is said to provide 140 km of assistance on a single charge.
The bike is available in three suggested specs: Sport, Enthusiast and Hero, with prices starting at £3,999. According to Ribble, the top-of-the-range Hero version of this bike weighs in at 11.8kg (size M).
Models and prices
Ribble Allroad SL R Sport (£3,999)
Groupset Shimano 105 mechanical
Send Level alloy
Wheels Mavic Allroad Disc wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Enthusiast (£4,599)
Groupset Shimano 105 Di2
Send Level alloy
Wheels Mavic Allroad Disc wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Pro (£5,999)
Groupset Shimano Ultegra Di2
Send Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Carbon Wheelset
Ribble Allroad SL R Hero (£8,499)
Groupset Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Send Ribble UB-2 Carbon
Wheels Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Carbon Wheelset
While the Allroad range is available in these recommended specs, you can also customize the fit and finish by choosing from a range of wheels, seats and handlebar options, as well as a custom paint job using Ribble’s CustomColour configurator.
Additionally, we’ve learned that the focus for this initial release is on carbon fiber models, but that there are plans to introduce aluminum, titanium, and steel versions soon.
Geometry
Ribble’s top-of-the-range Allroad SL R and SL R e have identical geometry (pictured above), while the Allroad SL (pictured below) differs slightly in stack height, reach, front centre and seat tube height.
Ribble describes its Allroad bikes as having a more relaxed, endurance-focused geometry and we can see that the medium sized Allroad SL R and SL R e come with a 545mm top tube, 500mm seat tube and 160mm head tube. Frame angles are laid back 73° (head angle) and 73.5° (seat angle). Stack height is 568.4mm while reach is 376.5mm.
Compared to Ribble’s Endurance SL R (size M), which replaces the Allroad SL R, the Allroad models offer a more relaxed, upright riding position. Of note, the Allroad SL R and SL R e have a shorter top tube length of 545mm versus 550mm, a taller head tube at 160mm versus 150mm, and a significantly taller stack height of 568.4mm versus 541mm. In addition, the reach is shorter at 376.5mm compared to 390mm on the Endurance SL R.
The new Ribble Allroad range: first impressions
As we’ve mentioned before, Ribble sent us a couple of Allroad bikes to review… a little too early, so we can’t give a review or even an initial ride impression at the time of writing. However, our senior reviewer Stu Kerton has taken delivery of a couple of test bikes and here’s his initial assessment of the range:
The way the market has gone in recent years has seen Ribble’s road and gravel ranges become somewhat blurred, so I personally think it’s the perfect time to release these Allroad models to streamline the catalogue. With generous tyre clearance and hidden mudguard eyes, the Allroad bikes retain the versatility of the outgoing CGR models, but with the road-focused performance of the (also defunct) Endurance range leading the way.
The pure off-road stuff can now be left to Ribble’s Gravel range of bikes. The geometry looks interesting – and relaxed – but let’s face it, it’s probably the best compromise for most of us non-racers from a performance perspective. With a wide range of builds, there are plenty of choices if you’re trying to balance the performance you want with the budget you have.
The prices also seem very competitive, especially when you consider that two of the SL models cost less than two grand – something we’ve not seen very often lately.
A welcome addition is the SL R e, as I still believe there’s a place in the market for high-end performance e-road bikes. And the fact that Ribble has specced Mahle’s X20 motor system should make the SL R e a fun and efficient bike to ride.
All in all, the first experiences with the bikes are very positive, so I’m looking forward to testing all three models and being able to review them extensively.
For more information, visit the Ribble website.
What do you think of Ribble’s new Allroad range? Let us know in the comments below.