Optimus Prime aka the Ribble Prime!!!
When I first saw the Ribble Prime and the components supplied with it, I honestly did think ‘catalogue bike’ due to the price. BUT NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER! 
With Shimano you always get reliability regardless of the cost and with the full Claris 8 speed groupset, you get exactly that. It is extremely easy to use, the shifting is nice and effortless and the ratios supplied are ideal for any beginner, commuting or winter training. The chainset is a 34/50 compact and the cassette is an 11-30 which gives a good range tackling the hills and the flats. The Prime is nicely finished off with an ITM finishing kit and the well-built Weinmann wheels with 25mm tyres, perfect for winter and comfort. Due to the relaxed frame geometry, you can easily do a quick 30 miler before work or 60 miles at a weekend with your mates as it’s extremely comfortable. I bought this for winter training and I’ve been doing this for the past month with no problems. The prime is an alloy frame with a carbon fork. I was actually quite surprised how responsive the bike actually is. Great acceleration when the red mist sets in and due to the carbon forks it absorbs the road really well. As it is a sportive frame, I did think the cornering would be slightly sloppy due to the taller head tube, however you can easily take a nice tight line with the confidence of not ending up in a hedgerow. If you do get it wrong have no fear, the solid braking will give you time to adjust yourself quickly. It is a little on the heavy side, however as I’m using this as a winter trainer, what harm is a little resistance going to do? The only changes I’ve made are the tyres to Continental Grand Prix GT Folding Tyre Black/Black 700x25mm, only because I’ve always used conti’s and changed the seat pin to the CSN carbon for a bit more comfort and fluro yellow bar tape and cages. Be safe, be seen, well that’s the theory anyway. As an added bonus, I’ve fitted a pair of SKS race blades very easily which has made the Prime the perfect winter trainer at a fraction of the cost and it will also make it a bit more enjoyable on those wet, cold, dark winter nights. As for those dark nights, you’ve also got plenty of room for lights at the cockpit! At the rear of the frame, I have also noticed pannier lugs which means the frame can take a rear pannier if needed to. All in all, I’m extremely pleased with my Ribble Prime and I can see it being a long-term relationship. Ben
Best Gravel Bikes 2026
What actually makes ‘the best’ gravel bike in 2026? A clear guide to choosing the best bike for how you actually ride.
What is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes are changing how people ride. Sitting right in the middle of road and off-road, they're fast on tarmac and stable on loose ground. Comfortable over long distances and ready for whatever the ride throws at you.
Gravel Bikes - Which frame material is right for you?
More cyclists than ever are seizing the opportunity to take their rides off-piste in search of freedom and adventure. But to do so, you need the right tool for the job - a gravel bike. The Ribble gravel range consists of four frame materials. Each of these offers something a little different in terms of ride quality, longevity and performance characteristics. So how do you decide which frame material is right for you?
Tyre Choice and Pressures for UK Gravel
Tyres can make or break your gravel ride. This blog cuts through the guesswork on width, tread and pressure, showing you what actually works for UK conditions.
Getting the right set up is half the battle
Getting your gravel bike set up right is the difference between enjoying the ride and counting down the miles. This blog breaks down the key adjustments that actually matter, from saddle height to bar position and tyre pressure, without drowning you in jargon.
Why Gravel Riding Works In February
February gravel isn’t about hero rides. It’s about quiet trails, mixed surfaces and riding for the sake of it. This blog dives into why Ribble staff and the Outliers keep choosing gravel when winter drags on, from traffic-free routes to bikes built to handle proper UK conditions.
Post Ride Checks That Keep Your Gravel Bike Running
Winter wrecks bikes. This blog shows you how to fight back in five minutes flat. No tools, no faff. Just the simple checks that stop small issues turning into expensive problems. From wiping down grit to spotting tyre cuts and keeping your chain alive, it’s the bare minimum that makes a massive difference. Ride more. Fix less. Your future self will thank you.
Winter Gravel Clothing Guide
Winter gravel isn’t about suffering. It’s about turning up and staying comfortable. This guide shares no-nonsense kit advice from Ribble staff and the Outliers on what actually works in a UK February.
Best Road Bikes for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started
New to road cycling and drowning in jargon? This guide cuts through the noise. We break down what actually matters on your first road bike, from comfort to gearing, and show you which options suit real UK riding. No hard sell. No tech waffle. Just straight-talking advice to help you choose a bike you will actually enjoy riding.
When To Service Your Bike? A Practical Guide for Every Rider
Looking after your bike doesn’t start and end with a clean after riding. Regular servicing keeps it working at its best, no matter how often you ride. The tricky part is knowing when a service is needed. Too early feels unnecessary. Too late and the problems have already crept in. This guide breaks it down simply so you can ride more and worry less.
Staying Motivated: Winter Wisdom From The Ribble Family
When winter kills your motivation, even the pros feel it. The difference is they’ve built strategies that keep them riding when willpower runs out. Here’s how they stay consistent, break through the slump, and keep the pedals turning through the toughest months.
10 weeks down and far from decided: here’s why to join now
Ten weeks in and building momentum. Join the Ribble Winter Racing Series now - your best 10 results count. Race hard, miss weeks, progress.