Ribble Cycles has been handcrafting the highest quality custom-built bikes since 1897. Technology and frame design has come a long way since those early days. Headset standards, in particular, have changed greatly, making finding the correct headset for your frame a challenge. The Ribble headset compatibility guide removes the pain of finding the correct headset for your Ribble bike.
The Ribble headset compatibility guide covers every model of frame produced in the 21st century. Starting with the 1 1/8" standard of the early 2000s to the 1 1/2" or 1 1/4 " tapered designs of today.
1. Pre-2016 R872
This version of the R872 is easily distinguishable from later variants by the 31.6mm seat post diameter and matt (stealth) finish. The top bearing is a standard 1 1/8" 45x45 (30.5x41.8x8) which is readily available from all the usual online cycle retailers. However, the bottom bearing is a slightly more unusual size and replacement bearings can be sourced from bearing via this link.
2. 2017 Gran Fondo
The last iteration of the Gran Fondo differs noticeably from the model that preceded it. Unlike the 1 1/8" straight steerer of its predecessor, this version featured a tapered 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" 45°x45° headset.
We no longer stock this type of headset; however, you can find them easily by simply typing 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" headset into Google or a similar search engine.
Click here to view a compatible example.
3. Alloy and Carbon Frames Circa 2000-2016
7005 Ultralite
Evo Pro
7005 SL/SC61 Carbon
Sportive 365
Gran Fondo
New Sportive Racing
By far, one of the most popular headsets standards before the advent of the tapered fork steerer was the 1 1/8" 45°x45°. Also known throughout the industry as the 'campag fit', this headset standard was employed throughout the Ribble range. Models that require this headset are:
- Sportive Bianco/Azzurro
- Grand Fondo - 2012 to 2016
- 7005 Sportive
- 7005 Audax/7005 Ultralite/7005 SL/7005 CX
- SC61.10A/EM2 plus Carbon Blacktail variants.
- Aero TT
- Sportive 7046
- New Sportive Racing
Sadly we no longer produce a headset to fit these frames, but a Google search for a 1 1/8" 45x45 (IS41) headset should obtain various results.
Azzurro
Sportive 7046
Sportive Bianco
EM2
7005 Sportive
7005 CX
4. Alloy and Steel frames 2017 > 2022
CGR 725
CGR AL e
Endurance 725 Disc
Endurance 725
CGR AL
CGR AL 2017
All of the current range of Ribble alloy and steel frames require a 1 1/8" to 1 1/2" headset with an upper bearing of 41.8x30.2x7 45°x45° and a lower bearing of 51.8x40x8 45°x45°.
- CGR AL/CGR AL e/CGR 725
- Endurance 725 and Endurance 725 Disc
- Hybrid AL and Hybrid AL Trail
- R872 and R872 Disc
- Hybrid AL e (not Step-Through)
Hybrid AL
Hybrid AL e
Hybrid AL Trail
R872
R872 Disc
5. High-Performance Carbon - 2018 >2022
Ultra SL R
Ultra SL
Our high-performance carbon framesets offer compatibility with the LEVEL 5 carbon integrated handlebar system. With the bars fitted, each cable is fully hidden within the frame, which requires a specific type of headset that is exclusive to the following frames:
- Ultra SL R and Ultra SL
- Endurance SL e
- CX SL
- Endurance SL/SL Disc
- Endurance SL R/ SL R Disc
- CGR SL
- Gravel SL
Bearings can be sourced from any reputable bearing manufacturer. The dimensions are:
Upper Bearing: 40 x 51.8 x 7 45° x 45° Lower Bearing: 40 x 51.8 x 8 36° x 45°
CX SL
Endurance SL Disc
Endurance SL R
CGR SL
Gravel SL
Endurance SL e
6. MTB, Gravel, & Endurance Alloy/Titanium
HT 725
HT Trail AL 29
HT Ti
Gravel Ti
Endurance Ti
Gravel AL
CGR Ti
Designed to conquer the toughest terrains, these bikes all feature a beefed-up 44mm headtube design with a distinctive external lower-bearing cup. (It should be noted, however, that the previous iteration of the CGR Ti doesn't feature this external lower cup. It requires the LEVEL 52 headset in section 4 above).
7. Gravel AL e and Step Through's
The models pictured feature a unique headtube design that routes the cables through the headset for a fully cable-free look. This requires a specific model of headset - the LEVEL H56.
If you require a replacement headset, please get in touch; visit our help centre for contact details.
Got an older model of Ribble and need a replacement gear hanger? Find out which one you need in Part 1 of our derailleur hangers guide.
Find out which gear hanger you need for the current range of Ribble frames here.