Choosing the perfect road bike can be overwhelming, especially with so many models available, each tailored for specific riding styles and terrains. Here at Ribble, our road bike buying guide will walk you through each road bike model, helping you determine which is best suited for your cycling needs.
Aero Bikes - Shaped for Speed
Aero bikes maximise speed by reducing drag through improved aerodynamics. They are designed for competitive riders or those looking to push their limits on flat or rolling terrain.
Ultra SL R
The Ultra SL R is Ribble’s top-tier aero bike, crafted from lightweight carbon fibre and built for high-speed racing. It features an advanced aerodynamic frame designed to slice through the wind while maintaining stiffness for powerful acceleration, helping you maintain high speeds with less effort on flat terrain.
Best for: Serious competitors and cyclists aiming for maximum speed on race day.
Ultra SL
The Ultra SL offers much of the same aerodynamic prowess as the SL R at a more accessible price point. It retains the carbon fibre frame and aerodynamics, making it perfect for fast group rides or weekend races.
**Best for: **Cyclists who want a high-performance aero bike at a more budget-friendly price.
Ultra Tri Disc
The Ultra Tri Disc is a purpose-built triathlon bike. It features an aero-optimised frame and integrated hydration and storage solutions for long-distance triathlons. The disc brakes add stopping power, improving control and confidence and enhancing safety in steep descents or wet conditions.
Best for: Triathletes who need a dedicated tri bike for races and training.
Endurance SL R Disc
The Endurance SL R Disc offers an aerodynamic frame similar to our aero bikes but with built-in comfort features. It’s designed for riders who want to combine the all-out speed of a racing bike with all-day in the saddle comfort, whether on a fast-paced, sportive or long-distance ride. The extra stopping power of disc brakes means you can slow down equally as well in wet or dry conditions.
Best for: Cyclists who want a fast, efficient road bike for competitive and long-distance riding.
Endurance Bikes - Performance Meets Comfort
Endurance bikes are built for long-distance comfort, offering a more relaxed geometry to reduce fatigue over extended rides. Ribble’s endurance range is perfect for riders who enjoy long days in the saddle or mixed-terrain adventures.
Allroad Ti
The Allroad Ti features a cutting-edge construction, blending 3D printing with traditional craftmanship. When combined with titaniums signature aesthetics, durability and acclaimed ride comfort, you have a fast road bike that is built to stand up to the rigours of riding rougher trails without compromising its on-road performance.
Allroad SL R
The Allroad SL R is designed for serious endurance riders who tackle a mix of road and light gravel. It combines a lightweight carbon frame with wider tyre clearance, allowing peerless performance on smooth tarmac and rougher trails, absorbing road vibrations, and enhancing comfort. It's also the first frame in the Ribble line-up to feature internal frame storage, so you can stash spare tubes and tools rather than rely on your jersey pockets or an external saddle pack.
Best for: Riders who want a versatile bike that can handle long road rides and gravel adventures.
Allroad SL R e
This Allroad SL R electric version adds pedal-assist technology, making long, steep, hilly rides much more manageable. The bike retains the same all-terrain versatility as the SL R but allows you to cover more ground with less effort.
Best for: Endurance riders who want extra support on long rides or to conquer more challenging terrain.
Allroad SL
The Allroad SL offers much of the same features and versatility as the SL R, distilling this premium performance down into a more accessible package. It allows you to ride comfortably on roads and light off-road trails. It’s a solid choice for endurance riders who don’t need all the top-tier features of the SL R.
Best for: Riders looking for a reliable, multi-terrain endurance bike at a reasonable price.
Endurance SL R Disc
The Endurance SL R Disc offers race-like speed with the comfort needed for long distances. It’s built from a lightweight carbon that's highly efficient at absorbing road vibrations, making it an excellent choice for sportives and century rides. This bike combines speed, comfort, and braking power for long rides with disc brakes that excel in all conditions.
Best for: Cyclists who want a fast but comfortable bike for long road rides.
Endurance AL Disc
The Endurance AL Disc is Ribble’s aluminium endurance bike. It offers a more affordable option without sacrificing performance. The aluminium frame is lightweight yet durable and features the exceptional stopping power and precision control of disc brakes.
Best for: Budget-conscious riders looking for a endurance bike.
Endurance 725 Disc
Featuring a steel frame, the Endurance 725 Disc delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, ideal for long journeys with reliable stopping power. Similar in many way to titanium, the spring-like properties of the material result in a resilient frameset with shock-absorbing properties.
Best for: Cyclists who want a classic, comfortable bike for long-distance riding.
R872 Disc
The R872 Disc offers an excellent blend of performance and value. It’s a versatile all-rounder with a light carbon frame and disc brakes, making it a popular choice for riders seeking an affordable, high-performance bike that has the added benefit of disc brakes for control.
Best for: Beginner and intermediate riders who want a versatile, well-rounded road bike.
CGR Bikes - Versatility Across All-Terrains
CGR bikes are best described as 'do-it-all' machines designed for riders who need a bike that can handle everything from smooth roads to rough gravel. They’re ideal for all-season commuting, mixed-terrain rides, or weekend adventures.
CGR Ti
The CGR Ti's titanium construction provides it with a strength, resilience and ride quality that is unmatched. It's robust qualities and all-terrain versatility ensures it can stand up to some rough handling, allowing riders to transition from road to trail with the minimum of fuss and maximum control and comfort.
CGR AL
The CGR AL is an aluminium-framed bike that is low maintenance and affordable. It offers durability and reliability for road, gravel, and off-road rides. It features wider tyres for enhanced traction on loose surfaces and a more upright geometry that balances performance with stability and comfort.
Best for: Riders looking for a versatile bike that can handle road and gravel without breaking the bank.
CGR AL e
The CGR AL e takes the versatility of the CGR AL, handling road, gravel and off-road terrain equally well. The added electric assistance is perfect for riders who want to tackle more challenging routes or longer distances without worrying about strain or fatigue. The aluminium frame remains durable, while the electric motor provides a smooth, natural boost to your pedalling efforts.
Best for: Cyclists who need a versatile all-terrain bike with electric assistance to tackle longer rides, steep hills, or mixed terrain without tiring out too quickly.
CGR 725
The CGR 725 features a Reynolds steel frame, which offers a classic, smooth ride with exceptional comfort, especially over uneven terrain. Steel frames have a unique ability to absorb road vibrations, and the CGR 725 retains the versatile design that makes it perfect for road and off-road riding. This bike is highly durable, making it an excellent option for touring, bikepacking or cycle commuting.
Best for: Cyclists who prioritise durability, comfort, and a classic aesthetic over speed, especially for touring, bike-packing, or mixed-surface adventures.
Key Takeaways for Choosing the Best Road Bike
Aero Bikes - If speed is your top priority, aero bikes are the go-to choice. They’re designed with aerodynamic frames that reduce wind resistance, perfect for competitive racing or fast rides on flat terrain. However, their stiff, speed-focused design may compromise comfort on longer rides or rough roads.
Endurance Bikes – Built for comfort and versatility, endurance bikes are ideal for riders who plan on covering long distances or encountering mixed terrain. They offer a more relaxed geometry and absorb road vibrations better, making them perfect for sportive riders, commuters, or anyone looking for a more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.
CGR Bikes – These bikes are built for all-around use, making them perfect for cyclists who want one bike for everything—from commuting to gravel adventures. Thanks to wider tyres and adaptable geometry, CGR bikes can handle different surfaces, allowing for both road speed and off-road capability.
Disc Brakes – They provide more consistent braking performance, especially in wet or muddy conditions. They require less maintenance and offer better modulation than traditional rim brakes, making them a solid choice for road, endurance, and gravel bikes alike.
Electric Assistance – E-bike versions of both endurance and CGR models provide pedal assistance, making tough climbs or long-distance rides less tiring. They’re ideal for riders who want extra support while enjoying a traditional cycling experience.
Choosing the Right Bike
When choosing a road bike, consider the type of riding you’ll be doing most often. Aero bikes are perfect for speed and competitive racing, endurance bikes excel in comfort over long distances, and CGR bikes offer all-around versatility for mixed terrains. Our updated range provides lots of options for every type of rider, whether you’re chasing performance, comfort, or adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Main Difference Between An Aero Bike and an Endurance Bike?
Which Bike Is Best For Long-Distance Rides?
Are CGR Bikes Suitable For Off-Road Riding?
Do I Need Disc Brakes On A Road Bike?
What Are The Advantages Of An Electric-Assisted Bike?
Are Steel-Frame Bikes Heavier Than Other Materials?