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Take a look at Ribble’s Gravel AL bike with smooth welds and excellent load capacity for under £2,000

This model is specced with Shimano’s 1x GRX groupset, 650b x 47mm tyres and riser flared bars for control as well as bar bag clearance

The Gravel AL is Ribble’s more affordable aluminium option with a long and low gravel-optimised frame for stable riding over technical terrain, and also comes specced with flared drops which provide a wider stance for improved handling at speed. The riser shape of these bars also provides more room for a bar bag. 

> Check out the Gravel AL on Ribble's website here
Ribble AL Enthusiast Shimano GRX RX600 1

> 19 of the best 2021 gravel bikes & adventure road bikes

“The Gravel AL explodes into life where the road ends and the off-road adventure begins and this Enthusiast edition hits the sweet spot between speed, simplicity and performance to deliver a ride that’s composed and maximise rider enjoyment,” sums up Ribble. 

Handcrafted from custom formed 6061 T6 heat-treated aluminium, Ribble says the smooth welds offer enhanced strength as well as the premium finish.

Ribble AL Enthusiast Shimano GRX RX600 8

A lightweight full carbon front fork with an oversized steerer is included for front end stiffness and precision steering control.

> Ribble CGR AL Shimano 105 review

Ribble says it has optimised the geometry for gravel riding with a longer and lower frame for a more planted feel over technical terrain.

An oversized 44mm headtube combined with a shorter stem are designed to deliver a stable ride with more direct and responsive steering, “delivering the agility necessary to navigate trail hazards like tree roots, carve through corners with surgical precision and navigate technical descent,” says Ribble. 

Ribble AL Enthusiast Shimano GRX RX600 5

Level’s Gravel Riser flared bars have a 20mm rise for multiple hand positions, while the flared drops should help provide a wider, more stable stance for improved handling and control when descending or navigating technical terrain.The riser shape also gives the added practicality of barbag clearance.

The Gravel AL also has a very decent luggage capacity with multiple frame mounts included to cater for most bikepacking requirements.

Ribble AL Enthusiast Shimano GRX RX600 11

There are two sets of water bottle mounts inside the main triangle as well as extra sets underneath the downtube and along the top tube. 

Ribble AL Enthusiast Shimano GRX RX600 7

Carryall mounts on the front fork also allow the attachment of oversize cages for items such as dry bags, ground mats and sleeping bags.

> 650b vs 700c wheels: find out which you should choose

Internal routing gives this bike a sleek, clean finish and keeps the cables protected from dirt and grime. This also extends to the possibility to upgrade to an internally routed dropper post to make the ride as wild as you like and compatibility with Shimano Di2 gear systems.

Ribble AL Enthusiast Shimano GRX RX600 6

Tyre clearance wise, there’s ample clearance for 650b x 47mm or 700c x 45mm tyres. Ribble also has a wide selection of tyres with multiple tread patterns available in the BikeBuilder to cater for all types of gravel terrain. All of Ribble’s bikes are supplied with inner tubes fitted as standard.

Ribble AL Enthusiast Shimano GRX RX600 10

The £1,899 Enthusiast model comes equipped with Shimano’s GRX RX600 1x11 speed groupset and 650b x 47mm Halo GXC Gravel tyres wrapped around Mavic’s Allroad 650b tubeless-ready wheels.
 

www.ribble.co.uk 

Anna has been hooked on bikes ever since her youthful beginnings at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit. As an avid road and track racer, she reached the heady heights of a ProCyclingStats profile before leaving for university. Having now completed an MA in Multimedia Journalism, she’s hoping to add some (more successful) results. Although her greatest wish is for the broader acceptance of wearing funky cycling socks over the top of leg warmers.

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4 comments

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Tom_77 | 2 years ago
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Very pleased with my Gravel AL. I specced it with 2x10 GRX 400 and 700c wheels. So far I've mainly used it for commuting on country lanes (I swapped the tyres for Continental Grand Prix Urban), planning to take it off-road a bit over the summer.

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maxdabrit | 2 years ago
1 like

I know it's an advertorial but those welds and that paint detail looks amazing. Specialized and the new Allez should take note. 

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t-sparker replied to maxdabrit | 2 years ago
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A colleague has a new CGR, looks similar. I was amazed by quality of smoothed finish on welds and blending of tube shapes for head, top, seat and seat stays ( with only the bottom bracket area with usual Alu weld showing). Knocked out most recent Caads etc

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capedcrusader | 2 years ago
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Smarter weld?

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