ActiveCyclingRibble Gravel SL Enthusiast review: take on tough trails with this high-end workhorseLots of the usual Ribble quality combined with a versatile cocktail of components makes the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast a wise choiceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Ribble)T3 VerdictThe Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast is a brilliant out-of-the-box solution if you’re mad keen on the thought of getting into the gravel bike scene. Being a Ribble, the design and build is everything you’d expect from this premium brand. Cleverly though, the company has managed to produce a dependable gravel bike while keeping the price competitive. Sure, it’s not bargain-basement, but if you’re serious about gravel biking, this is as good a place to start as any.Reasons to buy+Ribble quality+Custom options+Great performanceReasons to avoid-Pedals an added extra-Almost too many custom optionsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveCyclingRibble Gravel SL Enthusiast review: take on tough trails with this high-end workhorseLots of the usual Ribble quality combined with a versatile cocktail of components makes the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast a wise choiceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Ribble)T3 VerdictThe Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast is a brilliant out-of-the-box solution if you’re mad keen on the thought of getting into the gravel bike scene. Being a Ribble, the design and build is everything you’d expect from this premium brand. Cleverly though, the company has managed to produce a dependable gravel bike while keeping the price competitive. Sure, it’s not bargain-basement, but if you’re serious about gravel biking, this is as good a place to start as any.Reasons to buy+Ribble quality+Custom options+Great performanceReasons to avoid-Pedals an added extra-Almost too many custom optionsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Lots of the usual Ribble quality combined with a versatile cocktail of components makes the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast a wise choice
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Ribble)T3 VerdictThe Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast is a brilliant out-of-the-box solution if you’re mad keen on the thought of getting into the gravel bike scene. Being a Ribble, the design and build is everything you’d expect from this premium brand. Cleverly though, the company has managed to produce a dependable gravel bike while keeping the price competitive. Sure, it’s not bargain-basement, but if you’re serious about gravel biking, this is as good a place to start as any.Reasons to buy+Ribble quality+Custom options+Great performanceReasons to avoid-Pedals an added extra-Almost too many custom options
(Image credit: Ribble)
(Image credit: Ribble)
T3 VerdictThe Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast is a brilliant out-of-the-box solution if you’re mad keen on the thought of getting into the gravel bike scene. Being a Ribble, the design and build is everything you’d expect from this premium brand. Cleverly though, the company has managed to produce a dependable gravel bike while keeping the price competitive. Sure, it’s not bargain-basement, but if you’re serious about gravel biking, this is as good a place to start as any.Reasons to buy+Ribble quality+Custom options+Great performanceReasons to avoid-Pedals an added extra-Almost too many custom options
T3 VerdictThe Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast is a brilliant out-of-the-box solution if you’re mad keen on the thought of getting into the gravel bike scene. Being a Ribble, the design and build is everything you’d expect from this premium brand. Cleverly though, the company has managed to produce a dependable gravel bike while keeping the price competitive. Sure, it’s not bargain-basement, but if you’re serious about gravel biking, this is as good a place to start as any.
T3 Verdict
The Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast is a brilliant out-of-the-box solution if you’re mad keen on the thought of getting into the gravel bike scene. Being a Ribble, the design and build is everything you’d expect from this premium brand. Cleverly though, the company has managed to produce a dependable gravel bike while keeping the price competitive. Sure, it’s not bargain-basement, but if you’re serious about gravel biking, this is as good a place to start as any.
Reasons to buy+Ribble quality+Custom options+Great performanceReasons to avoid-Pedals an added extra-Almost too many custom options
Reasons to buy+Ribble quality+Custom options+Great performance
Ribble quality
Custom options
Great performance
Reasons to avoid-Pedals an added extra-Almost too many custom options
Pedals an added extra
Almost too many custom options
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
I was so glad when the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast arrived on my doorstep in the usual large cardboard box. Why? Mysteriously, this gravel machine hasn’t appeared in ourbest gravel bikeguide up to now, for logistical reasons more than anything. That’s all set to change now though as, having lived with it for just a short while, the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast really is a bike for all seasons.
If you’re after an everyday machine, check out thebest road bikes under £1,000. You might also find something in ourbest cheap road bikesguide. However, I’m keen to do more gravel-based biking, which means the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast is proving to fit the bill perfectly. So, onwards and upwards if you want to hear about just how good the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast really is.
If you want to know more about T3’s product reviews, take a read of ourhow we testpage. Otherwise, read on for my thoughts about the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast: price and availability
You can get the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast in a range of sizes, from X-Small (5’3” – 5’6”/160 – 168cm) through to X-Large (6’ 0” – 6’ 3”/183 – 191cm) with small, medium and large options sandwiched inbetween. I’ve been trying a medium example and it arrived with everything in the box, plus little in the way of setup needing to be done, save for attaching the handlebars, saddle and my own pedals.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast: design and build
The Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast gravel bike comes complete with a lean but no less mean specification that makes it a great all-rounder. The frame, a Toray T1000/T800 Carbon Monocoque looks great in the Satin Copper finish of my example. Meanwhile, there’s a SRAM Rival HRD 1x11 speed groupset, Mavic Allroad Disc 650b alloy wheels shod with Halo GXC Gravel 650bx47mm tyres.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The riding position feels great thanks to the LEVEL Gravel Riser flared alloy handlebars combined with SL Carbon seat post and Selle Italia X3 Boost saddle. It’s a great default, out-of-the-box route to take if you just want a bike that you can get on and go. However, this being Ribble you can also specify other options when you order using the customise button on the website.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast: the ride
Although it seemed like a shame to get this wonderful shiny-looking bike out in the dust and dirt, the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast feels very comfortable, initially on minor roads and shortly after, some rough stuff. The first thing you notice is the agile feel of the overall bike setup: it’s light and fun to ride. The convenience of the SRAM groupset is everything I’d hoped for and then there’s the reassuring grip from those tyres.
In fact, the beefy but not too over-the-top Halo GXC Gravel 650bx47mm rubber works to great effect, particular on the chunky gravel tracks I visit regularly. I also got lucky with the bike right out of the box too, with very little in the way of fettling needed to make it feel like I’d had it for months, rather than days.
Taking some longer routes to bed the bike in, I’ve found the saddle to be extremely comfortable while the riding position is ideal for me. Choosing this model means the weight is less too, which is a distinct advantage over lower specification, slightly cheaper model variants. If you’re serious about getting a decent gravel bike, without breaking the bank, I think the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast makes an ideal entry point.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast: verdict
It’s been so far, so good with the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast. I’m loving its go just about anywhere design, the lightweight construction and those looks are fab too. In practical terms, this is a very easy bike to ride, and things like the great tyres and those powerful hydraulic brakes offer reassurance if you’re just starting out on the gravel, er, track.
Overall, the Ribble Gravel SL Enthusiast seems like excellent value with the added benefit of custom options if you’ve got more specific requirements in mind.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
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