It’s all new
Preston-based online-retailer Ribble was established as long ago as 1897, so you know that any bike it sells comes backed with years of experience. But that doesn’t mean it’s a company stuck in the past, and the all-new Endurance is its first foray into the fast-growing disc-brake road-bike market.
It looks great
The glossy finish with metallic silver decals mean the Endurance looks simple and smart from a distance, but it’s even nicer up close, with the swirl of carbon fibres visible through the lacquer adding to the appeal.
It’s comfortable
We put the bike’s endurance credentials to the test on a hilly 200km audax, and despite spending nearly nine hours in the saddle, we felt no ill effects the next day – no doubt in thanks to the well-proportioned frame that allowed us to easily find a good position on the bike. The 25mm tyres help, too.
It’s an all-rounder
Geometry is what you might call neutral, neither too racy nor too relaxed, which allows for stable, predictable handling and a bike that holds its speed well over all terrain.
It has great brakes
Although heavy rain and mucky lanes on our test ride meant we found ourselves wishing the frame had clearance for mudguards, we were grateful for the Shimano RS685 hydraulic disc brakes – still a contentious topic but they make perfect sense in those conditions, especially on fast descents.
It’s built to last
At over 8kg, it’s not the lightest bike on the market, but it comes with the reassurance that the frame builders haven’t skimped on material for the sake of shaving off a few grammes – those beefy chainstays and sturdy fork, for example, have been designed to withstand the extra forces of disc braking.
It comes with great kit
Our test bike came with good-quality components from Italian firm Deda, which are always welcome, plus a decent Selle Italia saddle. A carbon seatpost would be a nice addition – and luckily, that is an option.
It’s Di2 ready
Should you wish to upgrade to electronic gearing at some point, the frame will be happy to take the necessary wiring.
It’s a great fit
The frame comes in five sizes, from 50cm up to 58cm, and so caters for all but the smallest and lankiest riders.
It’s all up to you
Pretty much every component on the bike can be chosen to your specification and budget – even down to the choice of lightweight inner tubes. So you can pick up a complete bike for as little as £1,099.95, while a standard build such as our test bike comes in around a still very reasonable £1,600.