The simplicity of the Gravel SL Pro’s name belies the true expanse of Ribble’s drop-bar mixed-terrain range. Two platforms with very different geometries are offered – and each of those is available in no fewer than four different frame materials, with each model being subtly different itself.
The ‘Gravel’ I tested here is the burlier and more rugged platform, prioritizing stability and the ability to tackle gnarlier terrain. The other platform is the CGR – which stands for Cyclocross, Gravel, Road – and was one of the progenitors for what are now known as ‘all-road’ bikes.
The ‘SL’ denotes the frame material, carbon in this case, but there’s also the choice of titanium, aluminum or steel – each having a slightly different geometry as a result. Finally the ‘Pro’, this relates to the level of spec, being the second highest that Ribble offers of its stock builds.
But – unlike most of even the best gravel bikes – Ribble also allows you to customize the spec, so you can economize in some areas, splash out in others, and get a bar width and stem length you’re happy with from the start.
Ribble Gravel SL Pro: the frame
(Image credit: Future)
First off, the Gravel SL is quite a curiously equipped model. Some elements of the design are what you’d expect from a nose-to-the-stem racer, whilst others are more what you’d expect from an unabashed bikepacking expedition rig.
For instance, the frame is designed to accommodate completely internal cable routing – including a one-piece carbon handlebar – while the dropped seatstays, D-shaped seat post and overall impressively low weight (8.93kg) all point to a bike built for speed.
Yet the Gravel SL also packs many of the mounts we generally see on burlier, bikepacking models – and even some additional ones! Not only are there the usual two pairs of bottle bosses inside the frame, along with another set on the top tube and underside of the downtube, each fork leg also bears a triple set of bosses for cargo cages and extra luggage. In addition to that, there are the mounts for a set of mudguards/fenders and a rear rack for a pannier. The potential configurations are huge.
The same unexpected combinations extend to the geometry. Up front, the riding position is quite aggressive, with a head angle of 71.5 degrees and a stack of 561mm. This is a little steeper and more slammed than the…