RIDDEN AND REVIEWED RIBBLE ALLROAD TI £5,499

Versatile multi-surface machine that makes the rough feel reassuringly smooth

- Tim Russon

WEIGHT 9.35 KG

Relaxed, allroad geometry with wide tyre clearances means that the Allroad Ti is R not aimed at racers or KOM chasers, rather, it is suited to à riders who value the ability to navigate poor road surfaces, potholes, grassy lanes and even gravel trails without too much concern.

Ribble offers the bike in four builds: Sport, Enthusiast, Pro and Hero. Our test bike was the Pro-level, Ultegra-equipped model, which weighed in at 9.35kg.

CONSTRUCTION

The Allroad Ti's point of difference is not its 3AL-2.5V titanium construction, but rather the 3D-printed sections of titanium that have been used around the head tube and at the top of the seat tube. These 3D-printed parts are TIG welded to the tubes without any visible welding patterns, although the junctions aren't quite seamless as there are slight but discernible steps in the frame where the sections join.

There are more conventional titanium welds at the bottom bracket, rear dropouts and seat tube/seatstays junction, while the threaded bottom bracket will be welcomed by home mechanics. The fork is made from carbon and is notably wide and modern-looking.

The geometry holds few surprises, with pretty regulation numbers for an endurance/allroad bike: 415mm chainstays, 73° head tube and 73.5° seat tube. However, the stack and reach are on the higher and longer side at 587.6mm and 391mm respectively, for a large/56, but nothing too controversial.

As befits a bike of this type, claimed tyre clearance is impressive at 38mm, although all models ship with more versatile 32mm rubber. This means that even if you take advantage of the integrated mudguard mounts there should be plenty of space for tyres wider than 30mm without worrying about them getting clogged up with mud or grass.