The Ribble Gravel E-Bike is designed for riders who want electric assistance on rough trails and long rides. It looks like a regular gravel bike, but it has a motor and battery hidden in the frame. This bike is made for gravel roads, dirt paths, and mixed surfaces. It is also useful for commuting and touring. In this review, I will describe the bike’s frame, motor, battery, components, ride quality, and overall performance.
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Frame and Design
The frame of the Ribble Gravel E-Bike is made of aluminum, which keeps it light but strong. The welds are smooth, making it look clean. The bike also has a full carbon fork, which helps absorb vibrations. This is useful when riding on rough gravel or bumpy trails. The frame has mounts for racks, fenders, and extra water bottles, making it practical for long trips.
The geometry of the bike is designed for comfort and stability. The reach is slightly longer, and the head tube angle is slacker than a standard road bike. This helps with control on tricky terrain. The bike also has enough clearance to fit wide tires, which improves grip and comfort.
Motor and Battery
The Ribble Gravel E-Bike uses a MAHLE X35+ motor. This is a hub motor, meaning it is in the rear wheel rather than the crank. The motor provides up to 40Nm of torque, which is enough to help with climbs and headwinds. It is not as powerful as mid-drive motors, but it keeps the bike feeling natural. The assistance feels smooth rather than sudden.
The battery is hidden inside the downtube. It has a capacity of 250Wh, which is enough for about 40-60 miles depending on terrain and rider effort. There is also an optional range extender that adds another 208Wh. Charging the battery takes a few hours. The power button is on the top tube, and riders can select different assist levels.
The system connects to a smartphone app, allowing riders to track battery life, speed, and distance. The app also helps adjust motor settings. The bike still rides well without the motor, as it is not too heavy compared to other e-bikes.
Components and Drivetrain
The bike comes with different drivetrain options. The common setup is a 1×11 system, which means there is only one chainring in the front and 11 gears in the back. This makes shifting simple and reduces maintenance. The gear range is wide enough for climbing and fast riding.
The bike has hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes work well in all conditions, including rain and mud. They provide strong stopping power with minimal effort. The wheels are designed for gravel, and they come with wide, grippy tires. The tires help absorb shocks and improve stability.
Ride Quality
Riding the Ribble Gravel E-Bike feels natural. The motor provides gentle assistance without making the ride feel unnatural. The hub motor is quiet, and the bike does not jerk forward when the assistance kicks in. The weight of the bike is well balanced, so it does not feel too heavy.
On gravel and dirt, the bike handles well. The wide tires and relaxed geometry help with control and comfort. The carbon fork absorbs some of the vibrations, making longer rides more comfortable. The bike also performs well on paved roads, making it a good choice for mixed-terrain rides.
Battery Life and Performance
The battery life depends on terrain and assist level. On flat roads with low assistance, the battery can last close to 60 miles. On hilly terrain or high assist mode, the range drops. The optional range extender is useful for long rides.
The power delivery is smooth, but the hub motor has limitations. It does not feel as strong as a mid-drive motor when climbing steep hills. However, it helps reduce fatigue on long rides. Since the motor is in the rear hub, the bike feels more like a regular bike than some mid-drive e-bikes.
Practicality and Versatility
This bike is versatile. It works well for gravel riding, commuting, and touring. The extra mounts on the frame make it easy to attach bags and racks. This is useful for bikepacking and carrying gear.
Because the bike is not too heavy, it can be used without the motor when needed. This is helpful if the battery runs out. The motor and battery are well integrated, so the bike does not look like a typical e-bike.
Pros:
- Lightweight for an e-bike
- Smooth power delivery
- Good battery integration
- Reliable brakes and drivetrain
- Comfortable ride
- Extra mounts for accessories
Cons:
- Hub motor is less powerful than mid-drive motors
- Battery range may not be enough for very long rides
- Assistance feels limited on very steep climbs
Conclusion
The Ribble Gravel E-Bike is a well-balanced gravel bike with electric assistance. It is useful for riders who want help on hills or long rides but still want a natural riding experience. The bike is comfortable, versatile, and practical. It is a good option for gravel riders, commuters, and bikepackers who want some extra assistance without a heavy e-bike feel.