Ribble Launches Fastest Aero Bike, the Ultra SL R
UK-based Ribble has launched their latest road bike in their lineup. Called the Ribble Ultra SL R, Ribble claims that it’s designed to be the fastest road bike when tested in isolation and in the real world.
Ribble used their well-known and trusted bike, the Endurance SL R as a benchmark. The Ribble Ultra SL R is 75.1 seconds faster at 35km/h and 61.4 seconds at 47km/h over 40km.
A quick look at the frame design indicates that a lot of effort has be been put into making this bike go fast. While the overall shape of the bike looks very similar to a standard aero bike in the market these days with larger tubings, dropped seat stays, and integrated handlebars, that’s where the similarities end.
The Ribble Ultra SL R differentiates itself from the rest via some clever aerodynamics designs such as :
- Complete aero package. The head tube, downtube, and seat stays are enhanced, larger with the intersection seamless. The down tube is optimised with a bottle cage in place.
- Ultra Bar. A one-piece, carbon handlebar that is designed around the rider, fork, and headtube, taking into account airflow, ergonomics, and component integration. The unique wake generators at the underside of the handlebar create a Drag Reduction Zone (DRZ), resulting in a 2.1% drag reduction with bike and rider.
- Fork blades are noticeable larger at 68mm deep and 15mm wide, providing significant aero gains at 5º yaw angles and beyond. Front disc brake mounts are integrated for cleaner aesthetics.
In fact, Ribble has published a very detailed white paper explaining all the work that has gone into this bike.
The frame is built using the Toray T1000/T800 Carbon Monocoque, with a threaded BSA bottom bracket. Unlike most road bikes, the fork steerer is oversized at 1.5” as compared 1.125” or 1.25” found on other brands. The frame is optimised for 28mm tubeless tires and can take up to 32mm tires.
Full Specifications
Frameset
- Frame – Toray T1000/T800 Carbon Monocoque.
- Forks – Ultra SL R Disc, Full Carbon, Tapered Steerer.
- Headset – Ribble SL 1.5”x1.5”, Black.
Groupset
- Shifters – Shimano Dura Ace Di2 R9170 11-Speed Hydraulic
- Brakes – Shimano Dura Ace R9170 Flat Mount Hydraulic
- Chainset – Shimano Dura Ace R9100, 2×11 Speed, 50-34T
- Bottom Bracket – Shimano BB-R9100 Threaded BSA
- Cassette – Shimano Dura Ace R9100 11-Speed 11-28T
- Chain – Shimano Dura Ace HG901 11-Speed
- Front Derailleur – Shimano Dura Ace R9150 Braze-On
- Rear Derailleur – Shimano Dura Ace R9150 Short Cage
- Disc Rotors – Shimano RT800 Centre Lock 140mm
Finishing Kit
- Bars/Stem – Ribble Ultra Aero Carbon Integrated
- Seatpost – Ribble Ultra Aero Carbon, 10mm Layback
- Saddle – Selle Italia SL R Boost, Black
Wheelset
- Wheels – ENVE Foundation 65, 12x100F/12x142R
- Tyres – Schwalbe PRO ONE, Super Race TLE, 700x28mm, Black/Black
- Tubeless Kit – Muc Off Ultimate, Road/Gravel/CX 60mm
Weight
- Approximate Weight – 7.8kg/17.16lbs (medium)
Pricing and Availability
The Ribble Ultra SL R is available in grey color with five different builds. Prices start from £4,299 for a mechanical Shimano Ultegra R8000 groupset to £7,299 for Shimano Dura Ace Di2 groupset.
It’s also available as a custom build and custom color via Ribble’s bike builder program with framesets starting from £2,999.
More info : Ribble
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