Ribble Cycles have put together a stunning, titanium framed gravel bike based on their own progressive frame geometry combined with top of the line wireless SRAM tech and a RockShox Rudy Ultimate fork.
Unveiled at the Grinduro gravel enduro festival this weekend in Wales, the SRAM eTap AXS x Ribble Gravel Ti definitely looks a contender to be one of the best gravel bikes around, though disappointingly it's a one of kind prototype rather than a production model. All is not lost though, as Ribble did reveal to us that it "could possibly form the basis for the future revisions to the Gravel Ti".
The titanium frame is completely bespoke and has a new oversized down tube. Instead of Ribble's existing 44mm head tube, this new oversized version is 56mm on the new bike to allow for internal routing and compatibility with Ribble's Level 5 integrated carbon bar.
The frame has been designed specifically for SRAM's wireless AXS systems, so unlike many production models using this system, there are no plugged up cable/hose entry and exit ports in the titanium tubing. The super clean look is further enhanced by Ribble’s integrated carbon Level 5 Gravel bar and stem with internal brake routing.
A one of a kind bike deserves a unique paint job. A red finish begins on the bars and fork lowers, through the frame and ends with polished raw titanium on the downtube and rear triangle.
Jamie Burrow, Head of Product at Ribble Cycles said. "Our R&D team has worked in conjunction with SRAM to create this unique gravel frame. We’re always developing and looking at ways to further enhance the performance of our bikes through R&D embracing the latest technology – the AXS wireless system allowed us to go beyond existing bike frame design constraints, creating a prototype for our ‘cleanest’ gravel optimized titanium frame to date. This prototype is a beautiful combination of refined design, wireless gearing and suspension technology to create a fantastic off-road machine capable of extreme gravel adventures and racing.”
If you're at Grinduro at this weekend, you can check the prototype bike out in the flesh over at the SRAM booth from today.
SRAM eTap AXS x Ribble Gravel Ti spec
- Frame: Handcrafted Ribble Gravel Ti (3Al/2.5V Titanium)
- Fork: RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR suspension fork (30mm travel)
- Drivetrain/shifting: RAM RED eTap AXS HRD, SRAM RED XPLR eTap AXS
- Cranks: SRAM RED 1 with Direct mount 40T chainring
- Wheelset: Zipp 101 XPLR
- Tires: Zipp G40 XPLR Tubeless
- Handlebar & stem: Ribble Carbon Level 5 Gravel bar
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS XPLR
- Saddle: Fizik Aliante
