With there now being more choice than ever before when it comes to Ribble Titanium bikes you can be forgiven for wondering just what the differences are. Help is at hand; our titanium bike buying guide highlights the differences between each model in our line-up. So here it is - The Ribble Titanium range explained.
Why Titanium?
For a number of decades, Titanium has been regarded as the ultimate frame material that every cyclist aspires to own. New and seasoned cyclists alike find their covetous eyes fixated on the sleek, highly polished tube shapes staring back at them from the pages of their favourite bike magazine or websites. Each extolling the the virtues of the ultimate frame material as they shop for the inevitable N+1.
But why is? What is it about Titanium that makes even the most hard-bitten cyclist stare with undisguised envy at any titanium machine? Well, we might just start with how their visuals - just look at them! How could you not get a little misty-eyed at the thought of being able to ride one, day in and day out?
Titanium has long been regarded as the 'dream' material, and for good reason. It's stronger, stiffer and more durable than a comparable steel frame. Yet it offers an almost identically compliant ride quality. It's also naturally resistant to corrosion and doesn't fatigue over its lifetime. Simply put, a Titanium frame is practically indestructible and can potentially last a lifetime.
Ribble Titanium Bikes
Each of the models listed below is crafted from identical Grade 9 3Al/2.5V Titanium, triple-butted for a strength, durability and longevity that is unmatched. In keeping with the high-quality aspect of the frame, every weld is filled and polished to produce a seamless finish that is free of any unsightly welds. All of our titanium framesets share the same timeless looks, highly polished round tube shapes and brushed detail finish.
Another feature that they all share is the dropped seat stay geometry. This feature is common to our entire range of bikes. Dropping the stays down the seat tube creates a smaller rear triangle which results in a number of benefits.
- Vertical compliance is increased so that less of the vibration that is generated when riding over rough surfaces is transmitted through the frame. Fewer vibrations results in less rider fatigue, allowing you to stay fresher for longer.
- A smaller rear triangle also enables more of the power generated through the pedals to be transferred to the road more efficiently and with less wasted effort.
Endurance Ti Disc
The Endurance Ti is a Titanium road bike and forms part of our endurance range of bikes. It's engineered to provide optimum performance on fast-paced endurance and sportive rides. With this in mind, the Endurance Ti features a road-focused endurance geometry, offering ultra-endurance and long distance cyclists a comfortable and efficient riding position for racking up the big miles.
While also providing enough adjustability to suit the more performance-oriented rider. With ample clearance for modern wider tyres up to 32mm, comfort and traction are enhanced, making the Endurance Ti especially suited to back country lanes and pothole ridden streets . This clearance is reduced to 28mm when mudguards are fitted. (Please note that Continental tyres sit taller than most other manufacturers so only a 25mm max-width may be possible).
Upfront, a 44mm head tube, tapered fork steerer and carbon fork blades combine to produce a lightweight and super-stiff front-end that delivers exemplary steering control. All cables are routed internally through the frame to preserve the clean lines and provide an uncluttered finish. Compatibility with Shimano Di2 electronic gearing systems comes as standard.
A traditional BSA threaded bottom bracket shell adds security and is easier to maintain than a press fit. Additional all-weather versatility is provided by the addition of discreet mudguards mounts for the fitting of full-coverage mudguards.
CGR Ti
You may have seen the word versatile used to describe many bikes, however, few can boast the sheer versatility of the CGR Ti. In fact, the name alone gives you some indication as to its intended purpose. CGR is an acronym for Cross, Gravel, Road, and it ticks all of these boxes. A real swiss army knife of a bike and one that does everything asked of it exceedingly well.
In terms of geometry, the CGR is slightly taller than that of the Endurance Ti. This extra height at the front end provides the rider with a more upright and relaxed riding position. The end result is improved stability, comfort, and control, which is most beneficial when tarmac transitions into gravel or dirt.
Versatility guaranteed
The CGR Ti is designed to offer multi-wheel compatibility. The option to fit 700c and 650b wheels means that the setup can be tailored to suit the conditions or terrain. A road-optimised 700c set-up delivers optimum performance when riding on paved surfaces, yet it can still be ridden off-road.
Whereas the opposite is true of 650b wheels, which are more off-road specific. The smaller wheel diameter enables big volume tyres to be specced for improved traction and comfort over bumpy terrain.
Notching the versatility up yet further is the option to fit mudguards thanks to the discreet mounts within the frame design. With these, it's possible to fit a rear rack for luggage carrying duties and full coverage mudguards to fend off the worst of the dirt and water. Meaning the CGR Ti can be anything that you want it to be; a luxury all-road bike, all-condition adventure commuter, light touring bike, road bike or gravel bike.
Gravel Ti
The newest titanium addition to the range is Gravel Ti. As the name suggests, the Gravel Ti has been designed to conquer the toughest riding surfaces. To this end, like all of the models in our gravel range, it features a geometry akin to that of a mountain bike. Namely long and low. This ensures maximum stability while offering a planted ride feel for added confidence, even over the most extreme terrain imaginable.
In a similar vein to the CGR Ti, the Gravel Ti offers compatibility with both 650b and 700c wheelsets. This gives you the option to fit big air volume 650b off-road tyres for maximum shock absorption and comfort on bumpy surfaces. Or a 700c wheelset if you prefer an all-rounder set-up for paved surfaces as well as gravel and dirt.
Once again rear rack and mudguard mounts come as standard, however, the Gravel Ti also benefits from carryall mounts on the forks. With these, you can carry rolled-up items like ground mats and sleeping bags etc. If you are in the market for the ultimate all-terrain bike packer, or adventurer then look no further. Nothing beats the all-terrain versatility and ultra-compliant ride feel of the Gravel Ti.
HT Ti
The HT Ti is our hardcore hardtail for serious trail chargers. Boasting a long and low progressive geometry, including a slack 64° head angle matched with a 150mm of travel upfront, it's confident where it counts and playful when you want it to be. Carefully placed gussets and CNC'd bridges keep the weight down, while the robust triple-butted titanium ensures maximal strength and long-lasting durability.
Head to head features
Eoghan McHugh decided to take on an epic challenge - to complete the inaugural Atlas Mountains Race on his Adventure Ti. Read about how his experiences here.
If cycling 330km and camping out in the wilds of Dartmoor is your cup of tea then Katie Kookaburra's adventure on her Endurance SL may just appeal to you, read all about it here.
Inspired to see the world on two wheels? Read about ex-Ribble pro rider and YouTuber Lawrence Carpenter's epic ride from Marrakesh to London here.