RIBBLE REYNOLDS 525

£962.90

The frame

It’s always good to see a bit of skinnytubed steel in this era of all things carbon. The Ribble’s Reynolds 525 steel may be one of the Birmingham tube manufacturer’s more modest metals, but it’s well finished with a neat mix of tidy TIG welds and lugs. The threaded BSA bottom bracket means trouble-free running for years to come and the retro paint and skinny Deda Blackstorm carbon fork are nice touches.

It’s value packed

Campagnolo’s 10-speed Veloce with its polished finish is a fine match for the frame with confident brakes and decent wheels also from Campagnolo. The Deda finishing kit is quality stuff and full mudguards from Stronglight and some of the toughest tyres around in the form of 25mm Continental Gator Hardshells complete the build.

The ride

Despite the modest steel, and modest price, the Ribble 525 has a very accomplished ride. The comfortgiving flex inherent in skinny steel is present, and with the similarly svelte fork, helps to nullify most vibrations from poor road surfaces. The geometry is classic stuff too, giving the 525 a relaxed ride position and handling that’s just on the right side of stable without becoming slow. Should you want to inject a bit of hustle the Ribble is with you all the way.

ONE THING WE’D CHANGE The cassette

The gearing of a 50/34 and 12-25 is ample, though we would appreciate a lower bottom end. Thankfully, on Ribble’s updated bike builder you can opt for a 11-25 or 13-26 should you want to go the other way. If you’re more of a Shimano fan opt for 5800 105 and you can go to a 11-28 or a wide 11-32 at no extra cost.