RIBBLE R872 DISC

Ribble chalks one up for the underdog

The ride is composed when things turn rough, and very communicative... an amazing value package

Whether listed by price, specification or category these five bikes should be fairly closely matched, which was, after all, the test’s concept. We potentially threw a torque wrench in the collective drivetrain by swapping Ribble’s entry from the most expensive to the cheapest of the five bikes, seemingly setting it adrift of the competition. But things don’t always work out as expected.

Canyon’s Endurace still has much to commend it and it’s quick, but as an endurance bike it has been surpassed in the compliance stakes by several newer machines. Trek’s Domane SL4 promises epic ride comfort and great performance but additional mass from the groupset and recalcitrant wheels and tyres hold it back, making hilly rides a tougher proposition.

Then there’s a three-way tussle between the Giant, Cannondale and Ribble. Each bike has commendable qualities. The TCR Advanced Disc 2 remains a favourite bike and a very reliable performer. Here it offers immense value and great ride quality with wholesome performance to match, but it’s just outgunned by the new SuperSix Evo. The ride comfort it offers from 25mm tyres with inner tubes inside – compared to the Giant’s tubeless setup – is just extraordinary and even though its Fulcrum wheels aren’t especially rapid, the new Evo is a lovely place to pedal.

Topping this test by a hair’s breadth is the Ribble R872 Disc. A last-minute substitution perhaps, but one with an eye for goal, as it’s played a blinder. With a less expensive, but still all-carbon fibre frame dressed in equivalent componentry, the Ribble couldn’t offer the supple ride feel of the Evo. Instead, the ride is slightly firmer, but always composed when things turn rough, and very communicative. The stars of the show though are the Aksium wheelset and Continental GP5000 tyres, which add raw speed and epic control to what is an amazing value package.