VitusZX1CRIAero DiscUltegraDi2

Ribble has always had a deserved reputation for value for money. Historically, that meant very well-equipped bikes based around framesets sourced from overseas. Recently, Ribble has recruited talent from major brands, opened retail stores, and spent more time designing and developing its own framesets, such as this 883 Disc.

What makes the 883 stand out is the equipment. Deda’s Superzero bar is one of the best aero-profile road bars around, the drop shape is compact yet comfortable. The almost complete Shimano Ultegra Di2 disc groupset would retail around £2000, and the 883 is running on Mavic’s latest Cosmic Pro carbon disc wheels (£1049). When you add all the components up, the 883 comes with over £3500 of equipment.

We like the aggressive ride position and fast handling; its robust frame makes for an able climbing companion, and the low weight in the wheels adds to its uphill prowess. On descents, the noisy braking from the Tektro rotors did stop us pushing things too far.

Ride quality is firm, but it’s countered by the Vittoria Corsa G+ tyres, quality cockpit and Selle Italia SLR saddle. On coarser, broken road surfaces the 883 does chatter across, rather than absorb, but it’s still a fun ride, quick and snappy to turn and perfectly acceptable for 80 per cent of our riding.