CGR vs. Gravel: Choosing Between Multi-Surface and Gravel Performance
When it comes to bikes that go beyond smooth tarmac, two standouts in the Ribble line-up are the CGR and our Gravel range. Both are built to take you off the beaten path, but each delivers a very different ride.
The decision comes down to what kind of rider you are and the type of riding you do most. Here’s a guide to help you choose between multi-surface versatility and gravel-first performance.
CGR: Built For The Epic, Every Day
The CGR (Commute-Gravel-Road) is the original do it all bike. Designed to move effortlessly between the weekday commute, long weekend road rides, and gravel detours. With endurance geometry, and tyre clearance of up to 50mm delivers a smooth, stable ride across every surface, from tarmac to trail, day in and day out.
CGR shares its DNA with our category-defining bikes. Featuring the aero profiling inspired by the ULTRA-AERO, comfort geometry from the ALLROAD, and frame technology so good it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Gravel: ALLGRIT & ULTRA-GRIT
If the CGR is the all-rounder, our Gravel range is for riders who see dirt, trails, and endless horizons as the main event. With two distinct platforms - ALLGRIT and ULTRA-GRIT - you can choose between all-day adventure comfort or race-tuned gravel speed.
ALLGRIT: Go Beyond The ALLGRIT range is built for riders who want to go long. Its gravel-specific geometry is tuned for control and ease, keeping you rolling for hours on end. Frame options from titanium, carbon, and aluminium let you pick the balance of comfort, compliance, and durability that suits your style.
With clearance for up to 50mm tyres, full rack and mudguard mounts, and 1x or 2x drivetrain compatibility, ALLGRIT adapts to whatever adventure you have in mind. Its stable, responsive handling makes it just as confident on flowing fire roads as it is on rough, technical tracks. Clean lines, internal cable routing, and simple, intuitive features keep setup easy, so you can spend more time riding and less time worrying.
ULTRA-GRIT: Real Competitive Grit When speed is the priority, ULTRA-GRIT takes the top spot. Borrowing aero profiles from our fastest road bikes, combined with fully internal cable routing and integrated cockpit options, it slices through headwinds to help you hold speed across any surface.
Its UCI-approved frame blends race-optimised geometry with flex stays and an asymmetric seat tube for control under pressure, whether that’s fast corners or rough descents. Lightweight carbon construction (30T/33T layup with M46 fibres) keeps it brutally efficient, while a threaded BSA bottom bracket adds stiffness and easy servicing.
And because endurance matters too, ULTRA-GRIT integrates the features that count on long gravel epics: 50mm tyre clearance, internal down-tube storage, multiple mounts, and UDH compatibility. It’s a pure gravel race bike that adapts to whatever challenge you throw its way.
SPORTFIT: Flat Bar Control, Extra Confidence
Both the CGR and theGravel models are also available in SPORTFIT editions. These bikes take the DNA of their drop-bar counterparts and reimagine them with a flat bar, giving you a more upright and confident position. SPORTFIT models are ideal for riders who want extra control, a more relaxed fit, or simply prefer the feel of a flat bar. They offer the same versatility, tyre clearance, and frame technology as the drop-bar versions - just with added comfort and confidence on every ride.
CGR vs. Gravel: Which One’s For You?
The CGR is the choice if you want maximum versatility. It’s a true do it all bike, capable of handling the daily commute, a weekend club ride, and light gravel in equal measure.
The ALLGRIT & ULTRA-GRIT, by contrast, is for riders who want a gravel-first machine. It’s less about being a jack-of-all-trades and more about excelling off-road. If your priority is stability on loose terrain, long-distance adventures, or gravel racing, then look no further.
In Summary
Tyre Choice and Pressures for UK Gravel
Tyres can make or break your gravel ride. This blog cuts through the guesswork on width, tread and pressure, showing you what actually works for UK conditions.
Getting the right set up is half the battle
Getting your gravel bike set up right is the difference between enjoying the ride and counting down the miles. This blog breaks down the key adjustments that actually matter, from saddle height to bar position and tyre pressure, without drowning you in jargon.
Just because it’s wet and cold, doesn’t mean we’re not having fun
February gravel isn’t about hero rides. It’s about quiet trails, mixed surfaces and riding for the sake of it. This blog dives into why Ribble staff and the Outliers keep choosing gravel when winter drags on, from traffic-free routes to bikes built to handle proper UK conditions.
Post Ride Checks That Keep Your Gravel Bike Running
Winter wrecks bikes. This blog shows you how to fight back in five minutes flat. No tools, no faff. Just the simple checks that stop small issues turning into expensive problems. From wiping down grit to spotting tyre cuts and keeping your chain alive, it’s the bare minimum that makes a massive difference. Ride more. Fix less. Your future self will thank you.
Winter Gravel Essentials: What Actually Works in UK Conditions
Winter gravel isn’t about suffering. It’s about turning up and staying comfortable. This guide shares no-nonsense kit advice from Ribble staff and the Outliers on what actually works in a UK February.
When To Service Your Bike? A Practical Guide for Every Rider
Looking after your bike doesn’t start and end with a clean after riding. Regular servicing keeps it working at its best, no matter how often you ride. The tricky part is knowing when a service is needed. Too early feels unnecessary. Too late and the problems have already crept in. This guide breaks it down simply so you can ride more and worry less.
Best Road Bikes 2026
A clear guide to choosing the right road bike for how you actually ride, cutting through the noise to explain what actually makes a road bike ‘the best’ in 2026.
Shimano 105 - The GOAT Groupset?
Shimano 105 is the groupset riders trust when they want pro-level performance without the pro-level price. With both mechanical and Di2 options now available, it might just be the GOAT. Here’s why.
What is a Gravel Bike?
Curious about gravel bikes? Discover what a gravel bike really is, how it handles different terrain and why more riders are choosing it for everyday miles and weekend adventures.
Electric Road Bike vs Road Bike – What’s the Difference?
Electric road bikes deliver the same ride, handling and thrill as traditional road bikes, just with a discreet boost that helps you go further, faster, and ride more often.
Electric Road Bike vs Road Bike - What's the difference?
Electric road bike vs road bike: what’s the real difference? We cut through the myths and show how e-road bikes stack up against traditional road bikes, rider to rider.
How Far Can an Electric Bike Go? Range, Batteries & Real-World Tips
“How far can an electric bike really go?” In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what determines e-bike range, share practical tips to make every charge go further, and show how Ribble’s electric bikes compare in real-world conditions.