I’ve always been a keen cyclist, so I usually take a bike (or two) away with me on caravan tours. It’s brilliant to take off spontaneously at the drop of a hat, pitch up, leave the tow car on site and pedal the surrounding countryside; it saves fuel and is great exercise, too.
So I jumped at the chance to try out a pair of Ribble bikes on a recent caravan tour to the New Forest. Our rides were the Ribble Hybrid AL Trail Disc Enthusiast – which husband Matt was keen to try out – and the Hybrid AL Commuter 2.0; we carried both bikes in the back of our tow car, but they’re light enough to easily be liftable onto a rack.
Getting on track with the Hybrid AL Trail
Ribble’s range of 12 hybrid models all have one thing in common: they promise fun, and are easy to ride – and so it proved with our pair of test bikes.
Simple gearing makes cycling a lot more enjoyable, so we really appreciated the SRAM 1×11 speed system fitted to both, which makes shifting up and down a breeze.
The Ribble Hybrid AL Trail Disc Enthusiast is perfect for those who want a bit more adventure when they’re out riding – it’s as happy on a canal towpath or trail as it is around town.
Suspension forks that provide 50mm of shock absorption, hydraulic disc brakes and 700c wheels fitted with all-terrain capable tyres all added to the great comfort that we experienced on our cycle, particularly when navigating bumpier gravel paths.
We also loved the retro looks of the LEVEL urban alloy riser handlebars – which offer a great, upright cycling position – and the supportive Selle Royal Essenza saddle, which felt a cut above others that we’ve tried.
Take to the road with the Hybrid AL Disc Commuter
The Ribble Hybrid AL Disc Commuter 2.0 features the same saddle and handlebars, but is finished in a smart metallic green that looks stylish.
Hydraulic disc brakes inspire confidence when you’re out and about, and the Schwalbe G-One tyres allow you to maintain a good speed while retaining that essential grip.
This model is perfect for running those essential errands when you’re pitched up onsite – the colour-matched rear pannier rack will help you carry kit or shopping with ease, and the full-coverage mudguards mean that you and your clothing are protected from the worst of the British weather.
You won’t need fancy cycling shoes, either: the pedals are designed for use in trainers or similar, meaning that there’s no need to carry a separate pair for when you arrive at your destination.
You’ll buy with confidence
We loved riding both bikes, but we also felt reassured by Ribble’s history in bike design and build quality – it’s been doing so since 1897, and its bikes are still built by hand in the UK, so you know that you’re getting a quality cycle from a hugely experienced manufacturer.
Ribble also offers a 30-day test ride*: if you’re not happy with your new bike, you’ve 30 days to get in touch, so you can be confident you’ll get the right bike for you.
And with cycle despatch from just 48 hours*, you can order your bike now, safe in the knowledge that it will be with you before your next weekend away in your caravan.
For more details on Ribble’s Hybrid range, and its complete range of bikes, see the website; you can also visit one of its showrooms, or speak to one of its In-store Experts via video call.
*Check website for full details
