The Ribble CGR AL 105 aims to be a multifaceted bicycle, proficient across various terrains including commutes, gravel paths, and conventional roads. It boasts ample tire clearance and numerous attachment points, enhancing its adaptability. However, the bike's updated frame architecture reportedly compromises its ride quality. While it delivers dependable and steady handling, the revised geometry, especially the extended reach, might not be universally comfortable for all cyclists, making proper fit a crucial consideration for potential buyers. Compared to its predecessors and competitors, the CGR AL 105 presents a mixed bag of features and performance characteristics, necessitating a thorough evaluation of individual preferences and riding styles.
This all-road machine from Ribble cycles emphasizes versatility and a robust build, positioning itself as an attractive option for riders seeking a single bike capable of handling diverse cycling environments. The use of a 7005-grade aluminum alloy frame with hydroformed tubes contributes to its clean aesthetic and structural integrity, with internal cable routing and smoothed welds giving it a premium, almost carbon-like finish. It incorporates modern features like a T47 bottom bracket, balancing the benefits of an oversized diameter with the practicality of a threaded system. Despite these advancements and a competitive price point, particularly with its Shimano 105 12-speed groupset and adaptable component options, the bike struggles with a firm ride quality and a geometry that some riders find less engaging. The ability to customize components like handlebars for different riding styles adds a layer of personalization, yet the core ride experience may leave some desiring more comfort and responsiveness.
Geometry and Ride Characteristics
The Ribble CGR AL 105 features a notable shift in geometry compared to earlier models, characterized by an extended top tube and reach, which results in a stretched-out riding posture. While the stack figures remain largely consistent, this altered proportion makes the bike more challenging to adapt to for certain riders, particularly for commuting and gravel riding where a more upright or compact position might be preferred. This aggressive geometry, while potentially suiting riders with specific preferences, diminishes the bike's broad appeal for its intended 'do-a-bit-of-everything' role. The handling, however, is consistently neutral, providing a stable and predictable experience across varied surfaces, which can be advantageous in urban environments or when carrying additional loads.
The current CGR AL's ride quality is significantly influenced by its frame design, which incorporates large-volume hydroformed aluminum tubes. This construction, while contributing to stiffness and a clean aesthetic with internal cable routing, unfortunately leads to a rather firm and less comfortable ride. Unlike some contemporary aluminum frames that excel in compliance, the CGR AL sacrifices some ride feel, resulting in a less inspiring experience. Although wider tires run at lower pressures can mitigate some of the harshness, they cannot fully compensate for the inherent rigidity of the frame. The bike also lacks a degree of rider involvement and feedback, which can detract from the overall enjoyment, especially for those who appreciate a more dynamic and communicative ride. Consequently, while the bike offers decent performance for specific uses like winter training or long-distance commuting on dependable road surfaces, its compromised ride quality and geometry make it a less compelling choice when compared to rivals offering superior comfort and engagement at similar price points.
Components and Value Proposition
The Ribble CGR AL 105 comes equipped with a solid array of components, highlighted by the latest 12-speed Shimano 105 groupset. This choice offers an excellent balance of performance and value, making it a reliable option for a versatile bike. The inclusion of an AGX+ Gossamer Pro chainset with 46/30T chainrings is a thoughtful touch, providing more suitable gearing for gravel and varied terrains compared to standard 105 road chainsets. Braking performance is robust, with 160mm rotors ensuring ample stopping power. Ribble's in-house Level brand provides the cockpit components, and a notable customization option allows riders to select handlebars with flare for gravel use at no extra cost, enhancing the bike's adaptability to individual preferences.
Further augmenting its value, the CGR AL 105 features DT Swiss G1800 wheels, known for their reliability and suitability for wider tires, and Schwalbe G-One Allround tires, which offer a good balance of grip and rolling efficiency across mixed surfaces. While the Selle Italia Model X saddle is a basic offering, it provides adequate comfort, complemented by a carbon fiber seatpost. A minor design oversight is the D-shaped seatpost, which can complicate mounting standard round rear lights, a potential inconvenience for commuters. Considering its price point, the CGR AL 105 faces stiff competition from bikes like the Merida Silex 400 and Sonder Camino AL, which often offer comparable or superior ride quality and more harmonious geometries for their respective price tags. The Ribble's strength lies in its strong component specification and the potential for customization, but its overall value is somewhat diminished by the ride characteristics and geometry issues that may not appeal to all riders, making it a bike that requires careful consideration of personal fit and priorities.