The Ribble Allroad SL R‑Sport is a premium endurance electric road bike priced around £4,499. It pairs a lightweight carbon frame with Shimano 105 12‑speed gearing and a 55 Nm MAHLE X20 mid‑drive motor. This model targets serious cyclists seeking electric support for training, endurance riding or gravel adventures without compromising performance.
This review reports on real‑world testing across Alpine climbs, northern England gravel routes and all‑day road rides. We assess ride feel, motor power, battery range, component performance and handling in varied conditions. The goal is to evaluate whether the Allroad SL R‑Sport delivers the endurance capability as advertised and whether it offers value against rivals. We will also examine its suitability for long rides, mixed terrain and daily cycling needs.
One of the best ebikes on the market? Read on to find out!
Specs at a Glance
- Motor: MAHLE X20 mid‑drive, 250 W, 55 Nm
- Battery: 350 Wh integrated, optional +150 Wh extender
- Range: Claimed 140 km standard, 200 km with extender
- Weight: 13.2 kg (tested size)
- Top speed: 25 km/h (legal limit)
- Frame sizes: Small to XL carbon
- Tyres: 32 mm Pirelli P‑Zero
- Brakes: Shimano 105 hydraulic discs
- Suspension: Rigid carbon fork
- Gearing: Shimano 105 12‑speed (50‑34T, 11‑36T)
- Price: ~£4,499
Design and Build Quality
The Allroad SL R‑Sport features an endurance carbon frame with generous tyre clearance and modern geometry. The Midnight Blue/Pink finish is precise with smooth welds and clean internal cable routing. The MAHLE motor is neatly integrated into the bottom bracket and the 350 Wh battery is discreetly hidden in the downtube. The result is a sleek, uncluttered aesthetic.
The carbon seatpost delivers comfort by flexing over rough surfaces. LEVEL alloy handlebars offer shorter reach and drop for better control across disciplines. The Selle Italia Model X saddle is ergonomic and gel‑padded for long rides. The Mavic Allroad wheelset is strong, light and responsive, performing well on both tarmac and gravel.
Weight distribution is optimised. The central mass of battery and motor keeps handling predictable even with the ebike components. Despite the electric system, the bike feels nimble and balanced, like a high‑end non‑electric endurance bike. Attention to fit and finish is apparent from clear logos to tidy welding joints. Build quality stands out in its class and supports confident long‑distance riding.
Motor Performance and Power Delivery
The MAHLE X20 mid‑drive motor delivers smooth, linear power with 55 Nm of torque. Pedal sensing kicks in quickly after a half‑stroke and monitors cadence and force for responsive assist. During Alpine climbs the motor offered consistent support, enabling sustained 20–25 km/h speeds with less effort than on a non‑electric bike.
On flat sections the assistance is subtle but effective, keeping momentum with minimal pedalling. The motor seamlessly cuts out at 25 km/h, and there is no drag above that speed. Acceleration is smooth and fatigue‑reducing without overshadowing rider effort. It compares well to the Bosch Performance Line in terms of torque delivery and ride feel.
Power levels are customisable via the Ribble app or optional controller. We found the default mode balanced enough for training rides without draining the battery. For gravel sectors or steep climbs a higher assist setting performs well.
Compared with rivals like the Specialized Creo SL and Orbea Gain, the Allroad SL R‑Sport offers similar assistance for less money. It lacks electronic shifting, but manual Shimano 105 levers respond swiftly even under assist. This bike suits riders who want meaningful electric boost without losing classic ride dynamics.
Battery Range and Charging
The 350 Wh downtube battery delivered impressive real‑world range. With a 75 kg rider on rolling roads and mixed terrain at assist level 3, we consistently achieved 130–140 km. On flat routes with minimal assistance we recorded over 160 km. Adding the optional 150 Wh extender raised range above 200 km.
Charging with the 4 A charger took 3.5 hours from empty. The port is water‑sealed under the downtube. Battery removal is not simple—it is not meant for off‑bike charging—but frame charging is reliable and secure. The cells are high‑grade Samsung and have protective circuitry against overheating, overcharging and short‑circuit.
Battery longevity is rated at 1,000 cycles to 80 percent capacity. For serious endurance riders this equates to many years of use before performance fades. The frame‑mounted design boosts weight balance, though farmers who want a removable battery for swapping may prefer other models.
Ride Quality and Comfort
The Allroad SL R‑Sport excels in ride comfort. The endurance geometry promotes a relaxed upper body position while LEVEL handlebars offer multiple grip positions. The 32 mm Pirelli P‑Zero tyres absorb road imperfections effectively. On rough roads or gravel the carbon fork and seatpost provide noticeable compliance.
During full‑day rides the fit remained comfortable. We tested riders from 5’6” to 6’2” and adjustments in seat and bar height sufficed without crowding. The Selle Italia saddle supports the sit bones well even after 6 hours in the saddle.
On narrow towpaths, traffic interactions and technical climbs the bike remains nimble and stable. Heavier riders (95 kg) found no frame flex through hard efforts or descents. Cornering at speed feels secure thanks to the low centre of gravity. Over mixed terrain the bike maintains speed with minimal fatigue, ideal for endurance training or sport touring.
Daily commuting also benefits from comfort design. Switch between gravel path and city road without jarring discomfort. The ride quality is versatile, suiting fitness-focused and leisure riding alike.
Braking and Handling
Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors deliver precise, fade‑free stopping in all conditions. Lever modulation is strong, allowing riders to control braking force through twists and technical descents. In wet weather braking remained predictable and powerful.
Steering is agile with a chassis that responds quickly yet remains planted. The 12‑speed gearing allows quick adaptation between climbs and flats. The bike handles cornering with confidence and descents feel crisp. Even with added weight from the motor and battery, braking distances remained short and controllable.
The frame shows no flex at the bottom bracket or stays under load. The geometry balances efficiency and control, useful when pushing hard downhill. Off‑road handling is sure‑footed even on loose gravel. Overall braking and handling provide a sporty experience rarely matched in endurance‑e style ebikes.
Features and Accessories
The IWOC iX3 head unit sits neatly on the top tube and shows speed, assist level and battery. It connects easily with the Ribble app, which offers ride logging, motor settings and firmware updates. Heart‑rate based assist modes are available via the app and ANT+ pairing.
There are no built‑in lights or racks in Sport trim. Riders looking for fully‑equipped adventure use should add aftermarket options. The bike offers bottle cage mounts and rack eyelets compatible with rack kits. There is no GPS or alarm but the high‑value components support good resale and secure parking.
The LEVEL handlebars with accessible edge‑flare and compact drops support varied riding positions. The Mavic Allroad wheels are tubeless‑ready and matched by tyre performance. The Shimano 105 drivetrain provides reliable shifting even under assist. Overall the feature set focuses on performance and quality rather than commuters conveniences.
Weight and Portability
At 13.2 kg this bike is lightweight for its class. Though not foldable it is simple to lift onto a car rack or carry upstairs. The compact motor and carbon structure mean bulk is minimal. Handling the bike unloaded feels like a high-performance endurance frame.
For service or storage the bike is portable enough, though larger eMTB racks may require adaptors. For event transport the weight is a strong advantage—many e‑road bikes exceed 15 kg. Portability is commendable for serious riders who want ebike utility without excessive mass.
Value for Money
The Allroad SL R‑Sport offers strong value at £4,499. It undercuts rivals from Specialized and Trek by up to £1,000 while offering similar motor torque, premium Shimano components and confident handling. Ribble offer a three‑year frame warranty and UK‑based service, bolstering ownership confidence.
For riders training for sportives, seeking gravel adventure or wanting electric support on long climbs the Allroad delivers. It blends non‑electric ride feel with significant assistance, ideal for fitness or recovery. Compared to more commuter‑focused e‑road bikes, it keeps weight down yet offers mounting points for trekking accessories.
Riders wanting full gravel functionality should consider tyre clearance and accessory fit but the core package suits sportive, touring and long‑distance use. Given component quality and motor performance the value proposition is strong.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Responsive 55 Nm mid‑drive motor
- Lightweight 13.2 kg carbon frame
- Full Shimano 105 12‑speed drivetrain
- Excellent real‑world 140 km range
- Ergonomic design and ride comfort
Cons
- Battery is not removable
- No lights or GPS included
- Premium price point
- Lacks suspension for rough terrain
- Requires extra accessories for full touring
Verdict
The Ribble Allroad SL R‑Sport is a compelling endurance electric road bike for riders who demand performance, comfort and a lightweight build. Its smooth 55 Nm motor and Shimano 105 drivetrain deliver a natural ride with strong support on climbs and flats. With a 13.2 kg frame and 140 km real‑world range, it is one of the most versatile e‑endurance bikes available. It shines for long rides, training and mixed‑surface adventures, while still feeling agile and responsive. Despite its premium price, the Allroad SL R‑Sport offers excellent ride quality and value against higher‑priced competitors. For serious cyclists seeking an electric endurance bike that does not compromise on performance, this is a top choice.
