Gruff Lewis's team Bike - The Endurance SL R Series
Gruffudd Lewis from Ribble Pro Cycling takes you through the features of his 2019 race bike. The Endurance SL R Series is new for 2019 and is to date the lightest and most aerodynamic road bike we have ever produced.
Aerodynamics
As Gruff points out the Endurance SL R Series is not quite as aero as last years race bike which was a true aero bike. This new bike offers the riders more compliance which will benefit them over rougher surfaces and lessen fatigue. Especially handy over the cobbles in the spring classics.
Headtube / Headset
The oversize headtube improves handling and steering control
The oversized / tapered head tube results in a stiffer front end which benefits handling and improves steering control.
Seat stays
The horizontal kick to the seat stays help absorb vertical vibrations.
The seat stays have a horizontal section just where they join the seat tube which as Gruff rightly points out helps provide more vertical compliance. This helps to smooth out vibration from the road which also reduces rider fatigue. Gruff mentions in the the video this of particular benefit for the Spring Classics where they encounter cobbles and rough farm tracks.
Groupset
Sram Red eTap, the first fully wireless groupset
The team have stuck to the tried and tested Sram eTap 11 speed. They found the fully wireless electronic groupset to be very reliable and the lack of cables means it offers better aerodynamics and maintenance is easier.
Brakes
The Endurance SL R Series is compatible with direct mount brakes rather than standard calipers. As Gruff states, as they bolt directly to the frame in 2 places rather than the traditional 1, they will not rotate when in use. This means that the brake blocks should never contact the braking surface unless the brake lever is depressed.
Chainset
The highlighted image highlights how direct mount brakes attach using 2 bolts.
The team chose Srama Quarc powermeter system which allows them to record and analyze data. It has proven to be a very reliable system.
Enve Bars / Stem
Enve Aero bars, narrow along the tops and aero in profile for maximum drag assistance.
A team mate of Gruffs (Dan Bigham?) recommended the Enve Aero Bars and stem. Due to their flared design they are narrow across the hoods and wider on the drops. This has 2 main benefits, the narrow section allows the riders to remain more aero when on the hoods. When they are on the drops however the extra width allows Gruff to retain better control and steering.
As the name suggests the shape of the bar is also designed to improve aero performance due to their flat profile and with cables hidden within the bars . They also include a built in mount for the team to attach their computers to.
Wheels
Walker Wideboy 58mm wheels, excellent drag efficiency
The team have partnered with Walker Brothers wheels for 2019 and the wheel of choice are the Wideboy 58's. A 58mm carbon section is deep enough to slice through the air but not at the cost of being too detrimentally affected by crosswinds. They are also tubeless compatible.
Tyres
GP5000 Tubeless tyres are fast, very fast!
These test winning GP5000 TL Tubeless tyres offer outstanding grip and rolling resistance thanks to their Black Chili compound. Gruff has opted for the 28mm version which allows him to run them at lower pressures which is advantageous for the spring classics.
You can also see Dan Bighams customised bike here
Staying Motivated: Winter Wisdom From The Ribble Family
When winter kills your motivation, even the pros feel it. The difference is they’ve built strategies that keep them riding when willpower runs out. Here’s how they stay consistent, break through the slump, and keep the pedals turning through the toughest months.
10 weeks down and far from decided: here’s why to join now
Ten weeks in and building momentum. Join the Ribble Winter Racing Series now - your best 10 results count. Race hard, miss weeks, progress.
Podiums, Progress and Proper Riding
2025 was a year of real momentum at Ribble. From podium finishes across the global gravel scene to the launch of 22 new bikes, progress showed up where it matters most. Here are the moments and machines that defined our 2025.
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.
Get Back To Cycling Training Plan
This 4-week plan is designed to increase your FTP with targeted threshold work, sweet spot training, VO₂ max intervals, and progressive endurance—building the adaptations needed to hold higher power for longer.
The Rise of Women’s Gravel Riding and What’s Coming in 2026
Gravel riding isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. And women are at the heart of it. Here, we dig into why women’s gravel riding is booming, what the data tells us, and where the next wave of growth is heading.
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.
SPORTFIT: Why Flatbar Bikes Might Be Right For Your
Flat bars just make riding feel easy again. No ego, no overthinking, just control, comfort, and a bike you actually want to use every day. If you want riding to feel simpler, more natural, and way more enjoyable, this is worth a read.
Clean: A Quick Wash Guide With Tom Couzens
Winter rides = filthy bikes. But it doesn’t need to be a chore. Ribble Ambassador Tom Couzens shares a quick 10-minute clean that keeps your bike running smooth and makes getting back out tomorrow a whole lot easier.
Commuting: Your Daily Training Opportunity
About 6.7% of British workers cycle to work and many turn these commutes into effective training sessions, combining fitness goals with daily travel.
January: Britain's Hidden Cycling Season
January is when many cyclists return to their bikes after the festive break. Instead of just waiting for better weather, use this month as a chance to rebuild fitness and make real progress.
FTP Booster Plan
This 4-week plan is built to boost your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) with a mix of threshold efforts, sweet spot sessions, VO₂ max intervals, and progressive endurance work—targeting the key adaptations for sustaining higher power longer.