Introducing Michael Pedley
Name: Mick Pedley Role at Ribble: Operations Manager Height: 5’9” ish Weight: 70kg ish Bike: Ribble Sportive 365 / Shimano 105 10 Speed. I have worked at Ribble for 10 years now. At the time of starting I hadn’t ridden a bike since I passed my driving test at 17 but being surrounded by bikes and talk of cycling every day soon swayed me. I bought a fairly cheap hybrid style bike first. Then, when I was sure I was going to stick at it I ordered a 7005 Sportive as my first ‘proper’ bike. I met plenty of people near where I live who already cycled and ended up joining the village cycling club who managed to help me increase my mileage and my average speed as well as my fitness levels. I rode this for a couple of years until I had the yearning for carbon. Despite my reluctance for riding in the rain I opted for the Sportive 365. I felt this was the best option for me for a year-round bike as I couldn’t afford to have dedicated ‘Best’ and ‘Winter’ bikes. The bike is really comfortable to ride but is still sporty enough to challenge the best Strava times on your local lanes, or your clubmates on the sprint to the café. With the British weather being as unpredictable as it is I like knowing that I’m always prepared with full mudguards fitted. That way if you ride to work in the sunshine and it is pouring down for your ride home you aren’t going to get a wet backside. Last year I completed my first imperial century ride on this bike with some of the others at Ribble. The majority of my cycling now is the occasional commute to work (14 miles each way), a few weekend rides and a local Sportive / charity ride as and when I can. I also attend spinning classes during the winter months to keep me ticking over.

Best Gravel Bikes 2026
What actually makes ‘the best’ gravel bike in 2026? A clear guide to choosing the best bike for how you actually ride.

What is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes are changing how people ride. Sitting right in the middle of road and off-road, they're fast on tarmac and stable on loose ground. Comfortable over long distances and ready for whatever the ride throws at you.

Gravel Bikes - Which frame material is right for you?
More cyclists than ever are seizing the opportunity to take their rides off-piste in search of freedom and adventure. But to do so, you need the right tool for the job - a gravel bike. The Ribble gravel range consists of four frame materials. Each of these offers something a little different in terms of ride quality, longevity and performance characteristics. So how do you decide which frame material is right for you?

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.

Why Gravel Riding Works In February
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 Clothing Guide
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.

Best Road Bikes for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started
New to road cycling and drowning in jargon? This guide cuts through the noise. We break down what actually matters on your first road bike, from comfort to gearing, and show you which options suit real UK riding. No hard sell. No tech waffle. Just straight-talking advice to help you choose a bike you will actually enjoy riding.

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.

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.