The Mechanic’s Choice:
Why I Chose the ALLGRIT Ti-X

When you spend every day building bikes, you start looking at them differently.

For Ste Kane, Ribble Head Mechanic and Team Mechanic for the Ribble Outliers, the details that matter go beyond what a bike looks like. After six years building customer bikes, maintaining team bikes and training other mechanics, he pays attention to how a bike has been put together, how cleanly everything works and, ultimately, how it rides.

So, when someone who knows the Ribble range inside out chooses a bike for himself, it’s worth asking why.

We caught up with Ste to find out what drew him to his choice, how he built his bike and where he plans to take it next.

First, tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into working on bikes?

I got into working on bikes by maintaining my own and always wanting to learn more. My day-to-day now involves building customer bikes, maintaining team bikes and overseeing and training other mechanics.



Has being a mechanic changed what you look for in your own bike?

Definitely. Years ago, I probably looked at a bike mainly for how it looked. Now I notice how it’s actually been designed and built as well.

Things like cable routing, how clean everything is and how the different components work together stand out to me much more. A clean drivetrain is always a good start.

When you spend every day working on bikes, you naturally become quite particular about the little details.



What did you want from your next bike?

I wanted something that would let me get out and explore mixed terrain without feeling out of place when I was back on the road.

I ride both road and gravel, so I didn’t want to feel limited by the bike I chose. I wanted to be able to head out, take a turn onto a gravel track if I fancied it, and just keep going.

That freedom to ride different terrain was probably the biggest thing I was looking for.



Why did you choose the ALLGRIT Ti-X?

Working with the full Ribble range means I get to see and work on all of the bikes, but I kept coming back to the versatility of the ALLGRIT Ti-X.

It’s capable of taking on tough gravel rides, but it can still be used as a really good road bike. That balance was important to me.

I was interested in the ULTRA-ROAD as well, but ultimately chose the ALLGRIT Ti-X because I can take it pretty much anywhere. I didn’t want a bike that dictated the route.

Why titanium?

I’ve always regarded titanium as a bike for life.

I already own carbon bikes, so I wanted something different, and titanium felt like a really good addition. There’s something about having a bike that you know you can own, ride and enjoy for years.

I also love the way the Ti-X combines titanium with much more modern details. The sleek looks, integrated cables and 3D-printed parts all really appealed to me.

The slightly more relaxed geometry was probably the biggest factor, though. I wanted something comfortable enough for big days without it feeling slow or dull when I wanted to push on.



How did you build yours?

I chose the SRAM Apex AXS build and upgraded it with Vision SC45 carbon wheels and the Aero Gravel integrated bar and stem.

For me, wheels are by far one of the best upgrades you can make to a bike, so that was something I knew I wanted to change.

But my favourite details are probably the 3D-printed parts on the titanium frame. As a mechanic, those are the sorts of things I naturally look at. They make the bike feel that little bit more special.



What has it been like to ride?

So far, I’ve ridden a mixture of gravel and road. I haven’t strayed too far from home yet, but there are definitely some bigger plans coming.

The bike has actually been far better than I expected. If anything, it’s too good for me! It’s fast, but what has surprised me most is how comfortable it is.

You really can just ride it all day.

That combination is probably what I like most about it. I can ride quickly when I want to, head off-road when the opportunity comes up, but still be comfortable enough to spend hours in the saddle.



Where are you taking it next?

I’ve got plans to tackle King Alfred’s Way.

That’s exactly the sort of ride I wanted this bike for — a big day out where you’re covering different terrain and you need something you know you can rely on throughout.

I’ve deliberately not strayed too far from home with it yet, but that’s going to change.

Who is the ALLGRIT Ti-X for?

I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a premium gravel bike but who doesn’t necessarily want the racy, aggressive position that can come with some gravel bikes.

It gives you that capability without making everything about riding as hard or as fast as possible.

For me, it’s a bike that gives you options. Road, gravel, long days or just heading out without really knowing where you’re going.

If I had to describe it in three words, I’d go with beautiful, innovative and timeless.

And there’s obviously something quite special about riding a bike made by the company you work for. I’m very proud to work for Ribble, so being able to ride bikes that have been designed and built here means a lot.

I spend my days building bikes knowing they’re going to take other people on adventures.

Now I’ve got one ready for some adventures of my own.