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.
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
Get back to riding in 2026
START 2026 IN THE SADDLE
January is when riding starts. We don't wait on the weather improving. We ride. Start now. Below you'll find two free structured training plans for rebuilding fitness or chasing performance gains, some straightforward winter advice and the bikes built for British conditions. Pick your approach, download your plan and get rolling.
MEET THE COACH
Ben Thomas is a four-time national champion with over a decade of elite racing experience. He runs a successful coaching business and partnered with TrainingPeaks to create the "FTP Booster" plan. His approach: smart training that fits real life.
get back to cycling training plan - free
This 4-week plan helps you rebuild fitness and confidence after time off the bike. No power meter needed: sessions are guided by perceived effort, making it doable whether you're on the road or turbo. The structure builds gradually, respecting your current fitness level while establishing consistent riding habits. Includes structured TrainingPeaks workouts plus a free one-month trial. Straightforward approach, manageable sessions, steady progress back to form.
FTP BOOSTER PLAN - FREE
Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is the maximum average power you can sustain on a bike for one hour, measured in watts. It shows your cycling fitness level. This 4-week plan focuses on raising your FTP through a mix of threshold work, sweet spot training, and VO2 max intervals. Created by coach Ben Thomas, you'll need a power meter and ride 3-5 times per week, building progressively from aerobic foundation work through higher-intensity sessions before tapering into a final FTP test. Includes structured TrainingPeaks workouts plus a free one-month trial. Simple structure, clear sessions, measurable results.
January: Britain's Hidden Cycling Season
January isn't something to endure. It's an opportunity. While most cyclists wait for better weather, those who embrace these weeks build the fitness that carries them through the entire year. Quieter roads, focused training, and consistent progress start right now.
Commuting: Your Daily Training Opportunity
The daily commute represents hours of potential training time every week. Rather than viewing it as dead miles between home and work, learn how to transform these necessary journeys into structured sessions that build fitness, track progress, and make every pedal stroke count.
EXPLORE WINTER SALE BIKES
Get the right bike for the start of the season, choose from 105 and 105 Di2 bikes available now in our winter sale.
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.
FAQ's