Ribble Ultra SL R

The industry-leading Ultra Aero carbon integrated cockpit achieves unmatched aerodynamic integration through innovation. Working as a holistic package with the headtube and forks, the handlebars bars work to manage airflow upstream of the rider. By adding wake generators to the underside of the bars, vortexes are directed around the rider to create a drag reduction zone, resulting in a net drag reduction of 2.1% for bike and rider. Low in weight, and providing stealth cable routing, the super-stiff carbon monocoque handlebar system is ergonomically and aerodynamically optimised for comfort and performance, with no significant penalty when riding on the hoods.

The hallmark of any aero bike is its clean aesthetics and streamlined form. Integration of the brake mounts move the brakes inboard of the fork profile to enhance airflow over the front end and minimise the effects of drag.

The head tube area has been carefully optimised to ensure aerodynamic performance, torsional stiffness and compatibility with internal cable routing. Extending the trailing edge and optimising where it transitions into the top tube demonstrates consistent performance gains that widen to 1.5% at 10° of YAW.

Aerodynamically optimised tube shapes ensure that the transition between the headtube, fork, and lower downtube performs from both an aerodynamic and handling perspective in the full range of YAW conditions typically encountered by a cyclist. The lower section of the downtube has been optimised to be faster with a bottle than without, demonstrating an advantage in generating thrust from 10° including the bottle. A crucial transition with the bottom bracket provides the torsional stiffness required for optimal power transfer which results in tangible performance gains.

The optimised and truncated seat tube profile conforms to the curvature of the rear wheel to shield the leading edge from the wind and significantly enhance aerodynamic performance by reducing turbulence.

The rear seat stay profiles are aerodynamically perfected to provide the ideal drag-defying ratio of width to depth which significantly improves airflow over the rear end. Positioning the stays in perfect alignment with the forks maintains optimal flow attachment and reduces drag downstream of the rider for superior aerodynamics and lateral stiffness.