The Ribble Endurance SLe is an e-road bike that doesn't look like many of its chunky predecessors, and with a claimed weight of 11kg / 24.2lb it is, claims Ribble, the world's lightest e-road bike — based, we assume, on the top-end SRAM eTap model.
With the tag line 'make it possible', it's clearly designed with accessibility in mind. Ribble says it "makes previously unimaginable mountain passes" possible, and that "not keeping up on hilly group rides" will become a thing of the past.
- Do you actually care about e-bikes?
- Easily and cheaply convert your bike into an e-bike with the Revos
- Our pick of the best cheap road bike wheels
Ribble Endurance SLe frame
The Endurance SLe is based on Ribble's non-electric Endurance SL road bike, another of its new crop of 2019 bikes.
The SL has a lightweight carbon frame and is designed for endurance riding and racing with an aero fork blade profile, aerofoil seat tube and seatpost, with comfort-giving compliance built in and power-transferring stiffness where it's required.
The SLe frame is understandably a little different, but is still designed to produce comfort and stability.
To provide the strength to support the power transfer and motor needed on the SLe, as well as battery weight (while still looking like it doesn't actually have either), Ribble has opted for a carbon layup with an monocoque mould plus EPS inner core.
According to Ribble this ensures the structural integrity of the frame and minimises excess material on the frame's internal spaces — and, consequently, excess weight.
Power up
The electric motor system provides up to 40Nm of power with three settings, controlled directly from the handlebars rather than any additional handlebar attachment or control. All of the cables are routed internally.
The bike comes with a 250w battery, which can be upgraded to 750w, and drives a rear hub motor that looks similar to the hub-based motor we've seen on Orbea's Gain. The battery can be charged externally and has a claimed 3.5-hour charging time.
Ribble Endurance SLe Shimano 105
The 105 build version is constructed with a Shimano R7000 chainset and cassette plus R7020 shifters. Trimax e wheels are paired up with Vittoria Corsa G 25mm tyres or Challenge Paris Roubaix 27 tyres. Finishing kit consists of a Level 1 bar and stem plus carbon seatpost and a Prologo Kappa RS saddle.
- £2,999
Ribble Endurance SLe Shimano Ultegra
For an extra £400, the mid-range version of the Endurance SLe upgrades to Ultegra. You still get Trimax e wheels with Vittoria Corsa G 25mm or Challenge Paris Roubaix 27 tyres as well as Level 1 finishing kit and Prologo Kappa RS saddle. The groupset boost sees an Ultegra HRD fitted with a 34/50 chainset and 11-32t cassette.
- £3,399
Ribble Endurance SLe Shimano Ultegra Di2
The Ultegra Di2 version of the Endurance SLe is definitely aimed at those who want something performance-ready. In addition to a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset with 34/50t chainrings and 11-32t cassette, it also features a carbon integrated bar and stem. As with other models in the range, the saddle is the Prologo Kappa RS and the Trimax e wheels are fitted with Vittoria Corsa G 25mm or Challenge Paris Roubaix 27 tyres.
- £3,999
Ribble Endurance SLe SRAM eTap
For just over £5K this bike comes with a full SRAM eTap RED groupset and an 11-32 cassette. You get the standard SLe kit with Trimax e wheels fitted with Vittoria Corsa G 25mm or Challenge Paris Roubaix 27 tyres, as well as the carbon integrated bars and stem, carbon seatpost and Prologo Kappa RS saddle.
- £5,199
Ribble Endurance SLe sizing and availability
The full range of Endurance SLe bikes is available now via Ribble.
Ribble also offers a bike builder service where you can build up the Endurance SLe to your own specifications.
The size range goes from extra-small to extra-large, and covers a recommended rider height of 5ft3in to 6ft3in or 1.5m to 1.9m.
