A gravel bike is built for the roads you don’t see on a map.

It’s the bike that lets you leave the tarmac. Turn down the farm track. Roll along canal paths. Smack through a bit of mud. Then jump back on the road and head for home.

One bike. All terrain. No rules.

At first glance, it looks like a road bike. The same drop bars, sleek frame and fast shape.

But look more closely and the subtle differences start to show.

Wider tyres

You can fit chunky tyres on a gravel bike. That means more grip, confidence and comfort when the surface gets rough or loose.

More clearance

There’s extra space around the tyres and frame. Mud, stones and debris don’t clog things up as easily.

Relaxed riding position

You sit a bit more upright. It’s still quick, but it’s easier on your back and shoulders over long miles.

Stronger frame

Gravel bikes are built to take a beating. Rough tracks, potholes and long days out won’t rattle them.

Mounting points

Many gravel bikes have fixing points for bags, bottles and racks. Perfect for bikepacking or long adventures.

Simple as that. It’s a road bike’s tougher, more adventurous cousin.

Gravel bikes usually run different gearing to road bikes too.

You’ll often see a single front chainring instead of a road double and a wide-range cassette at the rear. This gives you simple shifting and loads of low gears to tackle steep, loose climbs.

Some bikes run a double chainring for a bigger top-end on the road. Either way, you get a setup that works when the ground turns rough and the gradient bites.

You spin up climbs. You keep control on sketchy descents. You don’t grind yourself into the dust.

All current gravel bikes use disc brakes. That’s a big part of why they feel so capable. Disc brakes give you strong, steady braking in all conditions. Even in the worst of conditions, whether rain, mud, dust or loose gravel, they just work.

You enjoy more control. More confidence and shorter stopping distances when you need them.

When the surface is unpredictable, that matters.

Gravel bikes come in a choice of frame materials. Each one with it's own unique features and ride feel.

Aluminium is tough, affordable and light. Great for riders who want high-end performance on a budget.

Carbon is even lighter and smoother over rough ground. It can be shaped to absorb vibration and boost speed.

Steel is classic, comfy and incredibly durable. Perfect for long days and loaded trips where weight isnt the over-riding priority.

Titanium sits at the top end. Super strong, light and smooth. It rides like steel and is built to last a lifetime.

There’s no wrong choice. It just depends on how you ride and what attributes you value most.

Tyres are where a gravel bike really earns its name. They’re wider than road tyres and have shaped tread for secure grip. The pattern can be light and fast-rolling or chunky and aggressive, depending on the terrain and conditions.

Run them at lower pressure and they soak up bumps and chatter. That means more comfort and better control.

Tyre choice can totally change how your bike feels. Swap them out and it’s almost like a new ride.

Ribble gravel bikes now come with an optional suspension fork on the front for more comfort and control on rough terrain.

It may only be 30mm travel, but it's just enough to take the edge off bumps, roots and rocky tracks.

You don’t need suspension to ride gravel. But if you like tackling rougher trails or riding all day, it can make a big difference to how fast, far and where you ride.