Signature Style
Heritage bicycle brand Ribble Cycles, born in Lancashire and trading for 127 years is synonymous with exquisite bikes and the epitome of style
Established in 1897, Ribble Cycles has been at the forefront of cycling retail, development and innovation, building a reputation for bespoke and personalised handcrafted bikes across the world.
With the brand’s flagship store based in Clitheroe, we explore some of the true treasures Ribble’s expert design technicians have created and witness some of the most exquisite bikes ever created. Ribble’s unique designs represent the highest level of craftsmanship found anywhere in bicycle manufacturing. Whether it is a one-off masterpiece which is hand painted or a bike from Ribble’s signature range and on display in the showroom, every bike is hand built in Preston from the ground up by one mechanic.
Created to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and as a fitting tribute, Ribble designed two very special superbikes that took their design inspiration from British and US aeroplanes used in World War II. Ribble’s Ultra SL R Mustang Special Edition and Ribble’s Ultra SL R Forces Special Edition have been masterminded by the brand’s Head of Product Jamie Burrow.
Ribble’s Ultra SL R P-51 Mustang Special Edition is aptly named ‘Rebellious Ribble’ after Ribble’s global criterium team – Ribble Rebellion. And it takes its artistic interpretation and cue from the legendary USAF WWII P-51 Mustang, featuring Allied D-Day stripes, yellow nose, USAF insignia and D-Day anniversary on a silver fuselage.
Similarly, Ribble’s Ultra SL R Forces Special Edition takes its inspiration from the iconic Spitfire aircraft livery adorning Allied D-Day stripes and an RAF roundel on the green fuselage. Both bikes recently raced in the USA Armed Forces Cycling Classic by the Ribble Rebellion team with the Mustang version auctioned for TAPS charity the international non-profit organisation providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Artist collaborations have also provided Ribble’s design team with huge inspiration along with London based award-winning ‘inkist’, Vic Lee, to produce the ultimate urban e-bike. Hand painted by Vic, it is a unique art piece with a design inspired by a bike ride from the brand’s original store in Preston on Watery Lane on the banks of the River Ribble to the capital. The journey visually expresses the joy and freedom of cycling and interweaves the narrative with the cities, iconic locations, tow paths and twisting roads down to London. The results are simply stunning.
Another breathtaking masterpiece has to come from Ribble’s Gravel Ti 125 – a homage to the brand’s steel frame manufacturing heritage and as part of a series of one-off bikes created to celebrate the brands 125th anniversary. The titanium frame is finished with seamless welds for a sleek finish and unmatched strength and longevity. It looks particularly spectacular in the emerald-green gemstone hand-painted marble finish and 24-carat gold colourway.
Ribble’s Clitheroe flagship showroom is also a masterclass in innovative retail design and technology. The whole environment has been created to emulate an art gallery with every bike in the range displayed on a plinth and allowed its own space. Digital displays provide product information, reviews, FAQs and allow the customer to fully interact with the bikes. Offering a fully immersive experience and unrivalled customer service this state-of-the-art showroom is well worth the visit!
For more information on Ribble Cycles visit: ribblecycles.co.uk
Ribble Cycles
Barrow Brook Trade Park
North Road, Barrow
Clitheroe BB7 9BQ
01200 411581
ribblecycles.co.uk
