So how do you best celebrate a significant milestone?
If you’re turning 18 you might enjoy your first legal pint. When 50 comes around, perhaps it’s a yoga retreat in the sun or a pair of leather trousers, depending on how well you’re taking it all.
Naturally, if you’re Ribble, the venerable British brand which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, you release a few exclusive bikes to mark the occasion.
(Image credit: Ribble)
Ribble has selected three of its popular models for special treatment as part of its 125 Campaign, all featuring a marble paint finish and 24 carat gold leaf detailing, including a golden stem cap. There are new graphics and head badges too, featuring roads, switchbacks and trails to signify the diversity of the brand today.
Both the Ribble Ultra SL R 125 and the Ribble Gravel Ti 125 are available to buy during the anniversary year, while the Ribble Allroad SLe 125 is a concept bike only.
(Image credit: Ribble)
The limited edition gemstone paint finishes, available in Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red and Emerald Green are not only unique to Ribble, but also to each bike; Ribble says that “no marble effect application will be the same, so you are guaranteed a truly bespoke design”. It also says the three colour options and gold leaf detailing can “be applied to most Ribble bikes” and cost £1,299.
(Image credit: Ribble)
As for the specifications of the Anniversary bikes, the Ultra SLR 125 is resplendent in Sapphire Blue, with suitably glamorous components to match. For £9,608 you get SRAM’s top-tier Red eTap AXS groupset, Level Tri spoke wheels and a flashy Selle Royal saddle complete with gold leaf detailing to match the frame.
(Image credit: Ribble)
The Gravel Ti 125 uses the frame material to great effect, with a half emerald green, half ‘bare’ paint job. It features Campagnolo’s 13-speed Ekar groupset, Mavic Ultimate wheels, a Fizik adaptive saddle and an Enve stem and will set you back £8,999.
(Image credit: Ribble)
The concept Allroad SLe is decked out in the ruby red paint scheme alongside Shimano’s 12-speed Dura-Ace Di2 groupset.
(Image credit: Ribble)
“It is incredible to think that Ribble has been designing and hand-crafting bicycles for 125 years - almost as long as the invention of the safety bicycle itself,” says CEO Andy Smallwood.
“The longevity of our business is the result of a lot of hard work and commitment across the years and I would like to thank everyone who has ever been involved with Ribble alongside the current guardians who are forging forwards - sharing our vision and passion. The launch of our new 125 campaign is a landmark celebration and important milestone.”
Luke Friend has worked as a writer, editor and copywriter for twenty five years. Across books, magazines and websites, he's covered a broad range of topics for a range of clients including Major League Baseball, the National Trust and the NHS. He has an MA in Professional Writing from Falmouth University and is a qualified bicycle mechanic. He has been a cycling enthusiast from an early age, partly due to watching the Tour de France on TV. He's a keen follower of bike racing to this day as well as a regular road and gravel rider.
My 200-mile Welsh adventure left me crying in a convenience store - but I'd do it again
Cranks that whiz at high speed are not a desirable feature, they’re just an invitation for crud to get into the bearings
