RibbleUltra-Aero SL R
Ribble's aero road bike, launched in 2021 as the Ultra SL R and now sold as the Ultra-Aero SL R. Its signature is the integrated Ultra bar, whose wide wing-shaped tops are meant to shape the airflow onto the rider's legs. The frame has deep truncated-aerofoil tubes, brake calipers tucked inside the fork profile and a threaded bottom bracket, and every bike is built to order in Lancashire and sold direct with 105 Di2, Ultegra Di2 or Dura-Ace Di2.
- From
- $5,705$5,705£3,749
- Builds
- 3
- Sizes
- 5
- Frame weight
- 1,200 g2.65 lb
Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo
Our verdict
Overall
out of 100, average of 7 categories
Ribble's direct-sale aero bike undercuts most rivals and keeps a threaded bottom bracket, a lifetime frame warranty and its own clip-on bars. The 2021 frame is heavier than newer rivals, the Ultra bar comes in just two widths, and the bars can't be raised once the steerer is cut.
Scored Oct 2026
- + Affordable way in
- + Aero-first design
AI-drafted from the specs on this page and reviewed before publishing. Scores are relative to every bike in the catalog when they were given, so they drop as newer bikes and parts raise the bar.
- Aero
- 82/100
- Frame
- 70/100
- Components
- 72/100
- Fit
- 62/100
- Practicality
- 70/100
- Price
- 86/100
- Weight
- 70/100
Aero claims and front-end integration
Carbon grade, weight and warranty
Groupset, wheels and power meter
Sizes and adjustment range
Travel, standard parts, servicing
From the cheapest complete-bike MSRP
From the lightest claimed weight (8.3 kg, size M)
Bike duel
Reviews
1 independent review of the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R.
- WrittenSimon von BromleyTested: Enthusiast (Ultegra Di2)4.5/5
Frame & platform
Frame & fork
- Frame material
- Carbon (T1000 and T800 blend, with more T1000 than the Ultra-Aero SL)
- Fork material
- Carbon
- Frame weight
- 1,200 g2.65 lb
- Weight measured on
- Ribble's figure for a medium frame only
- Max system weight
- 120 kg264.6 lb
- Frame sizes
- XS, S, M, L, XL
- Colours
- Ultra Black; Ribble Custom Colour also available
- Also available as
- Ultra-Aero SL: same design with a cheaper carbon layup
- UCI frame approval
- Approved 19 Jan 2022 as 'ULTRA SLR' (frame and fork), sizes XXS-XL (6), code RIBB-USLR (UCI list version 2026.10.02)
Compatibility & standards
- Brake type
- Hydraulic disc
- Wheel size
- 700c
- Max tire width
- 32 mm
- Bottom bracket standard
- BSA 68 mm threaded
- Front axle
- 12 mm thru-axle (M12 x 1.5 x 125 mm)
- Rear axle
- 12 mm thru-axle (M12 x 1.5 x 173 mm)
- Cable routing
- Internal
Bottles & storage
- Bottle mounts
- 2
- Bottle mount locations
- Down tube and seat tube, shaped for Ribble's aero bottle cages
Fit & adjustability
- Cockpit
- One-piece bar and stem (Ribble Ultra-Aero integrated carbon bar)
- Clip-on aerobars possible
- Yes
- Seatpost type
- Proprietary aero carbon seatpost
- Fit notes
- The steerer is cut to length when the bike is built and comes with 30 mm of spacers, so the bars can be lowered but not raised later.
Aerodynamics
- Manufacturer aero claims
- At launch: 11.6 W saved at 22 mph (average of 5 and 10 degrees yaw) against Ribble's Endurance SL Disc, about 75 seconds over 40 km. Ribble says the current Ultra-Aero bar has 2.1% less drag than its RI-2 integrated cockpit.
- Testing method
- CFD, wind tunnel and real-world testing, optimised for 5-10 degrees of yaw
- Tube profile
- Truncated aerofoil tubes; flared down tube; brake calipers mounted inboard of the fork
Travel, maintenance & warranty
- Headset bearings
- Upper P16 40 x 52 x 7 mm 45x45°, lower ACB 40 x 51.8 x 8 mm 45x45°
- Derailleur hanger
- Ribble SL R/SL disc hanger
- Proprietary parts
- One-piece Ultra-Aero bar, aero seatpost, derailleur hanger, UCI fork brake adapter
- Frame warranty
- Lifetime frame and fork warranty for the original owner
- Sold via
- Direct from Ribble (online and showrooms), built to order in the UK
Design sketches
Builds & components
Highlighted rows differ between builds. Green marks the best value.
Ultra-Aero SL R 105 Di2 | Ultra-Aero SL R Ultegra Di2 | Ultra-Aero SL R Dura-Ace Di2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | |||
| Price (MSRP) | $5,705$5,705£3,749 | $7,070$7,070£4,749 | $10,740$10,740£7,449 |
| Weight | 9.5 kg20.9 lb | 8.8 kg19.4 lb | 8.3 kg18.3 lb |
| Weight measured on size | M | M | M |
| Type | Complete bike | Complete bike | Complete bike |
| Notes | Prices are the full ("was") prices Ribble showed in November 2026 (GBP and USD); its end-of-season sale, ending 2 November 2026, offered it at £3,149 / $4,460. In October 2026 Ribble's full prices were lower (see the price history). No euro price found: Ribble's German site showed the US-dollar store from our location. Built to order with inner tubes fitted; pedals not included. Options at extra cost include a 4iiii power meter crankset and Mavic Cosmic carbon wheels. | Prices are the full ("was") prices Ribble showed in November 2026 (GBP and USD); its end-of-season sale, ending 2 November 2026, offered it at £3,999 / $5,505. In October 2026 Ribble's full prices were lower (see the price history). No euro price found: Ribble's German site showed the US-dollar store from our location. Built to order with inner tubes fitted; pedals not included. Options at extra cost include a 4iiii power meter crankset and Mavic Cosmic SL 45 or Zipp 303 SW wheels. | Prices are the full ("was") prices Ribble showed in November 2026 (GBP and USD); its end-of-season sale, ending 2 November 2026, offered it at £5,999 / $7,950. In October 2026 Ribble's full prices were lower (see the price history). No euro price found: Ribble's German site showed the US-dollar store from our location. Built to order with inner tubes fitted; pedals not included. Options at extra cost include the Dura-Ace R9200 power meter crankset and Zipp 303 SW wheels. Ribble's parts list names the levers 'BR-R9270 Dura-Ace Di2 STI'. |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Groupset | Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 |
| Launched | 2022 · current generation | 2021 · current generation | 2021 · current generation |
| Speeds | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed |
| Electronic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drivetrain | 2x | 2x | 2x |
| Shifters | Shimano 105 Di2 ST-R7170 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-R8170 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 ST-R9270 |
| Crankset | Shimano 105 R7100 | Shimano Ultegra R8100 | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 |
| Crank length | 165 (XS) / 170 (S, M) / 172.5 (L, XL) | 165 (XS) / 170 (S, M) / 172.5 (L, XL) | 165 (XS) / 170 (S, M) / 172.5 (L, XL) |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano BB-R60 | Shimano BB-R60 | Shimano BB-R60 |
| Standard | BSA 68 mm threaded | BSA 68 mm threaded | BSA 68 mm threaded |
| Front derailleur | Shimano 105 Di2 R7150 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano 105 Di2 R7150 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG710 | Shimano Ultegra R8101 | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 |
| Range | 11-36 | 11-34 | 11-30 |
| Speeds | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-M7100 | Shimano CN-M8100 | Shimano CN-M9100 |
| Brakes | |||
| Brake levers | Shimano 105 Di2 ST-R7170 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-R8170 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 ST-R9270 |
| Brake calipers | Shimano 105 BR-R7170 | — | Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270 |
| Type | Hydraulic disc | — | Hydraulic disc |
| Rotors | Shimano RT-CL700 | Shimano RT-CL800 | Shimano RT-MT900 |
| Front rotor | 160 mm | 160 mm | 160 mm |
| Mount | Center Lock | Center Lock | Center Lock |
| Wheels & tires | |||
| Wheelset | Mavic Ksyrium 30 | Mavic Cosmic S 42 | Mavic Cosmic SL 45 |
| Front rim depth | — | 42 mm | 45 mm |
| Rear rim depth | — | 42 mm | 45 mm |
| Material | Aluminium | Carbon | Carbon |
| Hubs | Center Lock | Center Lock | Center Lock |
| Tires | Vittoria Rubino V TLR G2.0 | Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 | Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 |
| Tire width | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| Set up tubeless | No | No | No |
| Cockpit | |||
| Handlebar | Ribble Ultra-Aero Integrated | Ribble Ultra-Aero Integrated | Ribble Ultra-Aero Integrated |
| Type | One-piece bar and stem | One-piece bar and stem | One-piece bar and stem |
| Integrated stem | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Widths available | Hoods/drops 360/400 mm with an 80 mm stem (XS), 100 mm (S, M, L); 380/420 mm with a 110 mm stem (XL) | Hoods/drops 360/400 mm with an 80 mm stem (XS), 100 mm (S, M, L); 380/420 mm with a 110 mm stem (XL) | Hoods/drops 360/400 mm with an 80 mm stem (XS), 100 mm (S, M, L); 380/420 mm with a 110 mm stem (XL) |
| Tops | Aero (wide wing-shaped tops) | Aero (wide wing-shaped tops) | Aero (wide wing-shaped tops) |
| Cable routing | Internal | Internal | Internal |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Saddle & seatpost | |||
| Saddle | Selle Italia Model X Light | Selle Italia SLR Advan Superflow L3 | Selle Italia SLR Carbon Superflow L3 |
| Seatpost | Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R/SL Setback Carbon | Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R/SL Setback Carbon | Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R/SL Setback Carbon |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
Ultra-Aero SL R price & value
Where it's cheapest
MSRPs converted at ECB reference rates of 2026-10-05 (1 EUR = 1.1204 USD = 0.8472 GBP). US prices exclude sales tax, so add your state's rate before comparing.
| Build | Market | MSRP | In EUR | vs cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Aero SL R 105 Di2 | UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £3,749 | €4,425 | cheapest |
| USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $5,705 | €5,092 | +15% | |
| Ultra-Aero SL R Ultegra Di2 | UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £4,749 | €5,606 | cheapest |
| USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $7,070 | €6,310 | +13% | |
| Ultra-Aero SL R Dura-Ace Di2 | UK (GBP, incl. VAT) | £7,449 | €8,792 | cheapest |
| USA (USD, excl. sales tax) | $10,740 | €9,586 | +9% |
Price history
Ultra-Aero SL R 105 Di2
- 2026-10-06$5,070$5,070£3,120
- 2026-11-02$5,705$5,705£3,749
Ultra-Aero SL R Ultegra Di2
- 2026-10-06$6,275$6,275£3,950
- 2026-11-02$7,070$7,070£4,749
Ultra-Aero SL R Dura-Ace Di2
- 2026-10-06$9,540$9,540£6,205
- 2026-11-02$10,740$10,740£7,449
Real-world weight
Scale weights of the Ultra-Aero SL R from reviewers, next to Ribble's claim.
| What | Measured | Claimed | Measured by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete bikeSize M · Ultra SL R Enthusiast build: Ultegra Di2 R8170, Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels, Continental GP5000 S TR tyres | 8.31 kg18.3 lb | — | BikeRadar2023-05 |
Ownership checklist
1 of 3 known checks pass, 1 not published by Ribble. Why these checks
- ✓
Threaded bottom bracket
BSA 68 mm threaded
- ✕
UDH derailleur hanger
Ribble SL R/SL disc hanger
- ✕
Standard 12×142 mm rear axle
12 mm thru-axle (M12 x 1.5 x 173 mm)
- ?
Works with mechanical shifting
Ultra-Aero SL R geometry
| XS | S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider height min | 160 cm5′3″ | 165 cm5′5″ | 170 cm5′7″ | 178 cm5′10″ | 185 cm6′1″ |
| Rider height max | 165 cm5′5″ | 170 cm5′7″ | 178 cm5′10″ | 185 cm6′1″ | 191 cm6′3″ |
| Stack | 506 mm19.9″ | 523 mm20.6″ | 545 mm21.5″ | 564 mm22.2″ | 583 mm23″ |
| Reach | 379 mm14.9″ | 385 mm15.2″ | 392 mm15.4″ | 401 mm15.8″ | 410 mm16.1″ |
| Seat tube angle | 75° | 74° | 73.5° | 73.3° | 73.3° |
| Head tube angle | 72° | 73° | 73° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Head tube length | 105 mm4.1″ | 120 mm4.7″ | 140 mm5.5″ | 160 mm6.3″ | 180 mm7.1″ |
| Effective top tube | 515 mm20.3″ | 535 mm21.1″ | 555 mm21.9″ | 575 mm22.6″ | 590 mm23.2″ |
| Seat tube length | 470 mm18.5″ | 500 mm19.7″ | 520 mm20.5″ | 540 mm21.3″ | 560 mm22″ |
| Chainstay | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ |
| Wheelbase | 981 mm38.6″ | 975 mm38.4″ | 985 mm38.8″ | 999 mm39.3″ | 1,014 mm39.9″ |
| BB drop | 69 mm2.7″ | 69 mm2.7″ | 69 mm2.7″ | 69 mm2.7″ | 69 mm2.7″ |
| Fork offset | 53 mm2.1″ | 45 mm1.8″ | 45 mm1.8″ | 45 mm1.8″ | 45 mm1.8″ |
| Front centre | 518 mm20.4″ | 575 mm22.6″ | 585 mm23″ | 598 mm23.5″ | 613 mm24.1″ |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Crank length | 165 mm6.5″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 172.5 mm6.8″ | 172.5 mm6.8″ |
| Stem length | 80 mm3.1″ | 100 mm3.9″ | 100 mm3.9″ | 100 mm3.9″ | 110 mm4.3″ |
| Handlebar width | 400 mm15.7″ | 400 mm15.7″ | 400 mm15.7″ | 400 mm15.7″ | 420 mm16.5″ |
Side view
Drawn to scale (how to read it).
How the geometry rides
The Ultra-Aero SL R in size M against the middle size of 65 other bikes: tendencies from geometry, not a ride review (how to read this).
- Wheelbase985 mm38.8″
shortestlonger than 50% of 65 bikeslongest
- Front centre585 mm23″
shortestlonger than 60% of 29 bikeslongest
- Chainstay410 mm16.1″
shortestlonger than 63% of 73 bikeslongest
Good to know
Design
At launch BikeRadar reported a claimed 1,050 g for the SL R frame and 1,200 g for the Ultra SL; Ribble's current FAQ gives 1,200 g for a medium Ultra-Aero SL R frame.
SourceDesign
The Ultra-Aero bar has a textured finish instead of bar tape.
SourceFit
The Ultra-Aero bar's profile doesn't take normal clip-on extensions; Ribble sells its own carbon Ultra-Aero clip-on kit that bolts to the computer-mount points under the bar.
SourceCompatibility
The frame is optimised around 28 mm tyres and fits up to 32 mm depending on the tyre; it has no mudguard mounts.
SourceRacing
Ribble says the frameset is UCI approved, but the supplied front brake adaptor must be swapped for the UCI-approved one included with the bike.
SourceHistory
Ribble launched the Ultra SL R and the cheaper Ultra SL in August 2021, with deliveries from October 2021. It is now sold as the Ultra-Aero SL R.
SourceVersions
Ribble's newer Ultra-Road and Ultra-Race are separate frames sold alongside the Ultra-Aero SL R.
Source
Ultra-Aero SL R FAQ
Is the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R UCI legal?+
Yes. The Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R is UCI legal, so it can be raced in UCI-sanctioned road races.
How much does the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R cost?+
Manufacturer prices (MSRP): $5,705–$10,740 / £3,749–£7,449 across 3 listed builds and framesets: Ultra-Aero SL R 105 Di2, Ultra-Aero SL R Ultegra Di2 and Ultra-Aero SL R Dura-Ace Di2.
How much does the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R weigh?+
The lightest complete build listed (Ultra-Aero SL R Dura-Ace Di2) weighs 8.3 kg (18.3 lb) in size M. The frame weighs 1,200 g (2.65 lb) (Ribble's figure for a medium frame only).
What sizes does the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R come in?+
5 sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL. The manufacturer recommends them for riders from 160 cm (5′3″) to 191 cm (6′3″).
What is the tire clearance of the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R?+
Up to 32 mm tires on 700c wheels.
Which groupsets are compatible with the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R?+
Bottom bracket: BSA 68 mm threaded.
What builds of the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R are available?+
Ultra-Aero SL R 105 Di2: Shimano 105 Di2 R7100; Ultra-Aero SL R Ultegra Di2: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100; Ultra-Aero SL R Dura-Ace Di2: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200.
What warranty does the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R frame have?+
Lifetime frame and fork warranty for the original owner
Is the Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R aerodynamic?+
At launch: 11.6 W saved at 22 mph (average of 5 and 10 degrees yaw) against Ribble's Endurance SL Disc, about 75 seconds over 40 km. Ribble says the current Ultra-Aero bar has 2.1% less drag than its RI-2 integrated cockpit. (CFD, wind tunnel and real-world testing, optimised for 5-10 degrees of yaw)
Sources
- https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-ultra-sl-r/
- https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-ultra-aero-sl-r-dura-ace-di2/
- https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-ultra-aero-sl-r-ultegra-di2/
- https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-ultra-aero-sl-r-105-di2/
- https://www.bikeradar.com/news/ribble-ultra
- https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/ribble-ultra-sl-r-enthusiast-review
Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R data last updated · How the data is checked ·