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Ribble headset compatibility - A complete guide

December 16, 2022

Ribble Cycles has been handcrafting the highest quality custom-built bikes since 1897. Technology and frame design has come a long way since those early days. Headset standards, in particular, have changed greatly, making finding the correct headset for your frame a challenge. The Ribble headset compatibility guide removes the pain of finding the correct headset for your Ribble bike.

The Ribble headset compatibility guide covers every model of frame produced in the 21st century. Starting with the 1 1/8" standard of the early 2000s to the 1 1/2" or 1 1/4 " tapered designs of today.

1. Pre-2016 R872

This version of the R872 is easily distinguishable from later variants by the 31.6mm seat post diameter and matt (stealth) finish. The top bearing is a standard 1 1/8" 45x45 (30.5x41.8x8) which is readily available from all the usual online cycle retailers. However, the bottom bearing is a slightly more unusual size and replacement bearings can be sourced from bearing via this link.

2. 2017 Gran Fondo

The last iteration of the Gran Fondo differs noticeably from the model that preceded it. Unlike the 1 1/8" straight steerer of its predecessor, this version featured a tapered 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" 45°x45° headset.

We no longer stock this type of headset; however, you can find them easily by simply typing 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" headset into Google or a similar search engine.

Click here to view a compatible example.

3. Alloy and Carbon Frames Circa 2000-2016

7005 Ultralite

Evo Pro

7005 SL/SC61 Carbon

Sportive 365

Gran Fondo

New Sportive Racing

By far, one of the most popular headsets standards before the advent of the tapered fork steerer was the 1 1/8" 45°x45°. Also known throughout the industry as the 'campag fit', this headset standard was employed throughout the Ribble range. Models that require this headset are:

  • Sportive Bianco/Azzurro
  • Grand Fondo - 2012 to 2016
  • 7005 Sportive
  • 7005 Audax/7005 Ultralite/7005 SL/7005 CX
  • SC61.10A/EM2 plus Carbon Blacktail variants.
  • Aero TT
  • Sportive 7046
  • New Sportive Racing

Sadly we no longer produce a headset to fit these frames, but a Google search for a 1 1/8" 45x45 (IS41) headset should obtain various results.

Azzurro

Sportive 7046

Sportive Bianco

EM2

7005 Sportive

7005 CX

4. Alloy and Steel frames 2017 > 2022

CGR 725

CGR AL e

Endurance 725 Disc

Endurance 725

CGR AL

CGR AL 2017

All of the current range of Ribble alloy and steel frames require a 1 1/8" to 1 1/2" headset with an upper bearing of 41.8x30.2x7 45°x45° and a lower bearing of 51.8x40x8 45°x45°.

  • CGR AL/CGR AL e/CGR 725
  • Endurance 725 and Endurance 725 Disc
  • Hybrid AL and Hybrid AL Trail
  • R872 and R872 Disc
  • Hybrid AL e (not Step-Through)

You can purchase the LEVEL 52 headset here.

Hybrid AL

Hybrid AL e

Hybrid AL Trail

R872

R872 Disc

5. High-Performance Carbon - 2018 >2022

Ultra SL R

Ultra SL

Our high-performance carbon framesets offer compatibility with the LEVEL 5 carbon integrated handlebar system. With the bars fitted, each cable is fully hidden within the frame, which requires a specific type of headset that is exclusive to the following frames:

  • Ultra SL R and Ultra SL
  • Endurance SL e
  • CX SL
  • Endurance SL/SL Disc
  • Endurance SL R/ SL R Disc
  • CGR SL
  • Gravel SL

Bearings can be sourced from any reputable bearing manufacturer. The dimensions are:

Upper Bearing: 40 x 51.8 x 7 45° x 45° Lower Bearing: 40 x 51.8 x 8 36° x 45°

CX SL

Endurance SL Disc

Endurance SL R

CGR SL

Gravel SL

Endurance SL e

6. MTB, Gravel, & Endurance Alloy/Titanium

HT 725

HT Trail AL 29

HT Ti

Gravel Ti

Endurance Ti

Gravel AL

CGR Ti

Designed to conquer the toughest terrains, these bikes all feature a beefed-up 44mm headtube design with a distinctive external lower-bearing cup. (It should be noted, however, that the previous iteration of the CGR Ti doesn't feature this external lower cup. It requires the LEVEL 52 headset in section 4 above).

You can purchase the LEVEL 44 headset in a fetching choice of anodised colours here.

7. Gravel AL e and Step Through's

The models pictured feature a unique headtube design that routes the cables through the headset for a fully cable-free look. This requires a specific model of headset - the LEVEL H56.

If you require a replacement headset, please get in touch; visit our help centre for contact details.


Got an older model of Ribble and need a replacement gear hanger? Find out which one you need in Part 1 of our derailleur hangers guide.


Find out which gear hanger you need for the current range of Ribble frames here.


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