I’ve been tempted by an ebike for some time now – I’ve tried a few over the years, and always been impressed by the practicality and fun they offer. So I jumped at the opportunity to test the latest CGR E AL Sportfit Apex XPLR from British brand Ribble. I’ve ridden a couple of its bikes in the past – including the non-electric Ribble Hybrid AL Trail Disc Enthusiast – which gave me a good chance to compare them.

A good bike can make exploring when you’re pitched up at the best motorhome campsites that much simpler, so it’s a buy you’re going to want to get right.

Ribble has been building bikes since 1897 and, although it does have a number of stores, it’s primarily an online retailer.

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This model was delivered to me pretty much ready to go, though – all I needed to do was fit the handlebars and pedals, and I was on the road. (If buying online is a concern, Ribble’s 30-day returns policy offers great peace of mind).

One of the reasons I wanted to try this particular cycle is its light weight – with its 7005-series hydroformed alloy frame, it comes in at just 13.7kg, lighter than many alternatives, which will come in handy when you’re loading a motorhome. That means I can lift it onto a bike rack reasonably easily when I’m away in a motorhome. I also really like this bike’s smart looks – the battery pack is so well concealed in the frame that you wouldn’t necessarily know that it’s an electric model.

Sarah pressing the button on the frame
Simply press the button on the frame to select power

Accessing the bike’s electric assistance is really straightforward. There’s a button on the frame that you hold down for a couple of seconds; this switches the power on. You then press it again to cycle through the various levels of assistance; the amount you have dialled in is represented by a clear colour (green for one-third assistance, orange for two-thirds, and purple for full assistance).

The power switch on the handlebar
The power can also be selected via this thumb-operated switch

Power modes can also be selected via a thumb-operated rocker switch on the left-hand side of the handlebars.

Smooth power

Out on the road, I found the electric assistance to be excellent – it was simple to select the power level that I needed, no matter what the terrain. The Mahle X30 rear hub motor is silent and provides assistance that feels natural, while the SRAM Apex XPLR gearing operated smoothly whenever I needed it.

I tried the bike on a variety of surfaces (including muddy roads) and I appreciated the Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres, which gave good grip and inspired confidence.

The SRAM disc brakes
SRAM disc brakes feel very efficient and solid on the road

Charging the bike’s 250Wh battery – which is neatly hidden in the down tube of the frame – is simple: just plug the supplied 4A charger into the socket at the base of the frame. The battery is charged to around 80 per cent capacity within two hours or so. You can also use Mahle’s Smartbike phone app to interface with the bike.

The range of this bike is claimed to be about 60 miles, depending on your riding, and the Sportfit’s lighter weight does mean that it can still be fairly comfortably used as a regular bike if you do run out of power.

If you’re looking for another way to get around when you’re on tour, see what Peter Rosenthal has to say about taking a motorbike on a motorhome tour.

Alternatives to consider

You could take a look at the Tenways CGO600 Plus, a smart ebike which a great ride and has eight gears.

Alternatively, you could look at the Ribble Allroad TI Enthusiast, which comes with plenty of features and offers good versatility.

Technical spec of the Ribble CGR E AL Sportfit Apex XPLR

  • Price: £2799 (usually £2899)
  • Weight: 13.7kg
  • Range: Around 60 miles
  • Battery: 250Wh unit, within frame
  • Motor: Mahle X30
  • Gears: 12-speed SRAM Apex XPLR drivetrain
  • Frame: 7005-series hydroformed alloy
  • Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround RaceGuard Folding Tyre Black 700c x 40mm
  • Saddle: Selle Italia Model X
  • Colour: Black and Aqua Blue
  • Charging time: Two hours to 80%
  • Maximum rider weight (inc bike): 120kg
  • Contact: ribblecycles.co.uk

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