| Ribble Cycles | |
| Industry: | Bicycles |
| Founded: | 1897 |
| Headquarters: | Preston, Lancashire, England |
| Area Served: | Worldwide |
| Products: | Bicycles and accessories |
Ribble Cycles is a British bicycle manufacturer and retailer based in Preston, Lancashire. The company traces its origins to 1897, when a frame-building workshop was established on Water Lane (later Watery Lane) near the River Ribble.[1] It has operated in the cycling industry for more than a century, producing and supplying bicycles in various categories.
Ribble began as a small workshop producing steel bicycle frames during the period when safety bicycles became widely adopted.[2] During the mid-20th century the firm was owned by Hughie Sandiford.[1] In the 1980s the business expanded its sales channels to include mail order.[1]
In November 2015 Ribble was acquired by True Capital Limited, an investment firm with interests in retail businesses.[3] Coverage in the Lancashire Evening Post in 2021 described the company as one of the UK's larger online bicycle retailers.[4]
Ribble sells bicycles and related products primarily through its website and a small number of showrooms.[5] According to company statements, its bicycles are designed in-house and assembled in the UK.[6]
Financial information reported in 2021 indicated a turnover of £22.8 million and total assets of £11.14 million.[4]
Ribble produces bicycles across several categories, including road, gravel, electric and hybrid models.[7] In 2021 the company opened a showroom in Clitheroe that featured interactive displays relating to its product range.[8] Coverage in VELOUK in 2025 reported on new alloy models added to the company's line-up.[9]
Ribble has taken part in competitive cycling activities. In 2001 it sponsored the cycling team Ribble Pro Vision during the Premier Calendar series.[1]
