WE may be looking ahead, rather than back when it comes to the weather, but the reality is that it’s still wet and somewhat cold out there.

If, like me, you work 9am to 6pm or longer, then the odds on you getting out while it’s still properly light are pretty low. I am either out early in the morning or late in the evening when streets are gloomy, the roads are damp and I am a bit loathe to take out my pride and joy.

That’s where the Ribble comes in.

Don’t get me wrong, this is no piece of cheap pig iron, with prices starting at £599, this is a decent bit of kit, using quality components where you need them most and cutting back on extravagance where you don’t.

It has, however, been designed with inclement conditions in mind.

Billed as “a classic training bike”, Ribble – which began making bikes in 1897 – has tailored the 7005, as the name suggests, for the winter months.

Featuring an aluminium frame paired with carbon forks, it is, for many, the go-to bike when the sun is yet to put his hat on.

Other aspects include wrap-around mudguards to keep the worst of the mud and spray off you and a slender seat post, which is designed for those who like putting in plenty of miles.

Talking of miles, I clocked up plenty during my month with the bike, purposely seeking out some of the most rutted roads in the area and going out in conditions that, even though I say so myself, were only for the brave.

While it’s not as light as your best summer ride, the 7005 is not a heavy beast of burden either.

It’s nimble enough to make changing direction a worry-free exercise – something I had to do on more than one occasion to avoid potholes and roadside detritus.

The Shimano Tiagra ten-speed shifts effortlessly and the frame encourages plenty of out of the seat riding.

After a couple of hours in the seat there was no sign of bum ache on reaching my destination from the firm but fair Selle Italia and the forks did their best to counter any reverb from the badly maintained roads, meaning my wrists didn’t suffer.

I did puncture during one nighttime trip out, but I have to hold my hand up and say I hammered the crater sized hole with some force, having not seen it until the last minute. The Rodi Airline Evo wheel did, however, remain true.

I allowed the 7005 to get proper clarted up before giving it some TLC, something that is fairly easy to do when you have three demanding children.

Despite this lack of immediate care it scrubbed up nicely and there was no sign the dirt had had any detrimental effect.

For those who want to it can also accommodate paniers, making it ideal as a tourer.

Priced well and built well the 7005 ticks many boxes.

It’s almost a shame to keep it just for winter, I for one would be more than happy to be seen it on it all year round.