The Ribble HT 725 has a 38mm offset in the RockShox fork that increases its steering stability.
The WTB saddle is comfortable, according to testers.
Wide 2.6" tires allow riders to run lower tire pressures to increase traction and better absorb small bumps on the trail.
The Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR tire combination provides riders with an excellent grip on loose tracks.
The SRAM brakes are reliable and engage on demand.
The bike is priced competitively in comparison to other hardtail steel mountain bikes.
The HT 725 is available in four sizes that work for men and women from 5'5" to 6'3".
The threaded bottom bracket is easy to maintain.
Testers agree, the bike handles with precision and goes where you want it to. It is not twitchy or unpredictable.
The bike's seat tube has room for a long dropper post. This allows riders to get low on descents.
The steel frame is durable and visually appealing.
The SRAM groupsets used in each build of the HT 725 shift seamlessly.
The high bottom bracket minimizes pedal strikes.
The cables are internally routed and give the bike a tidy appearance.
The reach is long and gives riders room to move their body around to best maintain balance.
A 35mm stem paired with wide Level XL handlebars gives riders leverage and control over trail obstacles, including jumps.

3 reasons not to buy

The Level dropper post is prone to issues.
One expert expressed that the RockShox Recon RL fork used on the Sport build does not have enough midstroke support. They suggest upgrading the fork.
There is not a 29" version of the HT 725.

Bottom line

The Ribble HT 725 is a steel hardtail. Experts found it descends well and is best for gravity trails. The suspension fork offers 150mm of travel. The bike's cables are internally routed. The HT 725 has a roomy cockpit and a long reach. A 35mm stem and wide Level XL 800mm handlebars give riders control. There is room for a long dropper post. The threaded bottom bracket has plenty of clearance. This helps prevent pedal-strike and makes it easy to maintain. On the Sport model, components such as the RockShox Recon RL fork and Level dropper were not adequate for the bike and had issues, according to testers.

Expert Reviews

75/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews

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off-road.cc

Level 5 expert

Ribble HT 725 Sport Build Review

Level 5 expert

The Ribble HT 725 Sport is a great 150mm steel hardtail for those on a budget. It’s progressive, good looking and built for gravity-fed riding – it ticks most boxes for hardtail lovers, though it’s a shame there’s no 29er version alongside these 650b frames.

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Mountain Bike Rider

Level 5 expert

Ribble HT 725 Pro Build Hardtail Mountain Bike Review

Level 5 expert

When we first featured the Ribble HT 725 Pro, we were impressed by the ride quality and totally blown away by the competitive pricing.

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Ricks Bike Flips

Level 1 expert

Ribble HT 725 Enthusiast Build – First MTB Ride and Quick Review in the Surrey Hills Trails

Level 1 expert

Those big drops are just so stable on this bike.

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Sportive.com

Level 1 expert

Time To Head For the Hills: Ribble HT 725 Review

Level 1 expert

The HT 725 has converted me to the joys of proper off-road riding. I’ve done a lot of road riding around here, and a little bit of “gravel” on my cyclocross bike, but a hardtail really opens up the potential to explore well beyond the trails.

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