Ritchey 50th Anniversary Frames

[Buzz Killington]

Is it because he hasn’t been making MTB frames for 50 years, why would he have 50th anniversary road and cross frames, but no MTB frames? In my opinion, it’s the MTB world that defines who/what Ritchey is. Subcontract out some hardtail frames to a US builder, have Tom braze on a water bottle boss or something, heritage paint it, and they would sell like hotcakes. Or maybe not, I’m pretty dumb.

[EB]

Originally Posted by Buzz Killington

Is it because he hasn’t been making MTB frames for 50 years, why would he have 50th anniversary road and cross frames, but no MTB frames? In my opinion, it’s the MTB world that defines who/what Ritchey is. Subcontract out some hardtail frames to a US builder, have Tom braze on a water bottle boss or something, heritage paint it, and they would sell like hotcakes. Or maybe not, I’m pretty dumb.

Um… what?

Ritchey Ultra new in stock. Last redesigned in 2018 or so: https://ritcheylogic.com/bike/frames/ultra-frameset

[mstateglfr]

Originally Posted by Eli Bingham

Um… what?

Ritchey Ultra new in stock. Last redesigned in 2018 or so: https://ritcheylogic.com/bike/frames/ultra-frameset

The OP is asking why there isn't a 50th anniversary MTB frame.
What is offered right now is just a normal frame.



As for why Ritchey doesn't have a 59th MTB frame, beats me. The CX came months after the road, so maybe the MTB will come a bit later.

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

As for why Ritchey doesn't have a 59th MTB frame, beats me. The CX came months after the road, so maybe the MTB will come a bit later.

I have no insider information, but my guess is it's been delayed due to supply chain issues, and we'll see one in the next year or two.

[Tychom]

Perhaps they're still struggling to decide on an exciting color for the frame?

Will it be ... blue?

Or will it be ... red?

Or maybe red white and blue?

Tough one!

[GreenJersey]

Originally Posted by Tychom

Perhaps they're still struggling to decide on an exciting color for the frame?

Will it be ... blue?

Or will it be ... red?

Or maybe red white and blue?

Tough one!

I have the impression that for Ritchey the frames are not a core part of the business. So if they want to produce 100-200 frames (with not a single update in the design) with a special paint it takes months/years.

[holliscx]

The unused braze-ons on the cross frame on Ritchey's website are pretty glaring. In the shots I saw the top tube and down tube had gaudy unused cable routers. Didn't make sense for a 50th anniversary frame albeit I know they'll say it offers versatility. Personally, I would love to see a rim brake frameset for cantilevers are forever.

[KonaSS]

Originally Posted by holliscx

The unused braze-ons on the cross frame on Ritchey's website are pretty glaring. In the shots I saw the top tube and down tube had gaudy unused cable routers. Didn't make sense for a 50th anniversary frame albeit I know they'll say it offers versatility. Personally, I would love to see a rim brake frameset for cantilevers are forever.

You are bothered by unused braze ons for mechanical shifting yet want a cantilever rim brake frameset???????????

Some people are difficult to please

[shoota]

I can't believe they don't have a 50th gravel frameset

But at least the road frame is rim brake, that's cool. If you could ever find one..

[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by Buzz Killington

Is it because he hasn’t been making MTB frames for 50 years, why would he have 50th anniversary road and cross frames, but no MTB frames? In my opinion, it’s the MTB world that defines who/what Ritchey is. Subcontract out some hardtail frames to a US builder, have Tom braze on a water bottle boss or something, heritage paint it, and they would sell like hotcakes. Or maybe not, I’m pretty dumb.

Maybe because it is the 50th anniversary of Ritchey making frames, and the first frames he made were road frames? He didn't make MTB frames 50 years ago because the MTB hadn't been invented yet.

[bigbill]

I like the steel mountain bike. I could build one up for a decent price and leave it in Wyoming for summer. Might even make it a drop bar.

[shoota]

Maybe it's because Tom thinks Road is King. (which it is).

ritchey.jpg

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxJm1fwjD...-_sKDPG-gyI-4x

[EB]

Originally Posted by shoota

Maybe it's because Tom thinks Road is King. (which it is).

Attachment 1698056075

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxuAjPgJ5...Nbflbjxb_jcPa7

This. Tom is an incurable roadie, bless him. He rides a bike with 25mm tires on Dirt Alpine 3 times a week or something.

[bfd]

Originally Posted by Mark McM

Maybe because it is the 50th anniversary of Ritchey making frames, and the first frames he made were road frames? He didn't make MTB frames 50 years ago because the MTB hadn't been invented yet.

When he was still building, Tom Ritchey was known for making fillet-brazed frameset. I’m disappointed that his 50th Anniversary frameset is not fillet brazed! He could have hired someone like Waterford or Toyo to built it. Yes, it would probably be more expensive that $1400, but it would have been a nice tribute. Good Luck!

[nickl]

Originally Posted by Eli Bingham

This. Tom is an incurable roadie, bless him. He rides a bike with 25mm tires on Dirt Alpine 3 times a week or something.

Probably riding a bike equipped with mechanical shifting.