The Radavist

This Saturday, May 30th Tom Ritchey will be at Mission Workshop in SF for one of their Ask a Founder events. Here are the details:

“The Founders Event was created in effort to pull the curtain back and learn more about cycling brands that we respect. We as an industry tend to focus on the stunning finished parts but not as much on the struggle it takes to get there. For the event we simply turn the cameras on, step back and watch the story unfold. We cover the inspiration behind ideas, the projects that never got off the ground and everything in between.

For the third installment of the Mission Workshop Founders series we are honored to have Tom Ritchey on our stage to learn about the massively influential brand that shares his name. Ritchey’s love with all things two wheels started early. He built his first frame when he was just 16 years old and started his first company in his early twenties. The shape of cycling would arguably look very different without his involvement. Join us this Saturday May 30th at 7PM PST to watch Tom spin his tales live on Bikemag.com. Be part of the event by asking Tom a question via Twitter using “#AskRitchey” as the hashtag.

Live audience space is limited, if you can make it, email RSVP@missionworkshop.com for a seat.”

I can’t think of a better bike to utilize Ritchey‘s Breakaway system than a touring bike. Especially one that can run either 700c x 40mm or 27.5 x 2.1″ wheels. These new Breakaway tourers feature an integrated head tube and will be available in the fall. The pricepoint is to be determined, but expect them to be around the same as the standard Breakaway.

Dustin Klein from Cadence has just listed his custom painted Ritchey Swiss Cross on eBay with a starting bid of only $.99. If you’re looking for a bike with a lot of added character to ride or race and you ride a 57cm, now’s your chance to own this. Head over to the eBay auction for more information.

You remember that Ritchey commercial Brian Vernor made a while back? Well, he just posted up some photos from that shoot on his Making Blog. Head over to check them out. Such great portraits.

Basic is best, bro. Cadence and Ritchey collaborated on a cycling cap and I don’t think it could any simpler. Nice one fellas!

… got together to do a video, showcasing this living legend riding his home trails and talking about Ritchey!

These look super slick!

“For a limited time, get the SuperLogic Carbon C260 Stem in one of cycling’s most popular accent colors. Bikes from Pinarello, Ibis, Masi, Jamis, etc… all have models to match.

The full carbon C260 stem was designed to meet the needs of high-wattage European Classic Specialists. The SuperLogic Carbon C260 maximizes Strenght-to-weight through the use of high modulus carbon fiber, increased boom diameter, a wide clamp and our patented C260 clamp design.”

Lengths: 90/100/110/120/130mm
Stem Angle: 84/6 degree
Weight: 125g (110mm)
MSRP: $297.95

In stock now and ready to ship at Ritchey Logic!

This classic shape is often rendered in steel and is not the lightest option for a modern day race machine. For those looking for a classic Ritchey look for the XC bike, look no further. 35 years since it was first introduced to the MTB world, the Bullmoose returns. Just as stylish, but a little lighter…

The Ritchey WCS Bullboose features a 9 degree sweep with a 6 degree angle, weighs in at 280 grams for the 80mm and comes in three sizes: 70x720mm, 80x730mm and 90, 100 & 110x740mm. Retail is set at $299.95.

This collaboration has been in the makings for quite some time and it coincides with the new Airflow line from Cadence. Ritchey’s C260 stem got a wet coat with “Keep Going” painted on the top, along with the Airflow graphic.

In stock now at Cadence in various lengths.

To commemorate a forthcoming collaboration with Ritchey, Dustin Klein from Cadence took the time to personalize his new Swiss Cross frameset. I love seeing projects like this unfold, especially with companies like Cadence and Ritchey, both of which make exceptional products.

Personally, I think the Cadence x Ritchey stems look great and I can’t wait to see what else they’re cooking up!

Until then, check out the process and completed bike photos below!

Before you get your hopes up, be warned: the Swiss Cross is back in production but it’s not for public consumption. While there are plans for a Taiwanese tig-welded version, these handmade bikes are for friends and family. Ritchey may be one of the biggest names in mountain bike history but one of his most cherished bikes of all time is the Swiss Cross. This was one of my favorite bikes at the 2011 NAHBS and Ritchey Bicycle Components had a killer booth!

Check out a slideshow from my coverage of the 2011 NAHBS Ritchey Bicycle Components booth below.

Scans from Old Mountain Bikes

Yes, we’re all lucky to have durable forks now for our fixed gears. Remember all those photos and videos of kids snapping their forks a few years ago? After the fixed freestyle crew picked up on 26″ rigid MTB forks, or unicrown forks, there’s been very few instances of snapping forks. Most people want to thank the BMX industry for that and it’s true, early BMX bikes did use unicrown forks. The late 1970’s introduced the first BMXs, which were beefed up Schwinn Stingrays. On the bigger-wheel side of the cycling world however, we have one person to thank; Tom Ritchey.

After all the times “roadies” picked on “fixies” over their color-coordinated and sometimes all-white builds, it seems the tables have turned. Ritchey just announced their “Wet White” component build kit.