A name heavily linked to off road progression, the Ritchey Swiss Cross Disc frame and Ritchey WCS Carbon disc cross fork offers a modern sloping top tube geometry (not that new) with disc brake-only mounts built with heat-treated, triple-butted Ritchey Logic II™ CrMo steel tubing throughout.
Built up and run round the woods, it’s instantly light-feeling and the feel of steel (which, of course is real). The nicely balanced geometry rewards input and has a good lively feel straight from the off.
Some great touches include the machined head tube with drop-in headset. It comes with a Ritchey headset, which is included in the price. The seat clamp is integral with the rear stays, smart and cleanly finished.
Understated graphics with World Champ stripes and a Tom Ritchey sticker on the bottom bracket area. There are some tidy drop outs – Ritchey Socket style – which are cowled and traditional looking, but in keeping with the steel ethos.
Claimed 160mm rotor compatibility, so we’ve been running it with a full SRAM Apex 22 speed, and a CX1 1×11 – both compliment the frame well, with the 1×11 offering a little less weight.
First blast out and about has been a hoot, a lively, reactive and fun steel frame – nimble and still fast. Several quick blasts around the local trails and a couple of extended offroad missions have been completed, and the more time in the saddle, the more the Ritchey rewards – it’s a capable and inspiring ride, and I look forward to spending more time on it.
Look for a full ‘Rated’ review in issue 005 of the grit.cx printed and digital magazine!
