Swiss Cross
Not so many years ago GritCX had more of a cyclocross focus. ‘Cross was boss not just because it’s ace, but also because gravel bikes hadn’t really become a “thing” yet. Us enlightened ones were riding trails and gravel tracks on the bikes that got raced on a weekend (maybe with a swap of tyres).
In the intervening years, more brands have merged their ‘cross and gravel offerings – some more successfully than others. It’s refreshing to see some companies staying true to ‘cross, and few have the long term pedigree of Ritchey.
Swiss Cross
Thomas Frischknecht swung his leg over the first Ritchey Swiss Cross in 1994 and went on to claim countless wins and championships atop the legendary bicycle. To celebrate the birth of this historic CX bike, Ritchey has a new version of its race bike out.
The fully modernised bike is also available with a limited Swiss Cross Anniversary Edition paint job. Adorned with a gorgeous red to white fade paint scheme, the Anniversary Edition is limited to 100 individually numbered framesets, and we can’t think of a better looking bike out there at the moment.
This newest version of the Ritchey Swiss Cross continues its evolution as a thoroughbred race bike. Ritchey has taken care to maintaining the racy ride characteristics for which it has been known for decades. Those that know Ritchey will already know that the bike is made out of steel (Ritchey Logic triple butted tubing to be precise), but it is worth reiterating for the uninitiated.
There’s something joyful about a bike that has been developed with such a race focus still using steel. It may not be the lightest material choice, but we adore the way steel rides. We’ve talked a bit more about Ritchey’s approach in our review of its gravel offering – the Outback.
The new Swiss Cross features the modern standards we’ve come to expect, like flat-mount disc brake compatibility and thru-axles. Its race-ready geometry will keep those who live for an hour at the weekend in winter happy, while clearance for 40mm tyres will appeal to those who want to explore beyond the course tape.
The details
- Material: Triple-Butted Ritchey Logic Tubing
- Includes Ritchey WCS Carbon Disc Cross Fork
- Accepts 140 or 160mm rotors
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Colour: Black
- Price: £1259
Anniversary spec
- Limited to 100 numbered framesets
- Ships with a Swiss Cross-branded authentic mini Swiss Cowbell for mounting on the handlebar
- Colour: Red to white fade
- Price: £1349
