Ritchey break away carbon11/2/2023 ![]() It offered feedback but provided an ample buffer against challenging surfaces. None of them were a match for the Outback. Rutted tracks with an abundance of tree roots. City streets littered with cracks and potholes. Each time it responded with a resilience that was impressive. ![]() As my time spent aboard the Outback increased I sought out harsher surfaces. First impressions were that it felt full of life, just like a few other high-quality steel frames I’ve ridden compliant without ever feeling dull. As I got to know the bike a little better this meant I could go faster and try bolder lines, buoyed by the confidence that I’d gained from those first few rides.Īnd as for comfort? The Outback is genuinely one of the most comfortable frames I have ever ridden. Tackling steep woodland paths I always felt in control thanks to the Outback’s reliable handling. Loose gravel and sand can often result in a bike squirming a little but the Outback held firm, even at slower speeds. When I reached the trails this perceptible stability really shone through. On my first few rides I was pleased at just how easily the Outback ate up the tarmac, feeling assured and stable at all times. On the road this had me feeling very centered, a position I could settle into for hours if required. Lengthening the frame’s wheelbase clearly works as I was immediately taken with just how solid the bike felt. Jumping on the Outback my initial impressions were dominated by two sensations: one of stability and one of comfort. The handlebars are very distinctive and worthy of their own review, which you can read here. ![]() Cockpit and finishing kit comes courtesy of Ritchey’s top end WCS line, including its new Toyon gravel stem and Beacon gravel bars. Then there’s a prototype Ritchey carbon 650b wheelset shod with Ultradynamico Cava 47mm tires. It includes a 1x Praxis Zaynte carbon chainset alongside Shimano GRX hydro shifters and rear derailleur. My review bike is best described as a lightweight gravel grinder. This speaks to its versatility and allows you to build it up in a number of ways, including with both a 1x and 2x drivechain. The Outback is only available as a frameset. All in all, it’s a classy looking machine with a real timeless quality that perhaps only steel can deliver. The integrated seat collar (which takes a 27.2mm seatpost) is equally stylish as are the dropouts designed around a 12mm thru-axle standard. The forged and machined straight headtube with its integrated headset cups bucks the tapered trend but looks all the better for it. There are a number of touches that ooze understated sophistication and reflect the all-round high build quality. Across the frame the thin-walled Logic steel tubing lends it a classic feel. The Outback is beautifully refined in its appearance, even if gravel bikes probably aren't renowned for their elegance. If I’m heading into the unknown I want cables I can see both for easy diagnosis and simplicity of repair. And while hidden cables make sense on a race bike from both an aesthetic and aerodynamic perspective, the Outback is designed for adventure. Also an extra handlebar stem and new brake pads.Equally, my time spent working as a mechanic has given me a general disdain for internally routed cables too. INCLUDES: Custom Ritchey travel wheeled, padded, and reinforced bag with custom cut tube padding. Saddle: Ritchey Streem Carbon reinforced with CrNiTi rails Stem: 100mm ITM Millenium (120 mm ITM stem also included) Pedals: PEDALS AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL CHARGEīrakes: Avid Shorty Ultimate with SRAM Swiss Stop pads Tires: Ritchey Speedmax Comp 700 x 35 rear & 700 x 40 frontģ5mm maximum is recommended however Ritchey states you could probably go 38 as long as mud doesn't become an issue.Ĭrank: SRAM Red carbon 50/34 172.5mm crank arm length. The bike is 17lb, immaculate with very low miles.įrame: Titanium (light, no paint to chip or scratch, and will never rust) Race it in cyclecross, use as a lightweight road bike, or tour on it (rear rack mounts on bike) This bike excels for travelling as the case dimensions allow it to FLY AS A REGULAR CHECKED BAG (under 50lbs). 52cm frame fits like a 54cm ( I am 5'9 1/2" )īreakaways have two joints (1) at the seat post/top tube, and (2) on the down tube near the bottom bracket that allow the frame to be separated into two pieces and packed in its own wheeled and padded travel case.
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