1989 Ritchey Ultra
Since Ritchey just decided to reuse the model name “Ultra” for their newest mountain bike, we decided to update this 1989 Ultra into a modern touring/gravel rig.
This version features a brand new (for 2019) 2 x 10 Deore XT drivetrain with thumbshifters and a Velo-Orange Drillium compact crankset, wavey aluminum fenders, stainless steel racks, a new Selle Italia “Bonnie” Turbo saddle, new Ritchey WCS foam grips, WTB All terrain tires and Deore XT platform/clipless pedals.
It also features 30 year old Tange prestige frame tubing that gives the bike an absolutely sublime ride quality. The bike is still rolling on original Araya RM-20 rims, aluminum Nitto Bullmoose handlebars, Control Stix bar-ends (remember those?), Deore XT 4-finger brake levers and cantilever brakes.
One of the big draws for selling a vintage bike in the Pacific Northwest is the idea that it came from someplace else (someplace that’s dry). This Ritchey spent most of its life in Santa Fe New Mexico.