This Bike Confuses Most People

[@PaulComponentEngineering]

All of our actuator arms will soon be interchangeable between Flat Mount, Post Mount, Long Pull, Short Pull, and even Campy Pull. Also, are we supposed to take a drink every time you say "chonky"? Haha, really though, love the videos, keep em coming!

[@ritcheydesign]

Thanks for helping with the build!

[@senorspiegel]

I'm waiting for ergon, Phil, white ind and Rene herse to chime in

[@waisinglee1509]

How soon is soon? I am going to be speccing Klampers on my new build in the next few months...

[@kbd13-n9c]

Playing a dangerous game with “chonky” depending on what you’re drinking

[@claytonmarkin7863]

Don't you mean "Keep them Chonking?"

[@GoatRidesBikes]

True Story. Way back machine circa 2004. I was with a big group riding the Porcupine Rim trail in Moab. There is an amazing viewpoint where most people stop, take pics, grab a bite and chill out for a bit. We're all on what we think are the most badass Freeride bikes. We roll into the overview area, lots of bikes laying around and I see an old school Ritchey MTB with canti brakes and skinny tires. Like OG probably from the early MTB Days. I kind of laugh to myself wondering who in the world is riding this beast of a trail on that old steed. I'm chilling out, taking pics of the view, looking around...when I see freaking Tom Ritchey himself walk over, mount up and go tearing down the trail.

[@jfspurlin1]

I have a 1998 Specialized Rockhopper which is really a Ritchey MTB with a Specialized logo on it.

[@philipbyrne3037]

You have that just opened my favourite Christmas present look in this video. That is the positive vibe content people look for in social media. So many people are faking it. Laura will also be happy when your happy.

[@OwenWilkins]

'Most People' must have been hypnotised into thinking that there are uncrossable delineations between different genres ('discipline' might be an unhelpful term) of cycling but the greatest joy I have found is in gradually adjusting my bikes so that each one is more versatile and this can produce some very interesting combinations of components. The results tend to stubbornly defy categorisation. I see this too in the equipment choices you make. I'm very excited that you are increasingly using non-drop bars. Carry on brother.

[@chipverner3246]

I’ve got a new, never built ‘09 Access XCL 9r frame that I bought for $100 new back in the day. It is amazing how close the geometry on these early 29er frames are to where the modern ATB’s are going. I knew it would be good for something…only took 13 years

[@brettlopresti]

One of my fav bike reviews since you did the Journeyman. Love the touring geometry and the single track ride.

[@WaveformWanderlust]

I have this bike and absolutely love it. Even have a very similar build to your unit actually (Klampers, White crankset, Kyote, Dropper). I initially set it up with Kyote bars and even did the TGIF Endless Summer gravel group ride on it a couple weeks ago (lots of climbing and lots of technical single track/mtb trails). But then I switched it over to the Ritchey Beacon XL bars, and for me anyway, it's perfect with those super wide, very flared but shallow drop bars. It's such a fun bike!

[@johnbodenchuk514]

Great to see you so excited about this bike. I like out of the ordinary geometry that some of the smaller builders are confident enough to build. I ride a Jones Long Wheel Base 29-plus in the Titanium Space Frame. It’s cool when the geometry number on paper tell you one thing and the ride blows your mind. That’s why test rides and honest reviews can be so helpful.

[@markbevan2577]

Great review and so good to see a brave design ethos in this bike. I’ve got the Kyote bars and added some Ritchey bar ends ahead of the brakes, on the bends. A bit like to VO Crazy but with a hand position in line with the stem - fab

[@fastandcurious]

I have the Kyote handlebars as well. My classic curved barends are positioned as innerbarends where the Kyote sweeps back towards the stem. As they are also 22mm thick you can attach all kind of handlebar accessories. The barends form a loop a bit like a Jeff Jones Bar with the advantage of angle adjustability for better aerodynamics and very comfortable position. In addition I will test innerbarends from different brands such as Spirgrips and SQLab for the position between the grips and the brakes.

[@birdergirlrs]

Interesting! As you were going over the geometry I started thinking, "This looks familiar." Sure enough, I went to Bike Insights and saw the Ritchey is very close to my Cannondale Treadwell. It only goes to show that labels on bike styles don't matter much these days. It's about how you make the bike your own. PS- Glad to see you with the Ergon GP1 grips. Love mine! Every time you talk about your issues with flat bars I think, "He needs to try those grips."

[@dsgermack]

oh my god it is such a gorgeous build! Love, Love, Love all the purple! And sweet bar-end shifters set up as thumbies?!?!?!?! Loving it!

[@driventomadness117]

Lovely bike. I've had Kyote bars for a year now. Very happy with them, but a bit more real estate at the stem would be great.

[@tylersargeant3352]

I bought this bike a few days after it was released. Built it up with Beacon xl drop bars, running 700x45 Rambler tires. I dig it! It’s my adventure bike. It’s been on a few bike packing adventures and a bunch of gravel / single track adventures and it’s been great. Planning on setting it up with Ardent race 2.35 tires this spring for some spicier bike packing trips that I have planned. 🤙

[@johnnygunz2300]

You're such a bike dork and I love it! Great piece of kit!! It's like those old English three speeds but better.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

I have the previous generation Ritchey Ascent with the Ritchey Kyote Bars. I setup the bike with a large range of gears (3x9), flat pedals and 700x32 armoured urban tires with fenders. We all need that bike that can serve any purpose - light trails, commute or even road ride in poor weather, all while wearing normal or otherwise not always cycling specific clothing. The Ascent fits the bill perfectly.

[@slantedorbit]

Love that style of riser bar. Frame sounds like a greatest hits compilation of the last 30 years of steel bikes, good to see. It’s exactly why I have a 1990 mountain bike and a 2014 touring bike along with my 2020 gravel bike. My only kvetch is that I think unicrown forks should be straight, not raked. I have one of each. The curve is like nonfunctional shutters next to windows, a vestige best left behind.

[@hamm410]

I’ve got a 2021 Ascent built with Ritchey’s Beacon XL bars, Eagle 10x52, rolling on some Simworks Super Yummy 27.5 x 2.2. It absolutely bombs down hills. As a tall and skinny rider, I always feel like I’m going to get bucked off my bike when descending gnarly stuff but this bike, paired with a PNW dropper, rolls through babyheads like they’re nothing. Taking it to the Evergreen Grinder this weekend!

[@soundbites1152]

I have the last version of the Ascent frameset which debuted in 2016. My only real complaint with it is tire clearance, or the lack thereof with 700c tires as it maxes out @ ~40mm. I have a set of WTB Byways in 700 x 40mm on it normally. It does clear 27.5 x 2.1". Right now it's sporting a set of Schwalbe Marathon Winter in 700c x 40mm for icy/snowy commuting. I have 2 700c/29er wheelsets for it. I thought the new Ascent had more of the features that I wanted in the version I own. I recently bought a 2022 Fairdale Weekender Archer in Gloss Black to complement the Ritchey since they both support 650b and 700c wheels, but the Weekender clears 29 x 2.1" tires. It comes with 27.5" x 2.0" Continental Double Fighter III tires mounted on tubeless compatible wheels. I plan to do a wheel swap between the bikes since I have never set up the Ascent with 27.5" wheels. I also have a set of CST Patrols in 29 x 2.1" that I'm looking forward to trying on the Weekender. I hope you have fun with the new Ascent, Russ! Looks like a cool build.

[@whirving]

I had an 80s Fisher Procaliber that I used as my touring bike. Originally the Procaliber was a swanky race bike, one of the first tig welded production frames, and it was light and elegant. It was a little too whippy or "lively" for touring and I figured that it was the thin tubing under load, but it rode GREAT and felt alive. This Ascent sounds a little like my Procaliber except Ritchey made it work for touring loads, and more. Sounds ideal.

[@SIvers-or2ke]

If you’re watching, Ritchey, how about an Outback in the Ascent colourway. Also would love to be able to swap between standard carbon fork and this steel one, depending on the use. Love anything g Ritchey does.

[@NickNiemiec]

If you haven't seen the "Sunset Fade" outback, then boy do I have a surprise for you

[@noble_wolf]

Looks a well thought out frame & components. Those 'bars are the star for me though, wide and comfortable.

[@li2uo]

Great video as always. Small details: I almost yelped with joy when I saw that you're using the same handlebar grips as me! Not because they're necessarily amazing, just fun to see you riding with something that I use!

[@senorspiegel]

As someone with fucked up wrists, ergon ARE amazing imo

[@chessticulate]

The ascent looks like my kind of frame. I have a chalet in the south of Spain. If you're thinking of coming out this way, I'd love to come out for a few days and see what trails we can find. I haven't done a multi-day ride over here yet. It has to be easier than braving the weather in the UK!

[@chessticulate]

I just wish Ritchey were a bit more affordable for frames.

[@markroberts6971]

Great review Russ. Appreciate all the experience comparisons.

[@hornet224]

👍 Your channel is unique because you cover specialty bikes and gear that the mainstream guys ignore. 👍

[@gavinm9507]

Dig the purple. Have just been talking purple components for a custom build. Love it! Great video.

[@jeffdible8171]

I really am looking forward to a long term review. This is quickly becoming the contender for my next bike. Thanks Russ!

[@overland_adventure_nz]

I can't wait until my new Ritchey Ascent frameset turns up in a few weeks time.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Great video. Agree about the LHT, had one for several years, twice across the U.S. with it, sort of like riding a steel handrail on wheels unless it had a heavy load. That Ritchey looks nice!

[@alexanderrigda7002]

Good point about Ritchey combining and mashing elements of other frames to create something unique. Their newest iteration of the ultra is a combo xc / trail hardtail. I've found it to be a ton of fun.

[@lovinglife5554]

This was a great video, you look like you were really enjoying doing the review and it sure does look like a fun bike. Can't wait to see the journey's you and Laura will be doing.

[@anielyantra1]

this Richie is why I build bikes with 1980's steel frames. I would love to try some Phil Wood's but just out of my price range for now. the purple parts on an orange framer is a great color choice. I would be ecstatic if it had green grips, seat, and pedals To complete the color triad.

[@robmartin1792]

Dude, how stoked are you during all of this🤔 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼😎😎 so happy to see and hear you embracing it!!!! Hope you guys are doing well. All the Best, Rob

[@RenateRennkuh]

I think this ride deserves proper purple aluminium pedals like the one ups! Love it!

[@MSUTri]

Cool bike! You may be aware, but the On-One Mary handlebar has this geometry and dates back to 2006 or earlier. It has more sweep angle though, I think.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Similar but the Ritchey is 27 degree sweep vs 21, also considerably wider at 800 vs 675.

[@MSUTri]

@@PathLessPedaledTV The 21° sweep number on the Mary is the upsweep, not backsweep. I believe the backsweep is actually 40°! I had one years ago, and I found the backsweep too much for me - at least at that width. I get along fine with the the Surly Moloko at 34°, though it is wider at 735 mm. On a side note, I do wish they made the Moloko in aluminum - in steel it weighs a ridiculous 709 g! I'm no weight weenie (my ECR in its daily riding setup weighs about 56 lb, fenders, bags, many full water bottles, and all), but I don't like adding gratuitous weight!

[@bimmerbent]

Lot of this style, I have pair of origin8 on/off, using the ergon grips for swept back gc1 made a huge diff.

[@roamingwolfpack]

All black components & all black tires would be awesome, a Pumpkin bike!

[@TimFitzwater]

I would love to hop on ones of these to know how they feel. Not many Ritchey's in my area.

[@magicalsticker]

I have had the Koyote bars on my LHT for a couple years and absolutely love them

[@MonoLake02]

I have an Ascent Frame in my garage. It would be a bike already if I could find any parts to put on it. I will be using Hunt Dyno 650b wheels, Beacon bars and SRAM parts. Thanks for the info. There is very little info on this bike, so it is appreciated.

[@jp93309]

Dope bike and parts! Ritchey has always been one of those bike brands I’ve been interested to demo. Unfortunately no bike shops in my city sells it. Shame.

[@ritcheydesign]

Any bike shop with a BTI or QBP account can order Ritchey for you! Actively stocking... well that's a different story.

[@jp93309]

@@ritcheydesign If you guys are ever touring through bike shops in California and pass through Bakersfield, let us know. Would love to demo one of your bikes someday.

[@szurketaltos2693]

I'm not sure it's a bar end conversion, microshift also sell the bare shifter for use as a down tube shifter.

[@ritcheydesign]

It's a bar end conversion. We pulled the shifter off a bar con for a different build and wanted to highlight Paul's thumbie in the process.

[@fayleya3865]

Please can you put a link to the hub (did you call it a Phil Wood hub?). Also thanks for the earlier recommendation on the bamboo handlebars! Love em.

[@CreekThomas]

Fav one yet! Great sound and video quality 👏🏽👏🏽

[@visualpun650]

What stood out first for me was the curved blades on the fork. I don’t know when when was the last time i saw a curved unicrown fork on a new bike

[@anotheryoutuber_]

quiet bikes are great, over-pack all hubs, snug up all cables with zip-ties, clean and lube chains.

[@brianwilliam8971]

Bars are a such a personal preference and can easily be swapped for the rider’s wants and needs. To me, this makes an awesome gravel bike. I much prefer the supple life to an out and out gravel “race” bike. And it’s a Ritchey so can you really go wrong with any direction of the build? I don’t think so 😁

[@playandteach]

Always good to see bikes I have no hope of riding. I do find the wide angle lens you use here distorts the frame and wheels to the extent that I can't quite get a grip on what I'm looking at. For example, is the seat tube straight or bent? I guess someone is going to have to let me borrow one to find out.

[@josh33172]

The only place long chainstays suffer through tight turns, fast maneuvers and trying manual. A short punch climb is not really a usable measuring stick for long chainstays. As far as the bike goes, cool bike! I would love to get my hands on an Outback breakaway!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

While not the only measuring stick a short punchy climb definitely highlights differences between short and long chain stays.

[@sjcrosby2625]

I like the Orange frame and I like the purple components, just not together. Also I had a '92 or '93 Diamondback Ascent, steel frame and fork interestingly enough!

[@bigmikeshooter]

Great bike. I like the painting and the components. Nice job...

[@paulenright]

OMG...seriously loving them bars...that's a sweet, sweet, lookig ride. I don't even think I really heard anything you said Russ, just kept looking at swish ride ... will watch again for the actual review! Oh also loved your newest art piece... composition 🤙

[@mackigator]

More of the quiet hubs like the Phil Woods and Shimanos! Long live the sounds of the forest!

[@gabriel-ec6gi]

I just purchased the frame in a medium. I noticed you mentioned you were running 650B x 55. The Ritchey rep had mentioned to me, since I plan to run this with 650B, they recommended, "using a large tire - 2.3”-2.6”. The reason for this is with a smaller tire, the bottom bracket drops low and you’d be better off running the same width tire in a 29”. Did you notice any issues, being the tire you used was smaller than the recommendation I received?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

On dirt roads they were fine. On rocky trails you get a little pedal slap on rocks.

[@Biking360]

Interesting bike. Maybe good for touring when your doing more riding off sealed surfaces.

[@kixigvak]

I have a primo '91 Ascent Comp. My new Outback with GRX is slightly better....but not by much. The Ritcheys from Taiwan are really nice.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks Russ. Great video.

[@James.Gornell]

+1 for quiet hubs. DTSwiss 350's also allow you to enjoy the sounds of nature

[@filou5835]

I 've just discovered your channel from France. I like your videos thanks a lot for your explanations. Did you try the ascent with 29' inches ? I really don't manage to make a choice between the 2 sizes 🙃 and I have to if I want to buy my bike for touring .

[@dvdh1223]

May I ask what's this song at the beginning?

[@inlikeflynt56]

What size frame is that Russ? I wanted one of these really bad four years ago with the first iteration but they were not available, so I went with an Elephant NFE. Was excited that they re-released these and it is in my sights once again. Great review!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Tested a M

[@esneeze]

I wonder if there is a way to demo one of these...

[@23skido]

Hey, love everything about you channel. You mentioned a Arizona trip. I’m in New Mexico and also headed to warmer AZ for the cold season. Are you planning and social rides in AZ when your there? Lmk, love to meet in person and ride the beautiful desert lands!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Cool bike Russ! Nice review. And your video quality in your studio is looking beautiful. Get a new camera!? Thank you!

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

Those tires are so wide. Doesn't really look like a MTB to me, looks like one of the old hybrids I have. Those purple parts are really cool.

[@pmoormann]

Wish Ritchey would make bikes for Big Boyz.

[@TravelingThru222]

That looks like one smooth ride, fun video. How do you like The Revelate Gas Tank?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It’s great. Get the one with magnets.

[@TravelingThru222]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Will do, thanks.

[@90041hood]

Wait, what bars are those? Love Ritchey!!!

[@ritcheydesign]

Classic Kyote!

[@adamcritelli7238]

How are Paul hubs onestley?

[@jenherrington9992]

I don't find this swept back handlebar set up comfortable and I can't articulate why. I just know it feels awkward and I have no leverage. Love the purple and those bike bags...

[@TheVicFlo]

That's a sick bike. You should try onyx hubs if you like the silence.

[@geoffersmaher]

Another great vid. Love the ritchey pul combo. Would love to cover the decathlon riverside touring 920, not a lot out there on this and would love to get your opinion really thinking about one and very much in my budget as this stuff sadly is not

[@markmoreno7295]

A really nice bike. Would not mind it with the Ritchey break-a-way components. I understand that the Outback can be had configured that way. Which is better?

[@rsrnsrwds]

Very impressed how solid that handlebar bag was. It never moved!

[@seaoftranquility7228]

Great bike, I gotta say it’s a bit hard (for me anyway) to get a good feel for the lines of it when it’s all shot with a fisheyed lens. I get it’s to fit it all into shot but it’d be nice to see some without that distortion.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Thank goodness for google!

[@joelmicah7014]

Have you tried the pedal cell? Its the advertisment before your tube?

[@amit2897]

hey i dont see drop bars on you nay more...convert ?

[@fellspoint9364]

Damn , those handlebars are antlers.

[@timcunnington1917]

Awesome video. I have been curious about this Ritchey. Is it very much like my Surly oger?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Geo #s are different. Tubes are prob lighter as well.

[@brandonparker6962]

I don't know what it is about this frame, but it catches my attention. I compare the geometry with bikes I've had and I get confused. Why should I buy this frame when there is a cheaper complete build from another company? Any sage words of wisdom?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yeah. Like what other company?

[@brandonparker6962]

@@PathLessPedaledTV State Bicycle Company’s Flat Bar All Road

[@jkeiffer]

Are the hubs really Phil Wood? I would think they would be Pauls since the other purple parts are... So how was the fork compared to the carbon one from the Outback? Overall this bike is pretty nerdy, but it's such an all-arounder that its basically awesome too.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes really Phil wood.

[@ritcheydesign]

Paul doesn't make a geared hub, either. Big ups to Phil for helping out with this build!

[@joeumbrell8774]

I dig the simple one color paint job. Not a fan of the Crayola explosion splatter paint jobs..

[@Nickescaped]

Nice review as we’ve all come to expect! However, you do make new bike buying very difficult (in a good way) by introducing new and different styles, geometries, components, etc… that could easily be overlooked on the first pass.

[@coryvroom400]

What size stem did you run with those bars?

[@bjmihovk]

The blingiest built out ever!!! I hope Russ buys the sh*t out of this bike!

[@adamvancleave8961]

Thanks for all the suppleness been watching for over a year and like this channel keep up the suppleness!!!:)

[@Nahhnope]

Haha Dustin Klein just premiered a video going over his Ascent that he's giving away

[@derekhobbs1102]

I use very similar bars on my old 98 Shogun Slick Rock.

[@g.d.1722]

Love Ritchey ... always have

[@JonnyEdwin]

What is that vest? I love the look of it!

[@marklyon5646]

Great Reviews! Thank you for the effort, being a fellow Montanan these reviews are especially helpful. Ritchey and Paul's with those spiffy hubs make for a cool bike let alone the versatility. Maybe it's just me I think that Montana tends to blend the categories or genres as much as the engineers that design the bikes. Can't wait to see more of this Ritchey, Love the channel keep it up.

[@alexdi1367]

On the handlebar: why do you care how long the stem is? If you ran a long stem with a conventionally backswept bar, you'd have the same handling and more usable bar space for attachments.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Looks dumb (personal opinion) Weight. Also you’ve got a much bigger lever in the front adding stress. Less inspiring to me on harsh terrain with a load.

[@alexdi1367]

@@PathLessPedaledTV , I can't speak to aesthetics, but I think most people would consider the greater compliance of a longer stem a selling point. I would expect the longer stem/bar combination to be lighter.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@alexdi1367 wide bars are flexy enough for me. A longer stem would make it borderline noodly for me. I don't understand how more material would be lighter.

[@alexdi1367]

@@PathLessPedaledTV, you wouldn't use the same bars with a longer stem. Without the mustache shape, they have less material than would be added by a longer stem. Bar and stem flex depend totally on the models chosen.

[@1mikewalsh]

I go a step farther as my rides are more Street. I like the look and know the position is spot on.

[@jesustovar7931]

What pedals are you using on these bike? O! Love them Vids. Stay motivated!

[@VeloObscura]

The chainstays are longer than my Trek 520! but it has more trail and standover height.... Off-road light tourer? Sweet bike!

[@4thwonder]

Despite the touring geometry, its lightweight tubing probably means heavy loading isn't recommended for this bike, right?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes. If you’re going to do that get a LHT.

[@coryvroom400]

@@PathLessPedaledTV how with this bike do on the divide trail with a medium/light load?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@coryvroom400 haven’t put a load on it yet but will in a few weeks.

[@kellymckenzie4865]

If I was a marketing person from a big brand I would call it a bikepacking bike.

[@pedaldriven417]

Bosco bar compatible?

[@outtatrex]

90's mountain bike !

[@James-gx7sk]

Russ, What’s your stem length on that build?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I think it’s an 80.

[@James-gx7sk]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I think I am the same or slightly taller than you with a medium frame, zero offset seat post, a 90mm stem, and a 46cm Beacon (non-XL) bar. You have me thinking I should get a professional fit. I'm looking forward to your drop bar conversion and long term usage reports from your trip. Thanks for everything that you do!

[@Yrigidtho]

Who makes that sweet orange vest?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Endura