Tom Ritchey welded up his first bicycle in his parents’ garage more than 50 years ago – when he was only 15-years old. Since then, he has continued riding, researching, designing, and building legendary bicycle frames and components that have inspired generations of cyclists to experience great rides, influenced legions within the bicycle industry, and have won countless championships.
Almost from the start, Tom would point whatever bike he was riding towards the end of the tarmac to wherever that would lead. Along with his mentor Jobst Brandt and an ever-changing cast of riding friends, Tom would ride endless paths, trails and dirt roads on all-day adventures. Those rides nearly 50 years ago (and ever since) directly influence the bikes we ride today, such as the Ritchey Outback - an icon in the gritty world of gravel and adventure bikes.
To celebrate Ritchey’s 50th anniversary and Tom’s enduring and influential spirit of off-road adventure, the 50th Anniversary Outback proudly sports a Half Moon Blue paint scheme - an amazingly beautiful light blue to deep blue fade that truly moves the soul. Additionally, this limited-edition gravel rig is adorned with special Ritchey logos that reference the company's history and the influence Palo Alto, California has had on Tom.
The stunning aesthetics of this special Outback aside, the frameset retains everything the bike is known for. It sports several practical and adaptable features that offer riders the ability to chase epic ride experiences beyond the end of the road and the end of the day. Rack and fender mounts help to keep things dry and expand the load-carrying capacity for longer bikepacking adventures, while clearance for 700c x 48mm or 650b x 2.0in tires opens up a whole new world of possibilities. The frame accepts flat-mount disc calipers, and the all-carbon fiber Ritchey Adventure Fork with multi-purpose mounts on the legs gives you more places to stow the supplies you gather at the last cafe.
Painstakingly TIG-welded with proprietary triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel tubing, the Outback frame delivers the legendary Ritchey ride quality that’s resilient over the harshest terrain and delightfully responsive when you want to open it up.
Road, off-road, trail, expedition, you name it...the 50th Anniversary Ritchey Outback is designed do it all.