Tom Ritchey's 40 Year Ride

Tom Ritchey- frame builder, component designer, pioneer. A few words to describe the man who is as well known as the god father of the modern mountain bike as he is for race winning components across all disciplines. Join us as he takes on his 40 year ride through the bike industry and innovation.

[Michael-rieh]

This is a story that should be made into a movie.

[kixigvak]

"Who is this Tom Ritchey? Everything he makes is the best!" - Austrian bike shop owner to me back in 1992. I've got about 15 Ritcheys. He has really made a difference.

[elijahrea]

Bought an old mountain bike with 90’s Ritchy tires on it. Rode them until like two months ago on trails. Hearing him talk about how he wanted all his components to be truly tough is amazing. I was ripping those 30 year old tires

[TheBikeSauce]

Such a great feature. What a legend! Engrossed from start to finish. 🤘

[Metal-Possum]

Tom speaks truth when he said what's inside a Cinelli isn't all that impressive. Italian made bicycles were not particularly great quality, especially if they were made after lunch. We just keep thinking they were, because that's the illusion they've maintained all these decades.

[peterhehn]

The godfather of many firsts in the cycling industry!

[Massproduce]

I’ve watched this far too many times than I should’ve.

[MarkSisson-fi]

Incredibly inspiring. I appreciate the Ritchey components I have even more after this video. I appreciate Tom’s humility given all he has achieved in the sport. Perhaps my favorite part is watching Mr. Ritchey weld a frame—just so satisfying.

[daledubose]

I just ordered a Ritchey Ultra. I can't wait to experience and share this legacy of craftsmanship.

[brianvejins]

Fantastic film...very inspiring.always loved those early rigid fork Ritcheys with the paint fade finish

[jeffreystern]

Love seeing Tom riding around SB on his tandem!

[RavelloBikes]

This is amazing. I do not know if you remember me visiting your garage (my ankle got cut on a mitered tube sitting on a box) with Grant Handley in 1978 when you were building his track bike. At that time, you were a little discouraged with what you called at the time "offroad excursion bike" with 24" wheels. You said that you were going to try 26" wheels. I used to ride with you and Yobst Brandt on Sundays. I used to ride Keith Mowen's old (yellow) Cinelli. I was there the day we were riding up Page Mill road. You stopped and pointed to an empty lot, and said that you were planning on building your house on it.

[yvmalnt]

Talent class + humanity = Tom Ritchey

[peter]

I still have my Ritchey mountain bike bought in 1989 at Open Air bicycles in Isla Vista, CA. All original still, probably need to true the wheels…

[phineas]

I have two of your bikes Tom. A 1986 Timber Comp (made to my oversized frame) and a 1975 unnamed and unnumbered road bike (which we have been discussing through your fine employees) and It's crazy how well these things are made. Very inspirational story and products. Keep up the amazing work!

[KJ-sdne]

Awesome stuff Ritchey!

I have been on the fence about a custom steel road rig for the past several years.

The logic’s triple butting, straight steerer, with rim brakes has topped several searches.

I have lost interest in overpaying for rigs that don’t offer comparable detail and quality.

Thanks for sharing. I have narrowed the list and officially moved the logic to the top!

[RavelloBikes]

I still have the (padless) prototype seat/ seatpost from Grant Handley's track bike that you built.

[balderamadondy]

I love the design and built of all your bikes hoping soon i will have one

[arekmichonski]

I have your components on my bike, good job, I like it.

[TecraTube]

I wish for a medium Richey ultra in black and blue before I die