Ritchey 2001 SwissCross

Price Paid:  $1900.00 at BIKEMAN and they are

Favorite Ride:
The Rim @ Porcupine

Bike Setup:
Shimano shifters..XTR rear...FSA Kranks (excellent) Mavic Open Pros, Thomson stem and post in Black.

Summary:
I really dont ride road type bikes so this bike was somewhat of an enigma for me...dont real like/understand those road sytle shifters.Anyways my kross course goes thru various construction sites where i have to carry the bike through and it also traverses thru some mild single trak... the ride is very demanding/challenging! And I can tell you this...this bike EXCELLS! Its LIGHT, handles unbelievably and is TOUGH too. It has to be the ULTIMATE training device for MTBRS during the off season..
I was inspired to buy a cross bike by an animated commercial during the Super Bowl where these dudes were riding/racing cross bikes on ultimate cyclo cross course!After seeing this commercial(i dont know recall if it was a for a soft drink or Nike ad???) I knew I had to have one!
I looked/considered quite a few bikes (Surly, Lemond, Steelman...etc...) and decided on the Ritchey. I like Steel and it was a bit cheaper than the venerable/reputable Steelman.
I have only been on it a few times but I can tell you this, its FUN and I came away with a tremendous amount of respect for Cyclo-crossers...its one tough sport and i can understand why no one does it...its just too demanding...
Theres an old adage that states at a Mtb Race you dont mess with...Vets, Locals or Single Speeders... Well I want to add one to the list...PSYKO-KROSSERS!!!

Strengths:
Its about the FRAME and Ritchey makes a good one! The Ritchey fork is excellent too...
Burnt Orange is a great color for a Psyko bike

Weaknesses:
hate those road shifters

Similar Products Used:
no such thang