Ritchey Ultra trail bike returns 30 years later

One of the first names in mountain biking, Tom Ritchey returns to one of his earlier mountain bike frames, the Ultra, for an updated take on what a steel cross country bike can be.

The new Ultra is constructed with Ritchey Logic tubing, staying with the material that made the original bikes so great. The classic steel look combines with new-school geometry and design intended for modern cross country shredding.

The original Ultra was designed by Ritchey for a trail slaying good time when it was first made back in the 80’s. The same spirit informs the latest modal as it’s predecessor 30 years earlier. The new Ultra appeals to cross country riders who want to push the fun factor on the descents. Ritchey even wants the Ultra to appeal to enduro riders looking to to get after all-mountain shredding on a shorter travel rig.

The Ritchey Ultra frame is designed around a 120mm travel fork and the well-known smooth ride of Ritchey Logic steel tubing. Boost 149 spacing adds stability to the steel hardtail, locked in to beautifully engineered dropouts. Add a svelte forged-and-machined tapered head tube at the other end, made for integrated headsets, and the Ultra frame cuts quite the figure.

Options for 29 or 27.5-plus wheels add to the Ultra’s versatility. Stick with the big, 29″ wheels to smash out cross country laps. Or, for more rugged trail shredding, switch it up to meatier 27.5-plus tires.

Ritchey Ultra will fit solid 29 x 2.4″ tires, or 27.5 x 2.8″ if you go for the smaller wheel size.

The frame is made with Ritchey Logic tubing and comes in three sizes: small (15″), medium (17″) and large (19″). All three feature internal routing, including for a dropper post, and a replaceable stainless steel derailleur hanger. Steel tubing lets Ritchey buck the trend for 1x exclusivity, with Ultra frames accommodating 1x or 2x drivetrains.