1986 Ritchey Ascent
This Ritchey Ascent mountain bike was partially
hand built by Tom Ritchey in 1986 in Redwood City,
CA. Tom fillet brazed the rear triangle while the
front was TIG welded in Japan.
The Ascent is Tom Ritchey's entry level model,
which is still superior to just about anything else
out in its days.
Based on a Ritchey Chromalloy 4130 double-butted
tubing. The geometry of the bike makes it quick and
light feeling. IT is a n excellent climber and races
down the trail like a dart.
This particular model came with several
manufacture upgrades. The handle bars are Ritchey
Nitto black aluminum anodized, the seat is an Avocet
Touring 1, and the brake levers are the original
MAGURA W. German motorcycle levers. The rear
derailleur is original, except the gears were
upgraded to red aluminum Bullseye sealed bearings.
Note, yellow Gary Fisher water bottle rack is era
correct and the handle bar grips are original.
Ritchey bikes came with the best components
available and Tom often combined makes and models of
components.
The rear brakes are Suntour XC Power roller cam
brakes designed by Cunningham.
The Shimano group used was the top of the line
Shimano M700 series. This series is also known as
the Shimano Deer Head series because of the deer
head insignia used on the derailleur's.
The sealed ball bearing hubs are Shimano Dura-Ace
and they incorporate a Uniglide cassette. This
cassette is forwards compatible with the newer
Hyperglide designed cogs, but Uniglide cogs will not
fit a Hyperglide cassette. One of the splines on the
newer Hyperglide is keyed. The hub bearings are high
maintenance and require frequent cleaning and
repacking.
The pictures below show aftermarket Sugino
circular chaninrings. The originals were BioPace
chaninrings.
    
 
(What makes this bike unique.)
| |
(Opt.
is a factory upgraded option.) |
Specifications
|
|
Manufacture: |
Tom Ritchey |
|
Model: |
Ascent |
|
Production
Year |
1986 |
|
Made in: |
USA |
|
Original MSRP: |
$899 |
|
Material Type: |
Cr-Mo |
|
Tubing: |
Double butted
4130 |
|
Welding Type: |
TIG & Fillet
Brazing |
|
Color: |
Red |
|
Decal Type: |
Sticker |
|
Size of Frame: |
21-inch |
|
Frame Weight: |
|
|
Fork Weight: |
|
|
Assembled
Weight: |
26 pounds |
|
Dropouts: |
Vertical |
|
Bottle Mounts: |
2 qty |
|
Touring
Mounts: |
No |
|
Serial Number: |
|
|
Component
|
OEM
|
Description
|
|
Brake Levers: |
Opt. |
MAGURA
W. Germany |
|
Front Brakes: |
Yes |
Shimano
BR-MC70 cantilever |
|
Rear Brakes: |
Yes |
Suntour XC
Power Cunningham Design |
|
Front
Derailleur: |
Yes |
Shimano
Deerhead FD-M700 |
|
Rear
Derailleur: |
Yes |
Shimano
Deerhead RD-M700 |
|
Shifters: |
Yes |
Shimano
SL-M700 friction |
|
Cranks: |
Yes |
Shimano 600 EX,
175mm, triple, 110/94, BCD 5-hole,
tapered |
|
Chainrings: |
Yes |
Shimano
BioPace, 48/38/28, 110/94, BCD
5-hole |
|
Bottom
Bracket: |
Yes |
Shimano 600 EX
sealed ball bearing, English |
|
Pedals: |
Yes |
Suntour XC-II
Bear Claw, 9/16-inch thread |
|
Rims: |
Yes |
Araya RM-20
Polished silver,
26x1.5, 26-inch, 36-hole |
|
Hub-Front: |
Yes |
Shimano Dura Ace
sealed ball bearing, quick release |
|
Hub-Rear: |
Yes |
Shimano
Dura-Ace sealed ball bearing, quick
release |
|
Cassette: |
Yes |
Shimano
Dura-Ace 6 speed cassette 12-28 |
|
Chain: |
No |
Shimano
Uniglide |
|
Spokes |
Yes |
Wheelsmith 14G
Stainless |
|
Headset: |
Yes |
Shimano 600 EX
Star, 1-inch |
|
Forks: |
Yes |
Ritchey
Unifork 1-inch |
|
Handle Bars: |
Opt. |
Nitto
Bullmouse Aluminum |
|
Neck: |
N/A |
|
|
Seat: |
Opt. |
Avocet Touring
I |
|
Seat Post: |
Yes |
Laprade SR,
26.8mm |
|
Seat Post
Bolt: |
Yes |
Suntour Bolt
QR-170 |
|
|
