Ritchey Swiss Cross - the 'Do Most Things' build

Since my accident back in February I have been mourning the loss of my System Six, whilst also relishing the relatively imminent arrival of my Field custom. My training has been relatively regular (indoors only) since around the time I was discharged and my thinking about what I want from cycling has changed somewhat.

With this in mind, I will still be a regular road rider (on the Field), but I very much wanted to get something to explore the Japanese countryside and trails, together with something that's a capable bike for a commuter as well as a potential cross racer (if my injuries allow me to race and, more importantly, if my wife allows me to!).

For me I wanted it to be steel, relatively reasonably priced and a little lairy, so what better 'off the peg' option than the Ritchey Swiss Cross?

As I wanted to salvage some parts off the System Six, cantilever was the only option, so I ordered a bunch of parts from Bike24 today (with the strength of the Yen against the Pound & Euro, it is as good a time to buy as any).

In addition, I will be building this up in Nobeyama (Nagano, Japan) with Yano san (owner of Rapha Japan) within the next couple of weeks using a lot of pre-raced CX1 parts, before then testing the bike on the trails of Nobeyama (where the yearly Rapha cyclocross race happens in Japan).

Ordered the parts in the photo today.

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Thanks to @amey for the guidance about use in the Ritchey thread.

I am just a mere enabler .. just ask @Dick ;)

Kudos for giving cross a go coming out of recovery!

1170 shifts nicer than 1130 too. I love my Rival 1 set up. What wheels? And which brakes? @T-V is selling some top level TRP cantis atm. https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/289035/

Cross/adventuring is definitely something that's become more a goal of mine, although I'll need the thicker bar tape and steel frame to take up the shocks a bit (my wrist is still full of metal).

Same wheels from my road bike (carbon 35mm deep x 25mm wide laced to Chris King R45, tubular).

As for brakes, I'm lucky that Yano San has a set of black Paul neo retro / touring all ready for me!

Paul neo retro / touring all ready for me!

Jealous. Will be great build! This is a great Lizardskins copy: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-professional-bar-tape-with-perforation/

I actually find it nicer as its less 'sticky'.

I ordered a roll of the Ritchey WCS Pave which is 3.5mm thick but, if that's pants, your recommendation is next on the 'to try' list, mate.

also needs neo classic bars :)

I'm also selling some nearly new tubs - a pair of Specialized Tracer's for £35.

I already had these on the shopping list... http://sim-works.com/en/nitto/wonderer-bar

I've already ordered tires but thank you for the offer.

😒

Just gets better ;)

Oddly not too bad here. Ritchey neo classics are a good amount more!

Plus, got to have a little bit of Japanese metal work on there ;)

Dis gon b gud

WINNING!

Ritchey Swiss Cross FTW

@amey I'd say you're more of a petulant bad influence who rather than "enables" encourages to purchase.....

Watch out for him @xDOMx before you know it you'll be doing audaxes on an Emonda SL without even realising it....

Ah also lads, the photos should be fully @amey compliant as I'll be using my Ricoh GRII.

Watch this space...

Don't forget to be #@amey compliant they have to be #instagram compliant

Struggling to get hold of the correct 27.2 diameter, Ritchey WCS 'wet red' seatpost for this...

Anyone have any ideas?

I've had s couple of the 'Wet' seatposts but I find the wet - effect lacquer cracks, and crumples off ... Also, too much red won't fully allow the frame to 'Pop'

If you find wet red curve bars do shout out as they are also like hens teeth. I think wanty group team have them all.

I've gone for a Thomson setback instead.

Not too pricey and, depending on fit, may match with a Thomson stem in due course.

You need to get a red ritchey stem to match the frame

Definitely eventually want to match stem and seatpost but that shizzle is pretty rare and, if you can get hold of it, it's bloody pricey.

Parts list...

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First part (in hand); Sim Works 'Wonderer' bars.

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This is gonna be an awesome build - massive fan of the Swiss cross. Very excied to see it come together!