I bought a used 1986 Ritchey Ascent in 1987, intending to ride it in the mountains. It was too big, though, so I ended up buying a smaller, new, Ascent because I liked the way it handled. I turned the '86 into a commuter with half-step gearing and 1.5" tires. The combination worked well and I put thousands of miles on the bike in commuting and errand running and the occasional longer ride. I still have it, and it's still a really good bike, although its role has been taken over (since retirement) by a Rivendell Bombadil, which handles basically like the Ascent but even better.

The old Ritchey could use some help. I've thought about getting it repainted, but the main thing it needs is new drivetrain bits. If I do this, the bike will keep its roller-cam brake, bullmoose bars and mountain-worthy tires. The problem with repainting is that I can't get decals like the ones on it, which are the old-style blue-and-yellow.