Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
Reload this Page >

New bike build in the works: Ritchey Ascent 650B

Notices
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

New bike build in the works: Ritchey Ascent 650B

Old 09-13-21, 08:17 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
New bike build in the works: Ritchey Ascent 650B

My new "do it all" bike is going to be a 2021 Ritchey Ascent with 650B wheels. The only component being transferred from the current bike is the brakes so there are lots of new parts on the way. I am excited!

tdipail is offline  
Likes For tdipail:
Old 09-16-21, 01:42 PM
  #2  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
Parts are startng to trickle in!

The best part arrived first.



then the Atlas cranks and BB, BB tool, 34t oval chainring and Salsa Deluxe Bend 2 bars

tdipail is offline  
Old 09-17-21, 11:04 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
katsup's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,775

Bikes: 1995 ParkPre Pro 825 2021 Soma Fog Cutter v2 and 2021 Cotic SolarisMax

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 606 Post(s)
Liked 557 Times in 317 Posts
Let us know how you like the bike when done. I've been on the lookout for a rigid mountain bike, this one has the look, but not sure how it would be on trails.

A Kona Unit would probably be a better option for me, but the Ritchey Ascent looks so much better.
katsup is offline  
Likes For katsup:
Old 09-24-21, 03:29 PM
  #4  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
Will do!

The wheelset arrived with the wrong hub installed but still got most of the assembly done today. It is a very straight forward build. LOVE the thru axles (my first expereience with them) and also the drop-in WCS headset that comes with the kit because no headeset press needed.



When my butt saw this new wider Brooks Cambium c67 on the internet it said "oh yeah" so here it is. Just sitting on the bike I can tell its gonna be a good saddle for me.



Wheels are carbon and setup for tubless and these Re-Fuse 27.5x2.0 tires should roll nicely. A fairly light combo.



Installed a stubby Hussefelt stem, the Salsa deluxe bend 2 bars and my favorite Tektro Orion brakes.

I am happy with the way it sits



Trying out these fenders and a $12 frame pack bag



I like the bag but the fenders are a 'no-go' with 650's, too much air underneath. The ad said they work for 29's AND 650's but its stretching the truth.




Just waiting for the hub to go on the maiden ride!

,

Last edited by tdipail; 09-26-21 at 08:17 AM.
tdipail is offline  
Likes For tdipail:
Old 09-28-21, 08:35 PM
  #5  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Vegemite Island
Posts: 4,130

Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1916 Post(s)
Liked 310 Times in 218 Posts
Originally Posted by tdipail
Will do!

The wheelset arrived with the wrong hub installed but still got most of the assembly done today. It is a very straight forward build. LOVE the thru axles (my first expereience with them) and also the drop-in WCS headset that comes with the kit because no headeset press needed.



When my butt saw this new wider Brooks Cambium c67 on the internet it said "oh yeah" so here it is. Just sitting on the bike I can tell its gonna be a good saddle for me.



Wheels are carbon and setup for tubless and these Re-Fuse 27.5x2.0 tires should roll nicely. A fairly light combo.



Installed a stubby Hussefelt stem, the Salsa deluxe bend 2 bars and my favorite Tektro Orion brakes.

I am happy with the way it sits



Trying out these fenders and a $12 frame pack bag



I like the bag but the fenders are a 'no-go' with 650's, too much air underneath. The ad said they work for 29's AND 650's but its stretching the truth.




Just waiting for the hub to go on the maiden ride!

,
Looks like a fantastic build.

Please provide feedback on this bike and also on your saddle.

I have been eyeing off that Cambium model.
ColonelSanders is offline  
Likes For ColonelSanders:
Old 09-28-21, 09:05 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212

Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 990 Times in 484 Posts
Neat bike, I dig the color; I have a Swiss Cross and I really love the ride.

According to Excel Sports, a large Ritchey dealer, this frame has a max combined weight of 264 lbs, which is lower than most commercial bikes. I only bring this up because this is posted in the Clyde sub. Hopefully you already knew this and are within the weight limit. Generally, I would not consider Ritchey to be a very Clyde friendly source for frames.

Edit: screenshot


Last edited by DorkDisk; 09-30-21 at 05:31 AM.
DorkDisk is offline  
Likes For DorkDisk:
Old 09-29-21, 12:30 AM
  #7  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Vegemite Island
Posts: 4,130

Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1916 Post(s)
Liked 310 Times in 218 Posts
Originally Posted by DorkDisk
Neat bike, I dig the color; I have a Swiss Cross and I really love the ride.

According to Excel Sports, a large Ritchey dealer, this frame has a max combined weight of 264 lbs, which is lower than most commercial bikes. I only bring this up because this is posted in the Clyde sub. Hopefully you already knew this and are within the weight limit. Generally, I would not consider Ritchey to be a very Clyde friendly source for frames.
That is a surprisingly low weight limit for a 2.4kg framed bike.
ColonelSanders is offline  
Old 09-29-21, 05:19 AM
  #8  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
Originally Posted by DorkDisk
Neat bike, I dig the color; I have a Swiss Cross and I really love the ride.

According to Excel Sports, a large Ritchey dealer, this frame has a max combined weight of 264 lbs, which is lower than most commercial bikes. I only bring this up because this is posted in the Clyde sub. Hopefully you already knew this and are within the weight limit. Generally, I would not consider Ritchey to be a very Clyde friendly source for frames.
Oh the challenges of being a Clyde!

The frame was purchased from Excel and I did see that. My body is right at the weight limit and Im not carrying any luggage or doing any aggressive riding. Smooth street and gravel canal paths only. Im not worried.

It does seem low tho' when most manufacturer's touring, commuter and mountain bikes are rated to 300, and some up to 355 (ex: Kona Sutra). Ritchey is an expert builder and I doubt there is something lacking with "his" frames. Could be a liability/protection thing? (JIC).

Something from Salsa regarding rider weight limit:

Is there a rider weight limit on your frames?
No, but we do suggest that you use common sense. After all, your frame is an important part of keeping your body intact and in good working order. Think about what you weigh? Think about your riding style and where you ride? Then look at the frame offerings before you and decide what makes the most sense in the long term. This doesn’t just apply to Salsa brand frames. The smart end user considers this no matter which brand of bicycle he or she is choosing.

To me, common sense in this context =
"Don't use a road bike for downhill runs at the ski resort",
"Expect to encounter additional maintanance requirements if you weigh 350 and are riding across the country on 25c tires"

I believe its the extremes the manufacturers are concerned about

JMHO

Last edited by tdipail; 09-29-21 at 08:21 AM.
tdipail is offline  
Old 09-29-21, 05:51 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212

Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 990 Times in 484 Posts
Originally Posted by tdipail
Oh the challenges of being a Clyde!

The frame was purchased from Excel and I did see that. My body is right at the weight limit but Im not carrying any luggage or doing any aggressive riding. Smooth street and gravel canal paths only. No worries.

It does seem low tho' when most manufacturer's touring, commuter and mountain bikes are rated to 300, and some up to 355 (ex: Kona Sutra). Ritchey is an expert builder and I doubt there is something lacking with "his" frames. Could be a liability/protection thing? (JIC).

Something from Salsa regarding rider weight limit:

Is there a rider weight limit on your frames?
No, but we do suggest that you use common sense. After all, your frame is an important part of keeping your body intact and in good working order. Think about what you weigh? Think about your riding style and where you ride? Then look at the frame offerings before you and decide what makes the most sense in the long term. This doesn’t just apply to Salsa brand frames. The smart end user considers this no matter which brand of bicycle he or she is choosing.

To me, common sense in this context =
"Don't use a road bike for downhill runs at the ski resort",
"Expect to encounter additional maintanance requirements if you weigh 350 and are riding across the country on 25c tires"

I believe its the extremes the manufacturers are concerned about

JMHO
Weight limit is not an indication of frame quality. A 265lb limit frame is made for different purposes than a mass produced Trek with a 300 limit. As a 155 pounder, I appreciate the ride quality and lower weight of the lower weight limit frames. Ritchey P20 had a 145lb limit at size M IIRC.
DorkDisk is offline  
Old 09-29-21, 07:59 AM
  #10  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
You need to put on some weight to be in this forum
tdipail is offline  
Likes For tdipail:
Old 09-29-21, 08:53 AM
  #11  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
B17 on the left, C67 on the right

​​​​​​
tdipail is offline  
Likes For tdipail:
Old 09-29-21, 11:33 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212

Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 990 Times in 484 Posts
Originally Posted by tdipail
you need to put on some weight to be in this forum
brb
DorkDisk is offline  
Old 09-29-21, 04:24 PM
  #13  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
10 mile shakedown/maiden voyage tonight. This is a very comfortable and responsive frameset, very happy!


Trying Microshift products for the first time. The bling appeal is very low but super easy to set up, the shifts are crisp and the force at the thumb is very light. Will see how it holds up.



Older Tektro Orion brakes from a previous build feel/work excellent


Cheap beef


Got a pair of these on another bike and they have been holding up well. $27 on Amazon






The only thing Im scratching my head about is this oval chainring thing. I cant tell a differnce, even on climbs.

Last edited by tdipail; 09-29-21 at 04:29 PM.
tdipail is offline  
Likes For tdipail:
Old 10-16-21, 07:55 PM
  #14  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
After 50 miles so far the bike is doing great. Its very smooth, comfortable and quiet. Loving the saddle and tires too.





tdipail is offline  
Likes For tdipail:
Old 10-17-21, 07:00 PM
  #15  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Vegemite Island
Posts: 4,130

Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1916 Post(s)
Liked 310 Times in 218 Posts
Originally Posted by tdipail
After 50 miles so far the bike is doing great. Its very smooth, comfortable and quiet. Loving the saddle and tires too.





Damn, that bike really is calling my name.

Love the way it looks, the proportions are so attractive.
ColonelSanders is offline  
Likes For ColonelSanders:
Old 01-08-22, 01:14 AM
  #16  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 90
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
that is beautiful!!!!!
Big Dave Crowe is offline  
Likes For Big Dave Crowe:
Old 01-08-22, 01:27 AM
  #17  
I am potato.
 
base2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,072

Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆

Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1764 Post(s)
Liked 1,577 Times in 910 Posts
Originally Posted by tdipail
Oh the challenges of being a Clyde!

The frame was purchased from Excel and I did see that. My body is right at the weight limit and Im not carrying any luggage or doing any aggressive riding. Smooth street and gravel canal paths only. Im not worried.

It does seem low tho' when most manufacturer's touring, commuter and mountain bikes are rated to 300, and some up to 355 (ex: Kona Sutra). Ritchey is an expert builder and I doubt there is something lacking with "his" frames. Could be a liability/protection thing? (JIC).

Something from Salsa regarding rider weight limit:

Is there a rider weight limit on your frames?
No, but we do suggest that you use common sense. After all, your frame is an important part of keeping your body intact and in good working order. Think about what you weigh? Think about your riding style and where you ride? Then look at the frame offerings before you and decide what makes the most sense in the long term. This doesn’t just apply to Salsa brand frames. The smart end user considers this no matter which brand of bicycle he or she is choosing.

To me, common sense in this context =
"Don't use a road bike for downhill runs at the ski resort",
"Expect to encounter additional maintanance requirements if you weigh 350 and are riding across the country on 25c tires"

I believe its the extremes the manufacturers are concerned about

JMHO
Their website can say what it wants. According to the owners manual included with every new Salsa bike at purchase, the limit is 300 pounds. It's the same 300 pounds listed for every make/model/style of bike Salsa makes.

I know a guy with a Salsa mountain bike. He rides aggressively. He is 350 pounds. His full suspension bike is broken weekly. I take it that they are pretty serious about the 300 pound limit.
__________________
I shouldn't have to "make myself more visible;" Drivers should just stop running people over.

Car dependency is a tax.
base2 is offline  
Old 01-08-22, 07:02 AM
  #18  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
the 350 pounder should not be surpised then.
Im loving my bike!
tdipail is offline  
Old 05-02-22, 05:19 PM
  #19  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
~150 miles in and the bike is performing well for me. It's whisper quiet and tight. Kudos to the Microshift Advent derailluer: it is as smooth as butter and hasn't needed any adjustments since the initial install. Advent= Shimano Deore IMO


Last edited by tdipail; 05-02-22 at 05:53 PM.
tdipail is offline  
Likes For tdipail:
Old 05-04-22, 02:37 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
katsup's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,775

Bikes: 1995 ParkPre Pro 825 2021 Soma Fog Cutter v2 and 2021 Cotic SolarisMax

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 606 Post(s)
Liked 557 Times in 317 Posts
Originally Posted by tdipail
~150 miles in and the bike is performing well for me. It's whisper quiet and tight. Kudos to the Microshift Advent derailluer: it is as smooth as butter and hasn't needed any adjustments since the initial install. Advent= Shimano Deore IMO
Looking good, and I still want one. I ended up buying a hardtail mountain bike, so it's difficult to justify the Ascent for my use. Maybe if I come across a used one...
katsup is offline  
Old 05-30-22, 05:34 PM
  #21  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 14 Posts
A two hour ride today. Despite the heat, it went well. The front sprockect is a 34T and I find I need more speed. The top granny is just silly slow. There is only one larger of this make/model and it is a 36T. 11/34 vs 11/36 isnt much difference though, hmm

tdipail is offline  
Old 05-30-22, 10:21 PM
  #22  
I am potato.
 
base2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,072

Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆

Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1764 Post(s)
Liked 1,577 Times in 910 Posts
Here is mine.
Ritchey Ascent Breakaway by Richard Mozzarella, on Flickr
700c
It rides like a drop bar conversion. As well it probably should. Ritchey lists the frame in their "mountain" category. But, the follow it up with marketing copy to "build it any way you want."

The above pic is version 1. For version 2, the cable routing moved around a bit. It looks like a 1x, but it's really not. For version 2, I installed a Paul Components 31.8 to SRAM shifter adaptor & SRAM mountain 3x shifter on the handlebar adjacent to the stem so that I could operate the hub.

To route the 3 speed hub shifting, I used the front derailleur cable stop on the underside of the downtube & routed the cable to the under bottom bracket cable guide, then to a Problem Solvers brand pulley located near the seatpost clamp cluster so that the "front" shift cable could run to the Sturmey-Archer CS-RK3 hub along the seat stay. You see a hint of that in the pic above where I used a vintage cable stop clamp & ran the cable along the top tube. (I didn't like the cable slack situation in overdrive, hence the routing change.)

With the 11-42 cassette & XTR rear derailleur operated by short-pull Gevenalle 1x mountain shifters I have 20-140 gear inches on tap.

It's nice to have near mountain bike low gears & still be able to put down meaningful power at 35mph should a good descent present itself.

Last edited by base2; 05-30-22 at 10:31 PM.
base2 is offline  
Likes For base2:
Old 06-15-22, 09:06 PM
  #23  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Looks like a great bike!
CyFan is offline  
Old 06-17-22, 01:44 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
DMC707's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Posts: 5,389

Bikes: Too many to list

Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1764 Post(s)
Liked 1,119 Times in 743 Posts
nice bikes!
DMC707 is offline  
Likes For DMC707:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.