Karim’s 2020 Ritchey Ultra Custom Build

I had a 2017 Norco Torrent 7.1 a few years ago which I loved and to this day cannot understand why I sold…except it was heavy…

After owning various FS bikes ranging from 160mm full enduro rigs to XC 100mm travel bikes and a few in between, I was missing the feel and fun of my Torrent. 

 

I decided I wanted to improve my bike mechanic skills as well so I decided to try and build my own version of the do it all bike. 

 

I chose the Ritchey Ultra frame because it was steel and I was hoping for a more forgiving ride for a hardtail, combined with 2.8 in rubber. I also chose that frame because the geometry was not in the hardcore hardtail /chromag category with 63° head angles and super long reach.

I wanted a bike that would be versatile for riding in my area of eastern Canada (Ottawa region) where we have rough rocky and rooty trails, but not the kind of terrain found on West Coast.

 

I am absolutely thrilled with the result and would not change a thing. I ride this thing everywhere. It is truly a do it all bike.

The geometry is amazing for climbing and pedaling efficiency and control but the plus tires, burly fork and 150mm dropper post make it very capable for downhill and steep technical gnarly trails.

I have no troubles hitting big drops and jumps and steeps. The geometry angles and reach etc is misleading as it looks like an XC bike but it handles rough steep terrain way better than the numbers suggest.

Reminds me of a Norco Torrent 7.2 I had a few years ago but a lot lighter and faster.

Lastly, compared to a RS revelation and the new RS 35 mm SID with similar travel, I must say the Pike is in a league of its own in terms of plushness, comfort, control and capability.

Fox products were considerably more $ so I cannot comment too much on them.