1983 Ritchey Commando

[tam_shadow]

The Commando was originally built from "spares" by Tom for a painter who used to work for him, then purchased in the early 90s by a good friend of mine. SN is 20B54 which puts the frame at 1983 so my best guess is a late 1984 early 1985 build from left over parts. It had been languishing in a loft for a long time, I finally made an offer to "caretake" the bike and spent a little time and effort getting it running in 1985 specs.

I sourced a set of RM20 rims (rear was RM20 front was Saturne - still have em stashed), rear derailleur had been replaced in the 90s with an LX so ebay provided a deerhead unit. I used the ever popular Timbuk-II reissues for rubber, removed the cammo rack (also stashed) and added a Hite Rite...the rest of the bits came with the bike including Campy QRs and green lever covers.

...enough talk...

 

[Dead Rats]

looks great, super clean and loving the green covers

 

[Dr S]

Some lovely old iron to drool over this morning. Very very nice. Thanks for sharing

 

[saltyman]

now that is a proper mountain bike!

 

[beagle]

Whoa, that's awesome.

 

[Woody]

It gets the thumbs up from me ! cool bike

 

[GoldenEraMTB]

Commandos, more so than other vintage mtb's, look great worn and weathered. This is the only bike left on my wish list, that I still have not acquired. (I wouldn't turn down a bunch, but not actively looking, nor could I afford them if I were).

Very cool; thanks for sharing.

(shame about that early brown Avocet; it's the same one from the catalog photo...sweet)

 

[Elev12k]

Beautifull & a great offroader. They do not make them like that anymore.

 

[felixdelrio]

super cool!

 

[tony gti-r]

WOW! now thats a strap your rod to the side and go fishing bike if ever I saw one!



Tony....