vtwinvince
Senior Retro Guru
Worthy project, well done. I have an '89 Ascent, love these bikes.
1987 Richey Ascent Homecoming
- Thread starter Canuckbiker
- Start date
Thanks to all for the kind words 
I really enjoyed this one and very happy with the finished product. Had a chance last weekend to get out on a proper ride in fairly dry conditions and it did not disappoint. I really could notice a difference in the feel and ride. These bikes from 87' and older being longer wheelbase geometry, bit slacked steering. The chainstays are only about 1/2" longer but the steering/trail is about 1" longer compared to my 90s bikes. My circuit includes two very steep climbs which I managed to pull off. My early to mid 90s MTBs handle the climbs a bit better but the Ritchey really shines on the (smooth) downhills and flowy stuff. Super happy its back in my stable and will go into my rotation. Here's a couple pics. Note the beautiful views of Burrard inlet/North Vancouver around Confederation Park and Capitol hill in Burnaby 
I really enjoyed this one and very happy with the finished product. Had a chance last weekend to get out on a proper ride in fairly dry conditions and it did not disappoint. I really could notice a difference in the feel and ride. These bikes from 87' and older being longer wheelbase geometry, bit slacked steering. The chainstays are only about 1/2" longer but the steering/trail is about 1" longer compared to my 90s bikes. My circuit includes two very steep climbs which I managed to pull off. My early to mid 90s MTBs handle the climbs a bit better but the Ritchey really shines on the (smooth) downhills and flowy stuff. Super happy its back in my stable and will go into my rotation. Here's a couple pics. Note the beautiful views of Burrard inlet/North Vancouver around Confederation Park and Capitol hill in Burnaby
Thanks Jaychen! Headset looks NOS from the outside but it's seen some miles. It came off the Diamond Back Arrival I used for a lot of the donor parts along with the wheels, etc. Unfortunately the headset races are a little pitted but not too bad, feels plenty smooth while riding.
The seatpost QR is not Shimano except for the aluminum nut. Note that all QR nuts have new O Rings sourced from ebay that are slightly big but a pretty good fit, a thin layer of vinyl electricians tape underneath keeps them from rotating while I ride
. The XT QR pulled from the DB has a bolt that is way too short for that cool Ritchey fast back seatstay arrangement. I'm sure there are longer bolt versions but I had a same period copy version that looks almost the same with a long enough bolt which I used after trying to source one with no luck.Pedals are Suntour XC II
Prodigal Son
Senior Retro Guru
Nice comment on the handling differences played by old school geometry.
Hi there. Ed from Burnaby also, writing to ask who you ordered the ARAYA RM20 decals from ? I could use some to for an upcoming build. We may have met before in person too, btw. The swap meets or from buying parts off you maybe through Craigslist. Thanks for your time. Cheers !
