Calling all Ritchey experts

[Tomac23]

Hello all. Happy new year.

I recently traded for this frame and want to know more about it. I think its an Ultra based on the frame number but the colours, decals and top tube cable routing make it a bit of a mystery (to me at least),

The frame number is 0U398, which based on the frame number advice (see image) would make it a 20 inch from 1989 but its not a perfect match.

There is a similar frame that has appeared on Facebook recently (see the photos at the end) which looks very similar colours, decals and cable routing.

So is it an Ultra or not?

Is it a team bike? I thought the team rode the P series from 1989 onwards?

Any help would be appreciate£.

 

[7Speed]

Hi - Lovely frame!

the Indi Ritchey website you got the frame numbers from is the best source for using the frame number to ID the model - but as they say there - not much consistency in how these were used by Ritchey. Sometimes the P- series frames had a P in front of the serial - sometimes not.

The decals put this pre-92 if they are original. The other way to get a better idea is by checking the frame geometry which was different between the frame specs with the racier P- series frames being steeper and more agile vs stable longer distance riders. The frame geometry is in the brochures on the same site you got the frame numbers - check the 91 or 90 bike brochure.
If it is an early frame - those forks will be throwing out the handling a little but probably not that noticeable until you get your head down and push on a bit on some technical trails.
Lastly - dropout design etc with give an idea of frame age too…
7Speed.

 

[7Speed]

Taking another look - it does look like an Ultra with TIG welding? I know there is a known date when TR starting working with Japanese TIG welded frames, final braze-one and frame alignment in the US prior to painting. Given the serial number it’s hard to think it’s anything other than a late 89, early 90s Ultra?

 

[Lhatch4]

Taking another look - it does look like an Ultra with TIG welding? I know there is a known date when TR starting working with Japanese TIG welded frames, final braze-one and frame alignment in the US prior to painting. Given the serial number it’s hard to think it’s anything other than a late 89, early 90s Ultra?

Japanese TIG welded frames started in 1985. In 1986 production ramped up. Those early frames had roller cam/ U-brake mounts on the chainstays.

 

[Tomac23]

Taking another look - it does look like an Ultra with TIG welding? I know there is a known date when TR starting working with Japanese TIG welded frames, final braze-one and frame alignment in the US prior to painting. Given the serial number it’s hard to think it’s anything other than a late 89, early 90s Ultra?

Thanks for the reply. Some good advice there. I think it’s an Ultra too but was the cable routing different?