1983 Ritchey Commando

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...

looks great, super clean and loving the green covers

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

now that is a proper mountain bike!

Whoa, that's awesome.

It gets the thumbs up from me ! cool bike

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)

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

super cool!

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



Tony....