I've been proud owner for a good 12 years of this fairly early Ritchey MTB - I imported the F&F from The Pro's Closet in Colorado and built it up from there with period parts I had.
The old-timers amongst you will regognise it has a DeerHead (pre DeoreXT) M700 group and an early Mavic MTB wheelset, early grips and a Brooks saddle and period 'Strong' alloy post wtih a genuine Breeze and Angel 'hite-rite' post dropper spring.
Impressively - its still wearing its factory paint (which I found and Alfa grey metallic matched a treat for any touch-ups). Its a great bike in the flesh to appreciate Mr Ritchey's handy-work. Apart from the lovely fillet brazing work on the frame and fork crown, one of my favourite parts is the 'built by Tom Ritchey' frame sticker, that was changed on my later Ritchey bikes to read 'designed by Tom Ritchey'.
I found out Tom Ritchey still makes bullmoose bars to order (not cheap of course at around £800 by the time they come to the UK) - but when I sent him a photo he commented he couldn't make them to replicate the high riding position I have setup from the early Japanese MTB 'early Stumpjumper - style' bar/ stem combo.
I have been meaning to reply to say a bullmoose bar in the same rise as Ritchey #1 MTB would be fine - but this is still on the to-do list and it presents well as an early MTB which is quite true to the period. I even have a copy of the year brochure for the Ritchey bikes from these period, complete with the typewriter written price list for the range. A cool relic and rare in the UK - as not many would have made it over here back in the day; although I appreciate there are probably a fair few more of them that have survived in the US.
As I get older, and after reading Charlie Kelly's book and old back copies of the Fat Tire Flyer mag - I have a growing appreciation for these early MTBs, and although I'm not a particular fan of Klunkers I am grateful for what came shortly after.
The old-timers amongst you will regognise it has a DeerHead (pre DeoreXT) M700 group and an early Mavic MTB wheelset, early grips and a Brooks saddle and period 'Strong' alloy post wtih a genuine Breeze and Angel 'hite-rite' post dropper spring.
Impressively - its still wearing its factory paint (which I found and Alfa grey metallic matched a treat for any touch-ups). Its a great bike in the flesh to appreciate Mr Ritchey's handy-work. Apart from the lovely fillet brazing work on the frame and fork crown, one of my favourite parts is the 'built by Tom Ritchey' frame sticker, that was changed on my later Ritchey bikes to read 'designed by Tom Ritchey'.
I found out Tom Ritchey still makes bullmoose bars to order (not cheap of course at around £800 by the time they come to the UK) - but when I sent him a photo he commented he couldn't make them to replicate the high riding position I have setup from the early Japanese MTB 'early Stumpjumper - style' bar/ stem combo.
I have been meaning to reply to say a bullmoose bar in the same rise as Ritchey #1 MTB would be fine - but this is still on the to-do list and it presents well as an early MTB which is quite true to the period. I even have a copy of the year brochure for the Ritchey bikes from these period, complete with the typewriter written price list for the range. A cool relic and rare in the UK - as not many would have made it over here back in the day; although I appreciate there are probably a fair few more of them that have survived in the US.
As I get older, and after reading Charlie Kelly's book and old back copies of the Fat Tire Flyer mag - I have a growing appreciation for these early MTBs, and although I'm not a particular fan of Klunkers I am grateful for what came shortly after.
and comments, yes the existing early Japanese bars/stem work well - but yes, I hope to get a bullmoose one day either in gloss black or matching paint - as would be the ultimate finishing touch. 
