Alpinestars , Ritchey

[BZB]

Hi, are these anything special ?
Alpinestars Cro-mega lx, which I've owned since the 1990's, still original paint and stickers.
Ritchey unknow model.
Both were over hauled mechanically about 12 years ago, but not used for 10 years.
Thinking of selling them, and all the spare spares for them.
(Pictures from April, not a scam, was going to sell them at Easter and never got round to it)

 

[Markybeau]

Unfortunately, this is not the best time to sell, as the market is struggling at the moment. That said, you have two nice honest-looking well cared for bikes. Neither is extraordinary but you have two popular marques in Ritchey and Alpinestars, which may help. What you need to consider is that what you might want for them and what someone is willing to pay won't necessarily be the same number.

It would helpful to know the sizes, as that can make a difference to value, particularly as they look quite small. Larger frame, generally, are more popular. Measuring them is quite straightforward - tape measure from the centre of the bottom bracket (chainset / big cogs) to the top of the seat tube - not including the seatpost as that can be moved. Some people also like to see a top tube measurement- centre of the head tube to centre of the seat tube (straight line, more or less).

Personally, I do like that Ritchey. What a lovely looking bike!

Value? Couldn't really say as I don't know a great deal about the Ritchey, but the Cromega may fetch £150 depending on the size, possibly a bit more.

 

[BZB]

Unfortunately, this is not the best time to sell, as the market is struggling at the moment. That said, you have two nice honest-looking well cared for bikes. Neither is extraordinary but you have two popular marques in Ritchey and Alpinestars, which may help. What you need to consider is that what you might want for them and what someone is willing to pay won't necessarily be the same number.

It would helpful to know the sizes, as that can make a difference to value, particularly as they look quite small. Larger frame, generally, are more popular. Measuring them is quite straightforward - tape measure from the centre of the bottom bracket (chainset / big cogs) to the top of the seat tube - not including the seatpost as that can be moved. Some people also like to see a top tube measurement- centre of the head tube to centre of the seat tube (straight line, more or less).

Personally, I do like that Ritchey. What a lovely looking bike!

Value? Couldn't really say as I don't know a great deal about the Ritchey, but the Cromega may fetch £150 depending on the size, possibly a bit more.

Wow, fantastic helpful reply for a newbie, many thanks.
and I had no clue about measuring frames sizes, now I do, thanks again.
Yes, they are quite small. Ladies size bikes.

Wasnt sure if they are anything special, thats why I posted to ask the experts, but my post been moved to Whats It Worth lol.
I've googled them but can't find much info. So a price and sales description will be difficult.

 

[pwebb]

Ritchey looks like an Ultra from around 1998 ( judging by the U brake at the rear ) It has TIG welded frame ( not superior fillet brazing alas) but the cable routing and seat stay union with the seat tube lead me to believe this is a Ritchey frame albeit not a team edition nor fillet brazed by Tom himself - it is however in lovely condition with what looks like a natty repaint job, provided this is genuine (serial number on BB will reveal) it could fetch >£600, the only things going against it are the small frame size (16" ??), which limits its appeal and many folks prefer cantilever brakes to U brake. Genuine Ritchey bikes are hard to come by in the UK, much more plentiful in USA of course. In good condition with original Ritchey components they are a collectors item. There are Ritchey catalogues online and a serial number database - key to getting a good price for this bike will be to pinpoint the exact model and year and getting verification of the authenticity of the frame.

 

[BZB]

Ritchey looks like an Ultra from around 1998 ( judging by the U brake at the rear ) It has TIG welded frame ( not superior fillet brazing alas) but the cable routing and seat stay union with the seat tube lead me to believe this is a Ritchey frame albeit not a team edition nor fillet brazed by Tom himself - it is however in lovely condition with what looks like a natty repaint job, provided this is genuine (serial number on BB will reveal) it could fetch >£600, the only things going against it are the small frame size (16" ??), which limits its appeal and many folks prefer cantilever brakes to U brake. Genuine Ritchey bikes are hard to come by in the UK, much more plentiful in USA of course. In good condition with original Ritchey components they are a collectors item. There are Ritchey catalogues online and a serial number database - key to getting a good price for this bike will be to pinpoint the exact model and year and getting verification of the authenticity of the frame.

Thank you so much. Just measuring them both now, from the help off @Markybeau , the seat posts have have come out fine.
Serial number on the Ritchey is just 4 numbers, so will have to try and find out the model some how. Everything has Ritchey stamps on - gears etc.
I have loads more pictures of them both from April, and of spares, just didn't post them up yet as wasn't sure if I was wasting my time.
Looks like I give some researching to do lol.

 

[Russell]

Is this not this bike….

W

Thread 'Game changer (Ritchey content)'

Dec 26, 2013

Lovely example of Tom Ritchey's first "production" frame. 1985 Vintage. Tig welded front end in Japan by Tange, fillet brazed rear, hand finished in the US.

I believe this was the first MTB to utilise Tig welding, have vertical 130mm rear drop outs, a Unicrown fork and a Splatter paint job.
The frame and fork are both DB Tange MTB specific 4130 and was designed in conjunction with Shimano for their MTB specific M 730 Group.
The Geometry was a move away from, the slack angles of old also, with much sharper steering and a more centrally based weight balance, than the previous offerings...

• Wold Ranger
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Reader's MTBs --> 1997

?

 

[markoc]

That Ritchey really is a lovely little thing!!

And yes @Russell I'd say the chainring bolts give it away as being the same bike. Plus the fact that in that thread the new(er) owner said they put the DX on it

 

[mk one]

@BZB can you post some recent pictures of the bike please.