Do you own a fillet-brazed Ritchey? Sure?
- Thread starter jaypee
- Start date
"I had already made over 500 bikes at that time. In 1980, I built over 400 bikes which were sold through Gary and Charlie's operation in Fairfax"
Further down article:
In 1980 I hired one unemployed 18 year old neighbor, who I kept busy mitering and prepping tubes, while I built the first 200 fillet-brazed mountain bikes for the new sport of Mountainbiking, and painted them. I still remember building 50 or so road bikes that year.
I have read this article before and this confuses me. If TR built over 400 bikes for Gary and Charlie before 1981, where are they? I am probably one of TR's biggest fanboys, but this just doesn't add up at all.
Either:
1.Something is totally jacked with what little we know about the TR serial numbers from these years.
2. Someone has done one heck of a job hoarding and keeping hidden most all the Ritchey Mountain Bikes built before 1981.
3. There were not nearly as many pre 1981 frames made as claimed.
I follow this era close. Very close. Yes, I know of some pre 1981 TR built frames but not many. I know of several 1981/1982/1983/1984 frames with collectors. In theory, shouldn't there be an equal amount of these 400 built pre 1981 frames showing up in collections as the other early years are?
I ask, where are they? A quick look at the OldMountainBikes web sites serial number database will show something is not adding up. Don't show me Tom's personal bike, or ever Alan's ride. I see a potential with two serial number less bikes listed as 81's that could be pre 81's but that is it. Without dragging on too long here, believe, I have looked way beyond this very public and accessible database.
To reiterate:
I am aware of a few pre 1981 frames, but if there were really 400 made, where are they? Some should be showing up in collections.
And yes, this is a specific bike I seek for my collection.
I hope to hear some opinions or clear answers on this topic.
Further down article:
In 1980 I hired one unemployed 18 year old neighbor, who I kept busy mitering and prepping tubes, while I built the first 200 fillet-brazed mountain bikes for the new sport of Mountainbiking, and painted them. I still remember building 50 or so road bikes that year.
I have read this article before and this confuses me. If TR built over 400 bikes for Gary and Charlie before 1981, where are they? I am probably one of TR's biggest fanboys, but this just doesn't add up at all.
Either:
1.Something is totally jacked with what little we know about the TR serial numbers from these years.
2. Someone has done one heck of a job hoarding and keeping hidden most all the Ritchey Mountain Bikes built before 1981.
3. There were not nearly as many pre 1981 frames made as claimed.
I follow this era close. Very close. Yes, I know of some pre 1981 TR built frames but not many. I know of several 1981/1982/1983/1984 frames with collectors. In theory, shouldn't there be an equal amount of these 400 built pre 1981 frames showing up in collections as the other early years are?
I ask, where are they? A quick look at the OldMountainBikes web sites serial number database will show something is not adding up. Don't show me Tom's personal bike, or ever Alan's ride. I see a potential with two serial number less bikes listed as 81's that could be pre 81's but that is it. Without dragging on too long here, believe, I have looked way beyond this very public and accessible database.
To reiterate:
I am aware of a few pre 1981 frames, but if there were really 400 made, where are they? Some should be showing up in collections.
And yes, this is a specific bike I seek for my collection.
I hope to hear some opinions or clear answers on this topic.
Re:
TR is talking about events from 30-40 years ago. Knowing a bit about how memory works, I take it all with a pinch of salt - particularly the detail (dates, numbers). Sadly I suspect your analysis is probably better than his memory. And that's not to doubt his sincerity or credibility at all - studies have shown we all make these honest mistakes.
TR is talking about events from 30-40 years ago. Knowing a bit about how memory works, I take it all with a pinch of salt - particularly the detail (dates, numbers). Sadly I suspect your analysis is probably better than his memory. And that's not to doubt his sincerity or credibility at all - studies have shown we all make these honest mistakes.
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