Anyone can read stats in a monotone. Getting insights for what is NOT on the Geo chart is very helpful. So far you haven’t been a shill, and your opinions are thus very helpful.
Looks very similar to my Kona Wheelhouse. A road bike that's not a race bike, and not a touring bike. A bike for just plain riding. Wow, what a concept!
@@benjaminmirt5029 yeah they were always higher prices then other brands. I have an Outback brake away , Super riding bike, difficult to define. Almost like it’s alive and thinking lol. Makes me wish I would have tried one of there road frames years ago
"a lot of you fit into this same category" - you nailed it. Bikes that are comfortable, handle well, climb well, quality build and we can stay in the saddle for a couple hours at a time are far more fun over 40. And 40mm+ tires - using Silca recommended pressures - roll fast and soak up a lot of vibration. Nice bike and format. I still like the "lab" format as well.
I built up an All City Zig-Zag about a year ago. It’s a very similar frame. I put on some carbon wheels and 32mm tires. It’s a beautiful ride. Quick, comfortable. I suspect the bike you’re on is similar.
“Endurance” replaced “sport touring” which split difference between “race” and “touring” in the past. all to describe positioning on the bike (“geometry”). I’m glad Ritchey at least is bringing back that riding position in a semicustom metal frame, best of many worlds. Loved to see similar trend from small frame builders at MADE
Explain to me how this frame is semi custom? I'm willing to bet they are massed produced in some far east factory. Just because he picks some tubes does not make it semi custom. Everyone does that.
I like the new format, but also like the old format. You've done a fine job getting fully nerded-out in earlier vids, BUTTTTT kept it interesting at the same time, which is not easy to do as everyone knows. The reviews are honest and forthright, and that goes a long way so keep doing THAT, and I'm not sure it'll matter which format you choose to deliver it with...we'll watch.
Thanks for the ramble, love it! Less structure and more free flowing for the win! Plus it’s great to see you getting outside, it’s the reason to ride, good for the soul.
Great video. Finished my Montebello build a couple days ago and have done a couple rides. Loving it so far, and agree with your assessment of the bike, a very comfortable frame, a great climber, maybe not the quickest but does roll very nicely. I’ve done both a road ride and a moderate gravle ride, and the bike performed very well on both. I have 40mm tires and you may possible be able to squeeze a 42 in the back, but the 40s provide plenty of compliance. I went with a full mechanical build, microshift sword controls and cassette, Shimano GRX 46-30 crankset (the microshift sword 46-29 crankset is perpetually on back order), the cassette is 11-38 10 speed, so a big range for steep climbs. I’m running Reserve carbon wheels, Ritchey carbon seat post and a carbon Enve bar. Also have the Growtac Equal mechanical brake calipers, which I love. I haven’t weighed it, but think it would be around 19-20lbs, so light for a steel frame. Looking forward to taking it on some longer rides.
Your version of a casual / rambly video still provides more useful information and context than most other channels. I am now intrigued by the Montebello.
Thanks for the review really enjoyed it, I’m on my first ever Ritchey frame at 56 years old. I have the Outback which I absolutely love! Whether it’s an age thing and something I can’t actually put my finger on definitively it’s the most comfortable bike I own and have ever owned. I’m finding most of the riding I do is now mixed surface so when I’m not on the Outback I’m on my hardtail mtb and when I do get on my road bike which I thought was comfortable it’s only to ride the rollers indoors. My Outback has become my ‘road’ bike too.
This format worked well. I like to see people riding rather glamour shots. Interesting comparison to an endurance road bike, as a past 40 year old man with 90% of the rides I have time to take under 1.5 hours, I need something as fast and responsive as possible since I am not that person any more. Wish the bike was a little shorter in the chainstays and less length in the toptube, but it looks very nice.
Enjoyed your video and agree with your points. The stack is significant even compared to other endurance road bikes and I found one really has to embrace the more upright riding position as you're not going to get anywhere near your typical race position even with the stem slammed. That's what the drops are for though. All in all I love mine and I really think Ritchey did a great job and as usual their build quality and finish is top notch.
I like the review format. I don't need you giving me a lot of numbers or tech specs, I can look that up on my own. This reminded me a bit of Hardtail Party reviews - just riding and talking.
Nice review. I'm so pleased Ritchey have launched this. I'm a big fan of their other offerings (I ride a Logic Road and an Outback), so I think I may swap out my Giant Defy for this. 35 and mudguards is ideal for my wet, rough UK roads and light gravel! I'm a big guy (L Logic, XL Outback), but I do think Ritchey should make some smaller sizes. No way my wife can ride them (5'4" so average female height in the UK) and the Monte would be absolutely perfect for her. Lightweight, high quality, good value steel frames for smaller riders are pretty hard to find, so Ritchey could really satisfy this poorly served market.
I like that it's also kind of a sleeper bike. Where I live there's a lot of bike theft and cycling with a modern carbon bike always gives me anxiety. Older bikes are much less desired due to low perceived resell value and this Ritchey frame does look the part, despite the modern specs it has.
I like this style video! Also like the more structured ones! I’d say do what feels right and I’ll watch it! Haha And I want this frame forsure. I have a 56 Trek domane and I love the geometry. I just love a nice steel bike. One day! Haha
Enjoyed the format, it's always good to mix it up. I ride a Swiss Cross in large and I'd go for the medium in the Montebello if the Swiss Cross wasn't already my favourite do it all bike. With the 80mm BB drop on the Montebello what you've mentioned about it encouraging you to stay in the saddle would seem about right to me. That BB drop makes you feel in the bike (lower centre of gravity) and stable for corning which you need when you've been out there on long days. Waiting to see what they do with the next Swiss Cross version, hoping it gets a 425mm chain stay but I know it'll probably be 429 like the Montebello.
Had similar reservations about the sizing but the cockpit actually feels proper and in line (from a reach perspective) with more race oriented bikes that I own. I did just order a seat post without setback and a shorter stem to dial in a more upright position in the hoods. With 50mm carbon wheels and Rene Herse 38s the ride is absolutely sublime.
@@michaelmann6482if they did do it and had enough stock i think they’d change the face of the whole cycling community around the world. Right now I’m working on getting into a used road logic breakaway to travel with but I’d rather not have a “race” bike as a travel bike but i can’t afford to build an accent breakaway and I’m done traveling with the “standard” large bike boxes.
I really enjoyed the rolling critique. I've always loved steel road bikes and this one is terrific. A steel fork option would be nice. But it offers so much more than the aluminum framed bikes I've been trying out. I just can't love them no matter the drivetrain. And checking prices is very competitive with other mid to higher end frames. If the ride is that good I can live without lugs.
Thanks for this review: I really enjoyed it and appreciate the different style. I find reviews with lots of numbers, groupset info, etc. at the start a bit dull: I can look at that stuff for myself. Overall it felt less bike-nerdy (not that there’s anything wrong with bike nerdery) and more human. Also lots of really useful information! I’d love to know more about how this compares to the Outback, as I’m currently torn between those two frames.
Great overview and thank you for your feedback and insights. I like the review format here. I am closer to 5’7’ or so and ended up ordering the last Small while attending MADE, I think the last one. I look forward to building up the bike and am looking to find a decent mechanical set up (I am surprised the lack of cost effective options) such as trying to find the Shimano 105 mechanical in parts or also looking to see if the Microshift Sword could be an option as well. I have some unused gravel alloy Hunt rims I am looking to use as well.
I noticed the Rotor crankset on that bike has a road chainline listed as 43.5 to 46mm, depending on axle length. The Ritchey Montebello frame spec lists 49mm as the recommended chainline. Did you notice any shifting issues or chainstay interference during your testing? Thanks for the informative review. I’m interested in building up this frame for randonneuring events.
@@mountaincruiser817 exactly! But never really made it in US, most got sold on race bikes for crits or mountain bikes. A lot to do with our geography, big cities, highways, car culture; rather than mid size towns connected by decent roads for randonneuring. “Bike packing” is helping change things, we’re going back in time with modern gear (bags without frames basically)
Great video as usual! Interestingly, Ritchey doesn't call this a gravel bike. But The geometry on this bike would work well on gravel here in the plains state of Nebraska.
In my area where pavement is terrible and the terrain is steep everyone’s road bike is a gravel bike. It’s amazing how few road bikes I see nowadays…myself included. My 24 Stigmata is my favorite road bike ever.
I like the format and your presentation on this video. We can all read geo charts, although some comparisons to similar bikes is always welcome. Two questions for you: I am just curious what handlebars you are using? I just watched your video on some Ritchey bars so curious. The second question is would this make a good rando bike? I am not sure what makes up a rando vs. an endurance design. Thanks for the great video.
This format also works too. It would be interesting to see if you can review one of the Fairlight Strael or another steel bike in this class for comparison.
The sizing recommendations seem odd to me. At 5'9"-5'10", if I was selecting my size based on stack and reach/effective top tube, I'd go with the small, as that size matches up closely with my all-city zig zag which fits me perfectly. But the size chart on ritchey's website tells me I should ride a medium, which would feel huge in comparison. I know there's a little subjectivity here, but this seems like a big discrepancy.
@@Fatbutnotflat I wish Ritchey would make a responsive “light” steel fork to go with this bike the was Rodriguez bikes does. I think the fork on the Ascent may be built up to handle a bit more abuse or carry more stuff (full touring) than the idea behind the montebello (“sport” - light - touring)
Hey man, love the video. I just picked up gravel two months ago. Do you have a video on camera and mic you use (like on this video)? Video and audio are 👌
That's a nice bike, and a decent weight for steel. My Orbea Avant weighs about the same and is aluminum. I prefer good steel when I can get it (or afford it). This reminds me a bit of my 80's Nishiki Custom Sport in being just a good steel bike that is comfortable, fast enough, and light enough. On my radar…
@@ForeverDownByLaw I think that’s exactly what they’re looping back to, and filling that new void, a sport touring frame a bit more upright for the average rider #noplastic #nofluids
Great to see a new instant classic. I’d buy one if I didn’t already have a bike I like. But it’s very unusual to see a new bike with the seat lower than the handlebar height! That seat does look particularly low as a result of the frame being too big for you. But why so many headset spacers, when the stack is already so helpfully high?
In terms of vibration damping, I bet that a suspension seatpost makes a much bigger difference than frame material, and the additional weight is much less than choosing a steel frame regardless of butting. However, aesthetically, I would very much rather go for the Montebello than a geometrically similar carbon frame with a suspension seatpost.
Love your channel and another great review here! One of your previous videos on the Ritchey Outback inspired me and I’m about ready to start the assembly on my Outback build. Can I ask what you think about wrapping the steel frame tubes with something like 3M clear tape or ride wrap to protect the frame and paint from nicks, scratches and scuffs? I have the sunset fade colour scheme and I’m super paranoid about dinging the paint with a a rock or something riding on gravel roads. I know it will eventually happen but just want to reduce the risk and keep the paint looking fresh for as long as possible. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I’ve only wrapped one frame with 3m tape. Certainly protects the paint, but you can also tell it’s wrapped. The cheaper protective tapes also yellow over time. If it’s a road bike, I’m least likely to wrap it. Gravel and mtb, I would consider it in critical areas
Great feedback. So is the difference to the outback great enough to warrant owning this and an outback?? Thinking I could run my outback with 660bx2.2. Thoughts
Hey Nolan! Killer review. I was wondering what groupset you're running on that. I am currently building mine up. Waiting on my wheels to come in. I'm trying to go all mechanical as I spend a lot of time in Mexico. Getting parts is difficult. Mechanical has served me well. I am almost the same size as you (not as tall) so I paid for a bike fitter to build this bike via the online geo chart before I ordered it. I can't wait to get out on the road. Thanks for your take. You're spot on with your assessment as to the enjoyment vs. performance. Smiles per mile. Thanks a gain. Ride safe
Outback rider here. Travelling quite a bit with the car to riding spots, the only thing that annoys me is that the wheels don't slot in nicely when re-assembling the bike. You need to hold the wheel roughly in the right spot and quickly put in the axle. Never understood that design choice. Is it fixed on the Montebello? Everything else is a dream. (If you don't care about weight, obvs)
@@vbnxt going wider for this type of riding might only add discomfort that shortens your time in saddle. (Increases your reach) For road bikes, esp touring, go your size, correct size brings comfort and more riding time :)
Great channel! I've enjoyed all the videos I've watched. I liked the content on Blackheart Bikes and leaning toward the Allroad AL. How do you think the ride qualities compare? I've never ridden steal, but maybe worth a look after watching this. By the way, I'm almost 40 as well :)
I would argue to be “everybody’s road bike” everybody needs to be able to afford it. I can build a reliable road bike for half what that frame costs. For the cost of the frame alone I could build a full bike with carbon wheels. I will never understand the extreme markup in this industry.
What I’m still not hearing you, or Russ, or anyone except Fergus say, is that this bike is made for long distance riding. Yes it might fit in the “endurance road” category (which I don’t trust as a “category”, at all). If you’ve never ridden a century, or double century, or brevet or 200/300/400k ride, your understanding of what the Montebello is good at is experiencially limited. I’m glad you like it, but I suspect where the Montebello really shines is when you’re 10+ hours in to your ride. Most of the bikes you ride would have beaten the crap out of you by that point.
Now I just need to find a -30⁰ 140mm stem... that's a really tall bike without much length. The XXL is a 220mm head tube, I didn't know they made steel head tubes that long 😂
Asking for a friend. What other options with quality steel? All-city closing down. Rivendell? Velo Orange? Soma? Surly? Could settle for Trek Domane aluminum and get same geometry ($1k for al2 rim brake complete bike, $1200 for disc; AL5 $2k) but frame is not gonna be the same as Ritchey or one of the other quality steel builds.
@@JamesVanD both good but in US nowhere to check them out + shipping costs to US. British fortunate to have mainstream bicycle manufacturers making readily available desirable steel frames
@@ShredST yes but not readily available yet? LBS still carrying All-City, haven’t yet found another LBS. but yes, looking at their stuff and they had exciting product at MADE
My man, there is only one option to these observations. Put the accelerometer on a carbon road bike and the Montebello with the same wheels. This bike looks good. I'm not sure that I am sold on the comfort (I own a steel gravel bike) being anything but placebo if you put 35mm on a Giant Defy. I think the argument is fit, look, and ease of ownership. Finally, as a scientist (or engineer, close enough ;-)) , could you estimate where road wheel width is going to end up as rims are designed to be wide and aero, and companies start to make wide light tires? I am starting to think that for long term ownership clearance is an issue on road bikes (it's why I don't ride rim brakes), but 40mm is pretty good.
I still don’t know why this fallacy about rim brakes and narrow tires keeps being promoted. Touring bikes for decades have had rim brakes with fender clearance and 38mm tires. This was standard spec for a Trek 520 from the 1990’s. My 1990’s mountain bike has clearance for 2.3” tires and rim brakes. Currently, on my rim brake gravel bike I’m running 44mm tires and fenders. People have been brainwashed about disk brakes and tire clearance. Freaking roadies.
@@TheBikeSauce Continental 700 x 35mm ASTR (great wet weather tyre also). Now, do I get one of these, add fenders and Dynamo lighting set up and use it as a winter road bike as I already have a 2023 Logic Disc.... ;o)
1. I've been with you since ~4k subscribers and this format is GREAT -- you've long since found your voice, and your videos aren't good because you script them. You don't need it - I detected no difference in quality here, so I'd say feel welcome to make as many vids like this as you like :) 2. Do you think the bike would feel a little "faster" off the line if you were riding the small instead of the (big) medium? I've always found that a smaller-size bike feels like it whips up a little faster. Alternatively, do you think it feels a little on the not-fast side because you're reviewing a few very stiff/light race bikes right now? (I'm in the market for a road bike to complement my outback, which is about to evolve into alt-bar mode, and I'd like to make sure that I have a sufficient difference in snappiness with the replacement bike. Also considering a road logic.)
1. Hell yea! Thanks! 2. Yes totally valid point. A small frame would most likely feel snappier for me. Also, yea my point of reference for road is fast carbon race bikes, so naturally the Montebello feels more relaxed. I will say the Ritte felt more comfortable than the polygon. The Ritte is really a nice riding bike. Wish I had experience on the road logic
35mm is big tyres on a road bike. I hardly believe the carbon bike you've ridden had tyres of that width. Love the bike. Would be perfect for me. But not with electronic shifting.
If it had rim brakes, this is my kind of bike. However, the industry is not that pro-choice these days and people like me are sticking with older framesets.
But what is the advantage of this steel frame over old steel frames if not modern disc brake mounts? If you don't want any modern features then what's the reason for buying a brand new frame? I'm sure there are plenty of older steel frames that can be had for a fraction of the price.
@@michaelmechex Yes, that's why I said people like me are sticking with older frames. There is still a large market for rim brake frames. My prediction is that manufacturers will wake up to this at some point. There is something nice about having the option to buy a new frame. There have also been advances in materials (stainless, new ways of forming aluminium etc.) that rim brake aficionados aren't benefitting from. Not many people are aware that you can build a better, stronger wheel from a rim brake hub of the same width as the equivalent disk brake hub. Ask a wheel craftsman. That rim brakes are actually more aero, rim brake bikes can be made lighter than disk bikes as they don't need reinforcing. Rim brakes weigh less than disk brakes. If you don't need the advantages of disks for the type of riding you do, then a well-built rim brake bike can actually be superior in some ways to the same level of engineered disk bike.
Ahh, the mythical road chatter-dampening properties of steel are rearing their heads again. 🐉 Repeated thousands of times, but not measurable. I believe you are an engineer?
Anyone can read stats in a monotone. Getting insights for what is NOT on the Geo chart is very helpful. So far you haven’t been a shill, and your opinions are thus very helpful.
So far!! 😧
@@TheBikeSauce Anyone can get lost in the sauce ;)
Be sure to tell me if we get to that point on here
I enjoyed the format. Goes with the ethos of that bike
Me too
Looks very similar to my Kona Wheelhouse. A road bike that's not a race bike, and not a touring bike. A bike for just plain riding. Wow, what a concept!
I never hear anything bad about Ritchey bikes. I gotta try one some day.
Some sort of magic going on. Like they are alive
they are great. just a lil bling-priced.
@@benjaminmirt5029 yeah they were always higher prices then other brands. I have an Outback brake away , Super riding bike, difficult to define. Almost like it’s alive and thinking lol. Makes me wish I would have tried one of there road frames years ago
Ritchey Logic tubing is a thing. It makes a difference you can feel when comparing to other steel, especially in production bikes.
@@CharlesWessel riding a Fairlight Faran myself im no stranger to living steel
I have an Outback. The bike rides like a dream
Same now I want a Montobello too 🙈
"a lot of you fit into this same category" - you nailed it. Bikes that are comfortable, handle well, climb well, quality build and we can stay in the saddle for a couple hours at a time are far more fun over 40. And 40mm+ tires - using Silca recommended pressures - roll fast and soak up a lot of vibration. Nice bike and format. I still like the "lab" format as well.
dang it. Now I want another Ritchey bike.
lol me too 😂
I built up an All City Zig-Zag about a year ago. It’s a very similar frame.
I put on some carbon wheels and 32mm tires. It’s a beautiful ride. Quick, comfortable. I suspect the bike you’re on is similar.
same..
Same, except 34mm tires
“Endurance” replaced “sport touring” which split difference between “race” and “touring” in the past. all to describe positioning on the bike (“geometry”). I’m glad Ritchey at least is bringing back that riding position in a semicustom metal frame, best of many worlds. Loved to see similar trend from small frame builders at MADE
Temple bikes has a sport touring model. Your comment reminded me of that :)
Fairlight offers the Strael, which is in a similar class. The Soma Fog Cutter is an interesting bike too.
Explain to me how this frame is semi custom? I'm willing to bet they are massed produced in some far east factory. Just because he picks some tubes does not make it semi custom. Everyone does that.
@@mikewarman315Building a bike from a frameset may be described as semi-custom.
Having looked at the geometry, the reach is looking a little long for my liking, though the stack is fine.
I like the new format, but also like the old format. You've done a fine job getting fully nerded-out in earlier vids, BUTTTTT kept it interesting at the same time, which is not easy to do as everyone knows. The reviews are honest and forthright, and that goes a long way so keep doing THAT, and I'm not sure it'll matter which format you choose to deliver it with...we'll watch.
Thanks for the ramble, love it! Less structure and more free flowing for the win! Plus it’s great to see you getting outside, it’s the reason to ride, good for the soul.
Great video. Finished my Montebello build a couple days ago and have done a couple rides. Loving it so far, and agree with your assessment of the bike, a very comfortable frame, a great climber, maybe not the quickest but does roll very nicely. I’ve done both a road ride and a moderate gravle ride, and the bike performed very well on both. I have 40mm tires and you may possible be able to squeeze a 42 in the back, but the 40s provide plenty of compliance. I went with a full mechanical build, microshift sword controls and cassette, Shimano GRX 46-30 crankset (the microshift sword 46-29 crankset is perpetually on back order), the cassette is 11-38 10 speed, so a big range for steep climbs. I’m running Reserve carbon wheels, Ritchey carbon seat post and a carbon Enve bar. Also have the Growtac Equal mechanical brake calipers, which I love. I haven’t weighed it, but think it would be around 19-20lbs, so light for a steel frame. Looking forward to taking it on some longer rides.
Your bike build sounds right up my alley, especially with the Growtac Equal brakes. (Envious? Who, me??)
Your version of a casual / rambly video still provides more useful information and context than most other channels. I am now intrigued by the Montebello.
Loved the format, helping us approach the bike through an experience with it.
Thanks for the review really enjoyed it, I’m on my first ever Ritchey frame at 56 years old. I have the Outback which I absolutely love! Whether it’s an age thing and something I can’t actually put my finger on definitively it’s the most comfortable bike I own and have ever owned. I’m finding most of the riding I do is now mixed surface so when I’m not on the Outback I’m on my hardtail mtb and when I do get on my road bike which I thought was comfortable it’s only to ride the rollers indoors.
My Outback has become my ‘road’ bike too.
Love the format! Specs are easy to find, I’m here for your take.
Loved this video! Format was great, and the impressions were authentic. My fav types of reviews!
As always, awesome video. 💯💯💯 Informal format is great! 😎👍
This format worked well. I like to see people riding rather glamour shots. Interesting comparison to an endurance road bike, as a past 40 year old man with 90% of the rides I have time to take under 1.5 hours, I need something as fast and responsive as possible since I am not that person any more. Wish the bike was a little shorter in the chainstays and less length in the toptube, but it looks very nice.
Enjoyed your video and agree with your points. The stack is significant even compared to other endurance road bikes and I found one really has to embrace the more upright riding position as you're not going to get anywhere near your typical race position even with the stem slammed. That's what the drops are for though. All in all I love mine and I really think Ritchey did a great job and as usual their build quality and finish is top notch.
I like the review format. I don't need you giving me a lot of numbers or tech specs, I can look that up on my own. This reminded me a bit of Hardtail Party reviews - just riding and talking.
Love this format! Felt like I was talking with a super knowledgeable friend.
Love the video, love the bike. Not easy to test ride one.
Also, not surprised you prefer gravel with those big roads in your area.
I like how you lead with your overall impression. Enjoyed the video, and it was very informative. Thanks!
Great vid and format. Hello from Brisbane Australia
Nice review. I'm so pleased Ritchey have launched this. I'm a big fan of their other offerings (I ride a Logic Road and an Outback), so I think I may swap out my Giant Defy for this. 35 and mudguards is ideal for my wet, rough UK roads and light gravel! I'm a big guy (L Logic, XL Outback), but I do think Ritchey should make some smaller sizes. No way my wife can ride them (5'4" so average female height in the UK) and the Monte would be absolutely perfect for her. Lightweight, high quality, good value steel frames for smaller riders are pretty hard to find, so Ritchey could really satisfy this poorly served market.
I like that it's also kind of a sleeper bike. Where I live there's a lot of bike theft and cycling with a modern carbon bike always gives me anxiety. Older bikes are much less desired due to low perceived resell value and this Ritchey frame does look the part, despite the modern specs it has.
great video. Liked the free form.
Nice review on the Ritchey going through Turnbull Cyn and Colima rd. A nice change of pace👍
I like this style video! Also like the more structured ones! I’d say do what feels right and I’ll watch it! Haha
And I want this frame forsure. I have a 56 Trek domane and I love the geometry. I just love a nice steel bike. One day! Haha
Thanks, great review. Very nice bicycle !
Enjoyed the format, it's always good to mix it up. I ride a Swiss Cross in large and I'd go for the medium in the Montebello if the Swiss Cross wasn't already my favourite do it all bike. With the 80mm BB drop on the Montebello what you've mentioned about it encouraging you to stay in the saddle would seem about right to me. That BB drop makes you feel in the bike (lower centre of gravity) and stable for corning which you need when you've been out there on long days. Waiting to see what they do with the next Swiss Cross version, hoping it gets a 425mm chain stay but I know it'll probably be 429 like the Montebello.
Had similar reservations about the sizing but the cockpit actually feels proper and in line (from a reach perspective) with more race oriented bikes that I own. I did just order a seat post without setback and a shorter stem to dial in a more upright position in the hoods. With 50mm carbon wheels and Rene Herse 38s the ride is absolutely sublime.
Good video. I like these more than the studio vids.
Nice video well said well done I went to high school in montebello near your neck of the woods
If this came as a breakaway… god level.
Apparently Ritchey is getting that comment. A Lot.
@@michaelmann6482if they did do it and had enough stock i think they’d change the face of the whole cycling community around the world. Right now I’m working on getting into a used road logic breakaway to travel with but I’d rather not have a “race” bike as a travel bike but i can’t afford to build an accent breakaway and I’m done traveling with the “standard” large bike boxes.
I really enjoyed the rolling critique. I've always loved steel road bikes and this one is terrific. A steel fork option would be nice. But it offers so much more than the aluminum framed bikes I've been trying out. I just can't love them no matter the drivetrain. And checking prices is very competitive with other mid to higher end frames. If the ride is that good I can live without lugs.
While I have watched several of your vids I'm thr past I have never subscribed. However, more of this style could certainly change that.
Thanks for this review: I really enjoyed it and appreciate the different style. I find reviews with lots of numbers, groupset info, etc. at the start a bit dull: I can look at that stuff for myself. Overall it felt less bike-nerdy (not that there’s anything wrong with bike nerdery) and more human. Also lots of really useful information! I’d love to know more about how this compares to the Outback, as I’m currently torn between those two frames.
Great overview and thank you for your feedback and insights. I like the review format here. I am closer to 5’7’ or so and ended up ordering the last Small while attending MADE, I think the last one. I look forward to building up the bike and am looking to find a decent mechanical set up (I am surprised the lack of cost effective options) such as trying to find the Shimano 105 mechanical in parts or also looking to see if the Microshift Sword could be an option as well. I have some unused gravel alloy Hunt rims I am looking to use as well.
Campagnolo Chorus
@@nickyburnell Thank you as I am less familiar with Chorus and will take a look :)
@@daganw88 you could do 105 mechanical for rim brakes and use trp spyre-c mechanical flat mount disc brakes. Check the forums
@@OutThere42 thank you. I need to find some decent $ options for Shimano mechanical groupsets. I am a fan of the trip spyre-c mechanical.
I noticed the Rotor crankset on that bike has a road chainline listed as 43.5 to 46mm, depending on axle length. The Ritchey Montebello frame spec lists 49mm as the recommended chainline. Did you notice any shifting issues or chainstay interference during your testing?
Thanks for the informative review. I’m interested in building up this frame for randonneuring events.
Ever heard of “randonneur”? Here in Europa we have these bikes for ages. Specially made for fast long distance races like Paris-Roubaix.
@@mountaincruiser817 exactly! But never really made it in US, most got sold on race bikes for crits or mountain bikes. A lot to do with our geography, big cities, highways, car culture; rather than mid size towns connected by decent roads for randonneuring. “Bike packing” is helping change things, we’re going back in time with modern gear (bags without frames basically)
Paris-Roubaix???? Surely you mean Paris-Brest-Paris........
@@Andy_ATB indeed.
Great video as usual! Interestingly, Ritchey doesn't call this a gravel bike. But The geometry on this bike would work well on gravel here in the plains state of Nebraska.
In my area where pavement is terrible and the terrain is steep everyone’s road bike is a gravel bike. It’s amazing how few road bikes I see nowadays…myself included. My 24 Stigmata is my favorite road bike ever.
The format's great! It matches the bike. I wouldn't expect a fat bike or folder to be evaluated the same way as a roadie, if you get what I mean.
I like the format and your presentation on this video. We can all read geo charts, although some comparisons to similar bikes is always welcome. Two questions for you: I am just curious what handlebars you are using? I just watched your video on some Ritchey bars so curious. The second question is would this make a good rando bike? I am not sure what makes up a rando vs. an endurance design. Thanks for the great video.
@6:20 beautiful positioning... top notch bike photography right there
Honest opinion mate, I enjoyed the video always do. Cheers Colin
Excellent review and like the review format. Maybe some more indepth comparison with the Outback
Love the bike,another plus would be if it was rim brake bike.
This format also works too. It would be interesting to see if you can review one of the Fairlight Strael or another steel bike in this class for comparison.
The sizing recommendations seem odd to me. At 5'9"-5'10", if I was selecting my size based on stack and reach/effective top tube, I'd go with the small, as that size matches up closely with my all-city zig zag which fits me perfectly. But the size chart on ritchey's website tells me I should ride a medium, which would feel huge in comparison. I know there's a little subjectivity here, but this seems like a big discrepancy.
Ritchey Montebello riding out of Montebello. Cool
Hi Nolan, do you think the carbon fork is comfortable enough, compared to something with a steel fork like the ritchey ascent?
@@Fatbutnotflat I wish Ritchey would make a responsive “light” steel fork to go with this bike the was Rodriguez bikes does. I think the fork on the Ascent may be built up to handle a bit more abuse or carry more stuff (full touring) than the idea behind the montebello (“sport” - light - touring)
🎉Happy birthday in a couple of weeks🎉 🎉
I actually really dig it
Love Ritchey Products, Hard to Get in the UK 🇬🇧
Hi, fan of the channel from Berlin. May I ask, what wheelset did your version use, and what width tire? Thanks and best regards
Hey man, love the video. I just picked up gravel two months ago. Do you have a video on camera and mic you use (like on this video)? Video and audio are 👌
That's a nice bike, and a decent weight for steel. My Orbea Avant weighs about the same and is aluminum. I prefer good steel when I can get it (or afford it). This reminds me a bit of my 80's Nishiki Custom Sport in being just a good steel bike that is comfortable, fast enough, and light enough. On my radar…
@@ForeverDownByLaw I think that’s exactly what they’re looping back to, and filling that new void, a sport touring frame a bit more upright for the average rider #noplastic #nofluids
Great to see a new instant classic. I’d buy one if I didn’t already have a bike I like.
But it’s very unusual to see a new bike with the seat lower than the handlebar height! That seat does look particularly low as a result of the frame being too big for you. But why so many headset spacers, when the stack is already so helpfully high?
Love it!
In terms of vibration damping, I bet that a suspension seatpost makes a much bigger difference than frame material, and the additional weight is much less than choosing a steel frame regardless of butting. However, aesthetically, I would very much rather go for the Montebello than a geometrically similar carbon frame with a suspension seatpost.
I do kinda wish they also offered one with a steel fork. Would add barely a kilo, which is not much since the bike is designed to carry weight.
Love your channel and another great review here! One of your previous videos on the Ritchey Outback inspired me and I’m about ready to start the assembly on my Outback build. Can I ask what you think about wrapping the steel frame tubes with something like 3M clear tape or ride wrap to protect the frame and paint from nicks, scratches and scuffs? I have the sunset fade colour scheme and I’m super paranoid about dinging the paint with a a rock or something riding on gravel roads. I know it will eventually happen but just want to reduce the risk and keep the paint looking fresh for as long as possible. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I’ve only wrapped one frame with 3m tape. Certainly protects the paint, but you can also tell it’s wrapped. The cheaper protective tapes also yellow over time. If it’s a road bike, I’m least likely to wrap it. Gravel and mtb, I would consider it in critical areas
The idea behind this is similar to the Surly Midnight Special, the difference being the quality of the steel, which is markedly better on the Ritchey
Great informative vid, not too rambley at all... Were you in trabuco/silverado canyon?? great work!
Great feedback. So is the difference to the outback great enough to warrant owning this and an outback?? Thinking I could run my outback with 660bx2.2. Thoughts
If I wanted to do some gravel would this be a good choice?
Hey Nolan! Killer review. I was wondering what groupset you're running on that. I am currently building mine up. Waiting on my wheels to come in. I'm trying to go all mechanical as I spend a lot of time in Mexico. Getting parts is difficult. Mechanical has served me well. I am almost the same size as you (not as tall) so I paid for a bike fitter to build this bike via the online geo chart before I ordered it. I can't wait to get out on the road. Thanks for your take. You're spot on with your assessment as to the enjoyment vs. performance. Smiles per mile. Thanks a gain. Ride safe
It’s running 105 Di2
@@TheBikeSauce Yes... thanks. I saw that towards the end. Very helpful.
Outback rider here. Travelling quite a bit with the car to riding spots, the only thing that annoys me is that the wheels don't slot in nicely when re-assembling the bike. You need to hold the wheel roughly in the right spot and quickly put in the axle. Never understood that design choice.
Is it fixed on the Montebello?
Everything else is a dream. (If you don't care about weight, obvs)
I wish I could have that frame
Great video, I had a question - Should handlebars width always line up with shoulder width or does going 2cm higher have any benefits?
@@vbnxt going wider for this type of riding might only add discomfort that shortens your time in saddle. (Increases your reach) For road bikes, esp touring, go your size, correct size brings comfort and more riding time :)
Great channel! I've enjoyed all the videos I've watched. I liked the content on Blackheart Bikes and leaning toward the Allroad AL. How do you think the ride qualities compare? I've never ridden steal, but maybe worth a look after watching this. By the way, I'm almost 40 as well :)
Geometry-wise it is similar to a Salsa Warroad or a Canyon Endurace, for those curious.
I would argue to be “everybody’s road bike” everybody needs to be able to afford it. I can build a reliable road bike for half what that frame costs. For the cost of the frame alone I could build a full bike with carbon wheels. I will never understand the extreme markup in this industry.
What I’m still not hearing you, or Russ, or anyone except Fergus say, is that this bike is made for long distance riding. Yes it might fit in the “endurance road” category (which I don’t trust as a “category”, at all). If you’ve never ridden a century, or double century, or brevet or 200/300/400k ride, your understanding of what the Montebello is good at is experiencially limited. I’m glad you like it, but I suspect where the Montebello really shines is when you’re 10+ hours in to your ride. Most of the bikes you ride would have beaten the crap out of you by that point.
Now I just need to find a -30⁰ 140mm stem... that's a really tall bike without much length. The XXL is a 220mm head tube, I didn't know they made steel head tubes that long 😂
Is a repurposed seat tube from an XXS frame 😆 jkjk
How would you compare this bike to a Rivendell Roadini.
So you think you could easily squeeze a 38mm tire in the frame? I liked the free form approach btw….
38 for sure with no fenders. Claimed up to 40 actually. With fenders, likely 36-38 max
Asking for a friend. What other options with quality steel? All-city closing down. Rivendell? Velo Orange? Soma? Surly? Could settle for Trek Domane aluminum and get same geometry ($1k for al2 rim brake complete bike, $1200 for disc; AL5 $2k) but frame is not gonna be the same as Ritchey or one of the other quality steel builds.
Wilde. New company by the founder of All City.
Fairlight. British made, but kinda affordable. Also Mason.
@@JamesVanD both good but in US nowhere to check them out + shipping costs to US. British fortunate to have mainstream bicycle manufacturers making readily available desirable steel frames
@@ShredST yes but not readily available yet? LBS still carrying All-City, haven’t yet found another LBS. but yes, looking at their stuff and they had exciting product at MADE
Wen you talk about poor steel
What do you think about Columbus chromor?
This Ritchey Steel is Real! 🫡
My man, there is only one option to these observations. Put the accelerometer on a carbon road bike and the Montebello with the same wheels. This bike looks good. I'm not sure that I am sold on the comfort (I own a steel gravel bike) being anything but placebo if you put 35mm on a Giant Defy. I think the argument is fit, look, and ease of ownership. Finally, as a scientist (or engineer, close enough ;-)) , could you estimate where road wheel width is going to end up as rims are designed to be wide and aero, and companies start to make wide light tires? I am starting to think that for long term ownership clearance is an issue on road bikes (it's why I don't ride rim brakes), but 40mm is pretty good.
Not a bad idea. Best I can do is steel Montebello vs carbon Polygon (not exactly same frame) but may reveal some insights
I still don’t know why this fallacy about rim brakes and narrow tires keeps being promoted. Touring bikes for decades have had rim brakes with fender clearance and 38mm tires. This was standard spec for a Trek 520 from the 1990’s. My 1990’s mountain bike has clearance for 2.3” tires and rim brakes. Currently, on my rim brake gravel bike I’m running 44mm tires and fenders. People have been brainwashed about disk brakes and tire clearance. Freaking roadies.
I like the rambly not as much techie focus of this!
You mentioned 35mm tires. Whats tire is that? Thinking about trying to find some premium road tires, but dont think there's much in 35mm size.
Looks like Goodyear Eagle F1
Yea actually these are a 700c x 34mm tire. I misspoke. But there are lots of road slicks wider than that. Rene herse Barlow pass comes to mind.
@@TheBikeSauce Continental 700 x 35mm ASTR (great wet weather tyre also). Now, do I get one of these, add fenders and Dynamo lighting set up and use it as a winter road bike as I already have a 2023 Logic Disc.... ;o)
Rene herself Bon Jon in three flavors of casing.
Montebello 🤌🤌
Love the video format. But damn, they sent you a big ass bike. Looking at the geometry XS or S would have fit better
Excellent frameset but I don't think it's overpriced because its thoroughly modernised with through axles and disc brakes but it is heavy.
1. I've been with you since ~4k subscribers and this format is GREAT -- you've long since found your voice, and your videos aren't good because you script them. You don't need it - I detected no difference in quality here, so I'd say feel welcome to make as many vids like this as you like :)
2. Do you think the bike would feel a little "faster" off the line if you were riding the small instead of the (big) medium? I've always found that a smaller-size bike feels like it whips up a little faster. Alternatively, do you think it feels a little on the not-fast side because you're reviewing a few very stiff/light race bikes right now? (I'm in the market for a road bike to complement my outback, which is about to evolve into alt-bar mode, and I'd like to make sure that I have a sufficient difference in snappiness with the replacement bike. Also considering a road logic.)
1. Hell yea! Thanks!
2. Yes totally valid point. A small frame would most likely feel snappier for me. Also, yea my point of reference for road is fast carbon race bikes, so naturally the Montebello feels more relaxed. I will say the Ritte felt more comfortable than the polygon. The Ritte is really a nice riding bike. Wish I had experience on the road logic
The Fairlight Faran has the Same geo
Right, should’ve included it
35mm is big tyres on a road bike. I hardly believe the carbon bike you've ridden had tyres of that width.
Love the bike. Would be perfect for me. But not with electronic shifting.
It's more a tuoring bike that a road bike. The front end is very high, with a stack of 610mm in size L. But for all It's a nice bike.
If it had rim brakes, this is my kind of bike. However, the industry is not that pro-choice these days and people like me are sticking with older framesets.
100%,definitely would be great with a rim brake option,it would suit it more.
The Rivendell Roadini has a shorter reach, but it does sport rim brakes. Could be an alternative for some people.
@@Frostbiker It looks a fine bike, but nearly impossible to get one in the UK. If I was back in the trade, I'd try to supply them.
But what is the advantage of this steel frame over old steel frames if not modern disc brake mounts? If you don't want any modern features then what's the reason for buying a brand new frame? I'm sure there are plenty of older steel frames that can be had for a fraction of the price.
@@michaelmechex Yes, that's why I said people like me are sticking with older frames. There is still a large market for rim brake frames. My prediction is that manufacturers will wake up to this at some point. There is something nice about having the option to buy a new frame. There have also been advances in materials (stainless, new ways of forming aluminium etc.) that rim brake aficionados aren't benefitting from.
Not many people are aware that you can build a better, stronger wheel from a rim brake hub of the same width as the equivalent disk brake hub. Ask a wheel craftsman. That rim brakes are actually more aero, rim brake bikes can be made lighter than disk bikes as they don't need reinforcing. Rim brakes weigh less than disk brakes. If you don't need the advantages of disks for the type of riding you do, then a well-built rim brake bike can actually be superior in some ways to the same level of engineered disk bike.
Is that whittier your riding in?
Skyline Dr is unmistakable
21 lbs steel frame with disc is light
Turnbull canyon!!
Can tell the bike is a bit too big for you, are those 42cm bars? You’re riding on the horizontals and not the hoods as much
I would love to ride a Ritchey but no size available if you're 1.95m
If you're a little bit taller you can forget it "no Ritchey for you sir"
Montebello, Outback and Swiss Cross come in XXL sizing. Not the full range, but still more than we used to.
@@ritcheydesign wow Thanx I will check the internet for a Outback XXL. Bike of my dreams ❤️❤️
Ahh, the mythical road chatter-dampening properties of steel are rearing their heads again. 🐉 Repeated thousands of times, but not measurable. I believe you are an engineer?
I am