Always wanted a Tom Ritchey

Tom Ritchey pretty much invented the mountain bike. I always wanted Ritchey Logic kit on my 90s bikes, but I couldn't really afford it at the time.

Finally got around to building my "forever" bike. Ritchey Outback steel frame. GRX 610 groupset. And I'm reusing some Hunt carbon 650b wheels. Taken a few days to build. Should make a fun and relaxing gravel and bikepacking steed. Shakedown ride tomorrow...

Took it for it's first ride today. Mostly on trails and canal tow paths. I've not ridden steel for a long time. Initially it feels a bit dead, less zip when I put down the power compared to my alloy bikes. But across the rough stuff, it's so smooth. The wheels track and hug the dirt so well. It's so predictable, playful and chuckable. So much traction on loose stuff. I don't know if its the material, the geometry or just the quality of the design. But it's good fun. And I got home feeling really fresh. Happy cyclist.