My first 29er, Ritchey P-29er build.

[shanesbw]

Having ridden 26" hardtails since I started riding in 1990 and absolutely loving (great) steel frames, I decided it was time to try a 29er to see what all the fuss is about.

Loving steel and having seen so much about the new Ritchey frames, I almost bought a frame a year ago, then as luck would have it one showed up locally on ebay recently in my supposed size, small or 15"

Managed to win the frame and collect a bargain at the same time Then it was time to order a fork (Sid XX) and wheels (Stans Race Gold 29er)

Just waiting on the seatpost (Bontrager carbon x 400mm) and she will be ready for action.

I am a little unsure as to how the bike will ride and whether the frame size will feel "right" being a small, I am 170cm with an 81cm inseam.

Here are some pics of the build so far Oh and the 29er should look nice next to my P-23 Hopefully be out riding the new bike in a week or so

[shanesbw]

Seems the pics didn't all upload well so here are the others.

[jochribs]

others didn't load from where I'm sitting...but the ones that did are sure nice. Can you try and reload?

[csoskin]

Just curious on your height and the sizing. I'm not quite 5'7" so I always seem to fall into that grey area on frames. Are you happy w the 15"? How's the ride?

This and the niner sir are on my short list. So any help is appreciated.

[shanesbw]

Haven't had time for finished pics but will post asap

[shanesbw]

I haven't had a chance to ride offroad yet as we have had massive rain falls and ridiculously wet weather, not wanting to ruin the trails, or the new bike just yet
Hoping to get out this week depending on our weather. I did ride the bike around home and it felt perfect for my 5'7" size body

[glenndandy]

Built my small p-29 up this weekend. I'm 5'7& change. I found a great fit with a 90mm stem and a thomson zero set back post (and lots of it )with the seat rails centered fore/aft. It is built for 100mm front suspension. I found the steering noticably floppy at low speeds but wakes up big time the instant you go for it. Plenty stiff laterally. Amazing paint in person. So good in fact, it's the first time I've ever contemplated where to stash proper frame polish in my camelbak.

[shanesbw]

After having the bike completed for near on two weeks and still no ride, I decided today was the day come rain, hail or shine it did two of the three with no hail thankfully.

The bike is incredible, rolls over obstacles much better and I feel the front seems more planted when climbing could be the longer rear stays

I remembered today why for twenty + years QUALITY Steel frames have been such a favourite of mine for my style of riding, which is cross country.

A few small adjustments along the way and I am pretty close to where I want to be

Will post pictures once my stupid computer lets me resize to a smaller postable size

[JonnyMontaño]

Love the old school paint job and build on this bike, need some pics up though!

Happy new bike!

[shanesbw]

here are the first pics enjoy.

[jochribs]

Very freakin sweet Shane! The bike looks just absolutely awesome. Have you put 'er through the paces yet? Looks like you've got good weather where you are.

Also, have to ask...What does it weigh?

I'd love to ride one of these to see how it rides. Don't know anyone around that has one though.

[shanesbw]

I got to put the bike through it's paces yesterday, wet and muddy and great fun as you can see in the following pics.
Oh weight wise she is 10.3kg ready to ride

[jochribs]

Very impressed with that bike and the weight Shane. In pounds it comes out to 22.6. Very good for a steel ride. Enjoy it man!

[JonnyMontaño]

Sweet sweet ride, that length of carbon seat post would give me paranoia though! Mint!

[shanesbw]

I was a little worried about the seat post too but so far so good

[csoskin]

So great. Thanks for the sizing input. Ritchey doesn't measure standover height (bc they say it varies depending on parts used). Have you measured yours?

[shanesbw]

So great. Thanks for the sizing input. Ritchey doesn't measure standover height (bc they say it varies depending on parts used). Have you measured yours?

Will measure standover for you once the rain stops pelting down and I can get the bike out of my van. Was all set for another ride this morning, then the rain started last night and hasn't really stopped

I will also post full build spec for anyone interested.

[shanesbw]

Okay, so standover height at mid top tube is 78.5cm/30.91" which I never noticed during my ride as being "close". I did have to get off in a hurry a couple of times too

Spec is as follows for the bike

Frame: Ritchey P-29er size Small/15"
Fork: 2013 Rock Shox Sid XX 100mm travel, remote lockout, 15mm axle.
Wheels: Stans Race Gold 29er
Handlebar: Easton EC70 620mm
Stem: Easton EA70 100mm
Seatpost: Bontrager Carbon 27.2mm x 400mm, single bolt clamp.
Seat: Specialized Romin Gel 155mm
Crankset: XTR-985 175mm, 28T/40T
Chain: XTR-985
Cassette: XTR-985 11-36T 10 speed
Front Derailleur: XTR-985 high mount, multi fit, dual pull.
Rear Derailleur: XTR-985 mid cage.
Brakes: XTR-985 with 160mm rotors front and rear
Shift levers: XTR-985 2 x 10 speed.
Grips: Lock-on generic from another build.
Tyres: Specialized S-Works Fastracks 29 x 2.0 set up with Stans Latex.
Pedals: Time Atac Carbon.

Total weight 10.3kg/22.7lbs

[vanjr]

Okay, so standover height at mid top tube is 78.5cm/30.91" which I never noticed during my ride as being "close". I did have to get off in a hurry a couple of times too

Spec is as follows for the bike

Frame: Ritchey P-29er size Small/15"
Fork: 2013 Rock Shox Sid XX 100mm travel, remote lockout, 15mm axle.
Wheels: Stans Race Gold 29er
Handlebar: Easton EC70 620mm
Stem: Easton EA70 100mm
Seatpost: Bontrager Carbon 27.2mm x 400mm, single bolt clamp.
Seat: Specialized Romin Gel 155mm
Crankset: XTR-985 175mm, 28T/40T
Chain: XTR-985
Cassette: XTR-985 11-36T 10 speed
Front Derailleur: XTR-985 high mount, multi fit, dual pull.
Rear Derailleur: XTR-985 mid cage.
Brakes: XTR-985 with 160mm rotors front and rear
Shift levers: XTR-985 2 x 10 speed.
Grips: Lock-on generic from another build.
Tyres: Specialized S-Works Fastracks 29 x 2.0 set up with Stans Latex.
Pedals: Time Atac Carbon.

Total weight 10.3kg/22.7lbs

Total cost to you?
I saw one one ebay (frame only) and was tempted. It was a 17" and I need a 15" like yours. You have a beatiful bike!

[shanesbw]

Not sure of my total cost as I haven't worked it out yet. Working in the industry helps though with wholesale pricing

I picked this frame up on ebay au for $565 shipped, brand new and couldn't believe my luck

Thanks for the kind words.