Thank you for bringing us together. The ultra-long-ride model "Ritchey Montebello" has just arrived.

Hello, this is Ikeda from grumpy.

We've just received a new frameset, the "Ritchey Montebello," a long-distance long-ride model.

This model is an endurance road bike designed to comfortably ride long distances for extended periods.

RITCHEY MONTEBELLO FRAMESET

Size: S (recommended for riders around 165cm-175cm tall)

Color: Hot Sauce

Price: 324,500 yen (tax included)

Honestly, I was quite hesitant to introduce this Ritchey Montebello before now.

"What bike can truly balance the 'goodness of traditional steel bikes' with the 'comfortably sporty performance of modern road bikes'?"

That was the point that kept bothering me.

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Something that isn't influenced by trends and can be cherished for a long time.

This has been my belief for bicycles all along.

A bicycle that can be a lifelong companion, accompanying you through life.

I believe that such a presence makes a good bicycle.

And in recent years, through my experience with the latest carbon road bikes, another significant value has been added to this belief.

That is, "riding comfortably, speedily, and enjoyably."

Not just comfortable, and not just fast.

Is there a bicycle that naturally achieves both?

After seriously searching for a bike to handle, I arrived at Ritchey and the Montebello.

Why I chose Ritchey

Last year, to enjoy MTB again, I bought a Ritchey ULTRA, and I'm still riding it.

It's a mysterious bike that becomes more enjoyable and lighter with time, naturally making you want to ride it again.

To be honest, I can't quite put this feeling into words. All I can say is, "You'll understand when you ride it."

But precisely because of this experience, I've come to strongly believe that "the Ritchey brand deserves more recognition."

Not about flashy specs or trends, but a goodness that gradually permeates over time.

A bicycle that completes itself through the relationship with its rider.

That's the Ritchey brand, and the model I'm introducing this time is Montebello.

What kind of bike is the Montebello

The Ritchey Montebello is an endurance road bike designed to focus on how comfortably you can continue riding for ultra-distance long rides.

"I rode 100km and worked hard, but I don't want to go home yet, I want to ride a little more."

It might be said to be a bike for people who feel that way after a ride.

Of course, it's a model born with ultra-long distances in mind, exceeding 100km and 200km, even up to 1000km and 2000km.

However, what the Montebello values is not the distance itself, but how comfortably and naturally you can keep riding.

Long distances, long hours, and a long life.

It's a "long ride, long life" bicycle to enjoy all of that together.

The background of the Montebello's birth

Now, Fergus, the marketing manager at Ritchey Design, was deeply involved in the development of the Montebello.

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During the pandemic when events and races were canceled, he wondered, "How far can I go if I just keep riding my bike?" and before he knew it, he had sometimes ridden over 300km.

Later, he learned about the legendary 1,200km ultra-long distance event, "Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP)," and decided to take on the challenge. He completed PBP on a Montebello prototype, bringing back detailed refinements based on that experience.

"If this part were just a few millimeters different, it would be much more comfortable."

Based on such real experiences, the current "Montebello" took its final form.

The essence of comfort: Geometry

The Montebello is a model designed to ride comfortably for long periods.

Comparing it to the brand's standard road bike, the Road Logic, reveals the differences clearly.

● High Stack

This results in a relaxed, upright riding posture, reducing the forward lean.

To put it simply, it's more comfortable, closer to a utility bike than a race-oriented road bike.

● Long Wheelbase

Provides excellent straight-line stability, ideal for steadily riding long distances.

Offers a sense of security on straight roads along rivers or in mountainous areas, and during high-speed cruising.

● Low BB

Lowers the center of gravity, creating a stable feel as if glued to the ground.

It pairs well with wider tires and short cranks, which I think is a modern design.

And the Montebello incorporates important features to become a partner that allows you to enjoy cycling for 10, 20 years and beyond.

"Ease of Maintenance"

Brake and shift cables are externally routed.

When you ride a bicycle for a long time, you might have to deal with troubles on the road, or perhaps relocate due to a job transfer or move.

In such cases, it might become difficult to visit Grumpy, and you'd likely have to ask a new shop for assistance.

At such times, external routing allows a wider range of bike shops to handle repairs.

Cables and hoses are easy to identify and understand, and the frame's standards are common.

Since it doesn't use proprietary parts, they can be easily sourced from shops across the country that specialize in customization.

Also, replacing or adjusting handlebars and stems, and changing positions are easy, which is an appealing point for customization enthusiasts.

This provides peace of mind when dealing with troubles while traveling or choosing a shop after moving.

Of course, it also supports Shimano's Di2 electronic shifting.

Cables for the front derailleur can be routed from the bottom of the seat tube, and for the rear derailleur from the end hole of the chainstay.

"Tire Clearance"

It supports wide tires up to 700x40c, and 700x36c when full fenders are installed.

A tire width of 40c is now the same size as some previous gravel bikes.

700x30~40c is a popular size for modern road bikes, and the lineup of tires from various brands is increasing at a tremendous pace.

Furthermore, considering the road environment in Japan, where many areas are paved but occasionally have rough patches on country roads or mountain paths, this tire clearance is spot on.

Neither too wide nor too narrow, I believe it's a size perfectly suited for Japan.

Additionally, this tire width provides a soft ride and absorbs road shocks.

It makes crossing bumps and ditches easier, with little sense of fear.

"Fender and Rack Mounts"

The frame and fork are equipped with accessory mounting eyelets in various locations.

Full fenders, which perfectly protect against water and mud splash from the road, can also be neatly attached.

During daily rides or long rides, the weather often turns bad midway.

At such times, if your clothes get dirty from road spray, it's not only annoying but also can lead to a drop in body temperature if you get wet in cold weather.

Additionally, it can prevent your sleeping bag, tent, and other overnight gear from getting wet.

The role of full fenders is extremely important for riding for long periods, and for keeping both the rider and loaded gear in a comfortable state.

Also, eyelets are installed in various places, making it easy to attach racks.

In summer, you can increase the number of places to carry bottles, and for brevets ridden overnight, they can be used as light mounts.

Eyelets for attaching various accessories are important for making long rides more convenient and safer.

"Internal Routing for Dynamo Hub"

The dedicated carbon fork features internal routing for dynamo hub cables.

This specification, which anticipates night riding, is a detail that makes long-distance riders exclaim, "They get it!"

By integrating the dynamo cable internally, the bike achieves a clean look and prevents thin cables from coming into contact with other luggage and getting cut.

"It's actually very suitable for commuting too."

The versatility of the Montebello is a crucial aspect for ultra-distance riding and for enjoying cycling for a long time.

However, upon careful consideration of the Montebello's features, it can be said that it is also an excellent bike for daily commuting.

With wide tires for easy riding, a dynamo, fenders, and the ability to mount a rack for carrying luggage.

It will serve well not only for long rides but also as a daily commuter bike.

The Montebello is sold as a frameset.

Therefore, to complete the bicycle, you need to gather other parts such as handlebars, wheels, and gear components.

However, the Montebello adopts common standards for various parts, so it's possible to transfer components from other bicycles.

For example, for those who already ride a road bike but seek comfort over speed, or want to try long-distance riding.

Or for those who own a touring bike but find it too heavy and over-specced, and wish to ride something lighter and faster.

It's perfect for such individuals.

"Long Ride & Long Life"

The Ritchey Montebello was created as a bike that excels in long-distance riding.

However, its true essence lies in "long life," making it a companion model that can be enjoyed throughout life.

The Montebello is packed with innovations to ensure comfortable cycling for many years.

From daily rides to rides that push your limits, let's enjoy every moment together.

The Ritchey Montebello is currently on display in-store.

Please come and see the actual bike.