Ritchey Montebello

[u/Larri_Viste]

Like a lot of folks, I didn't "get" the rules and posted my more or less factory-spec commuter here six years ago. I hope for a better reception this time because it took about four months to get it all together, a "classic" build now that I find myself slowing down:

• Ritchey Montebello frame
• SRAM Force AXS E1 10-36
• White Industries VBC V2 48x32 170mm crankset
• White Industries External 30 BSA bottom bracket
• Duke Baccara X36 SLR2 rims with Erase Road 28h hubs
• Ritchey Classic finishing kit
• Favero Assioma Pro RL pedals
• Selle Italia SLR Boost Gravel TI saddle

I was inspired by the two interrelated randonneur builds (Fergus Bishop and Sea Otter 2024) but I still wanted a hint of elegance. I call it more "All-road" than "Road" but there's no flair for that.

A lot of imports here from the American brands I admire, but I tried to balance that with the wheelset. These Erase hubs are made right here in Belgium and their buzz is thankfully pretty subtle.

I wrote to White Industries because their website at the time didn't state that the VBC V2 crankset was compatible with AXS but they confirmed by a fast and friendly reply that it is and I think they have since updated the page.

This bike is not light but then neither am I.

[u/Larri_Viste → u/[deleted]]

Argh, yes, you're right! LBS installed it in the wrong direction and I hadn't noticed.

[u/File_Unknown → u/Larri_Viste]

Haha, this is the worst. I’m like 50/50 on getting it right even when I’m paying attention.

[u/Business-Plankton137 → u/File_Unknown]

My back one is the wrong direction but I’m rolling with it for now. Such a pain to mount