RITCHEY Ascent Frameset - Desert Dust

Steel adventure MTB built for real loads

The Ritchey Ascent is a frameset designed for off-road adventure riding, bikepacking, and MTB travel on demanding terrain. It is conceived as a solid, predictable, and highly load-capable platform, built to handle long distances, rough surfaces, and fully loaded configurations without compromising control or ride coherence.

Independent reviews often describe the Ascent as a modern “expedition MTB”: stable, reliable, and purpose-built for consistency rather than outright speed. It is a frame that prioritizes real-world functionality over performance-driven extremes.

Frame: WCS Logic steel and durability-focused construction

The frame is built from Ritchey WCS Logic triple-butted steel tubing, heat-treated and TIG welded to Tom Ritchey’s specifications.
WCS Logic Tubing is Ritchey’s proprietary steel, developed specifically for the TIG welding process to achieve a balance of structural strength, vibration control, and long-term durability.

The ED Coat (Electrophoretic Deposition) treatment improves corrosion resistance, a key feature for adventure use in variable weather and harsh environments.

The frame uses a straight 1-1/8" head tube, forged and machined, reflecting a design philosophy focused on simplicity, reliability, and long-term compatibility.

Multipurpose mounts: built-in load capability

One of the defining features of the Ascent is its comprehensive mounting system:

• 2 bottle cage mounts on the frame

• Multi-purpose mount under the downtube

• Rack and fender mounts

• Triple mounts on each fork leg, designed to carry cages, bags, or other accessories

This configuration allows the Ascent to support a wide range of setups, from lightweight bikepacking to fully loaded expedition-style builds.

Drivetrain and standards: modern MTB compatibility

The frame is designed to work with both 1x and 2x drivetrains, with clearly defined limits:

• Supports 1X or 2X setups

• Shimano Side Swing front derailleur required for 2x configurations

• 2x setups are compatible only with Shimano 11-speed drivetrains

• Not compatible with Direct Mount / T-Type standards (including T-Type derailleurs and cassettes)

Cable routing is external with continuous housing, chosen for reliability and ease of maintenance when traveling.

Steel fork: consistency and load confidence

The frameset includes a Ritchey steel adventure fork, designed specifically for loaded off-road use:

• Multi-purpose mounts

• Rack and fender mounts

• Threaded crown port

• Geometry optimized for high-volume tires and stable handling

• Built to manage significant front loads with confidence

The steel fork reinforces the Ascent’s focus on robustness, predictability, and field serviceability.

Wheel and tire compatibility

The Ritchey Ascent supports large-volume MTB tires:

• 27.5" x 2.6"

• 29" x 2.6"

Generous frame and fork clearance allow riders to tune comfort, traction, and control depending on terrain and load requirements.

Size guide (manufacturer indications)

Ritchey’s size recommendations are general guidelines:

• S: 157–170 cm

• M: 168–178 cm

• L: 175–186 cm

• XL: 183–191 cm

There are no identical riders: proportions, riding style, and intended use matter.
For personalized size advice, send us your height and inseam — we reply within 24 hours.

Technical specifications – Frame

Technical specifications – Fork

Wheel and tire compatibility

Brake compatibility

Details

Support and spare parts

Compatible Ritchey headsets and spare parts are available with the purchase of the frameset.
If you want to verify compatibility, delivery times, or plan a build that truly fits your riding goals, contact us before ordering — we’ll help you configure a bike that makes sense for your routes and your use.