The Ritchey Outback TandM is one of the very few modern tandem framesets designed specifically for travel. This is not a novelty item or a nostalgic exercise, but a technically sound, modular and transportable tandem platform built for riders who want to share distance, effort and experience without giving up contemporary standards, reliability or thoughtful design.
By applying the patented Break-Away system to a tandem, Ritchey has created something genuinely rare: a tandem that separates into sections, packs into two dedicated travel cases (included), and once reassembled delivers predictable handling, structural integrity and stability—even when fully loaded.
A tandem without practical limits
The Outback TandM is intended for:
long-distance road and mixed-surface travel,
extended rides where stability and control are essential,
pairs of riders who want to travel and ride together, without the traditional logistical constraints of tandem bicycles.
The use of Ritchey Logic steel, purpose-built geometry and tandem-specific construction details results in a frameset that manages high loads and synchronized pedalling without unnecessary complexity.
Key construction features
WCS Logic Tubing
Both frame and fork are built from Ritchey’s proprietary WCS Logic steel tubing, triple-butted and heat-treated, developed specifically for the TIG welding process to Tom Ritchey’s specifications. This choice is fundamental for achieving strength, durability and consistent ride behaviour under the unique stresses of tandem use.
Integrated Seat Collar
The distinctive fastback seat stay / seat tube junction integrates the seat collar at both rider positions. This recognisable and functional solution securely clamps the seatposts while reducing separate components and long-term maintenance concerns.
Technical specifications
FRAME
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Heat-treated, triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel |
| Construction | TIG welded |
| Head tube | Straight 1-1/8", forged and machined |
| Treatment | ED Coat (Electrophoretic Deposition) for corrosion resistance |
| Seat clamp diameter | 28.6 mm (2.5 Nm max for derailleur clamps and chain guides) |
| Seatposts | Dual 27.2 mm seat tubes with integrated seat collars (max torque 6 Nm) |
| Bottom bracket | BSA 68 mm – English threaded |
| Drivetrain | Designed for standard tandem gearing |
| Stoker crankset | 52/39/30T |
| Bottle cage mounts | 5 |
| Rear spacing | 145 mm Quick Release |
| Fender mounts | Yes |
| Dropouts | Forged dropouts with integrated derailleur hanger |
| Cable routing | External |
| Headset | Ritchey WCS included (upper IS42/28.6 – 16 mm stack |
FORK
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Heat-treated, triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel |
| Construction | TIG welded |
| Steerer | Straight 1-1/8" with integrated 45° crown race |
| Steerer length | 300 mm |
| Axle-to-crown | 395 mm |
| Rake / Offset | 47 mm |
| Spacing | 100 mm Quick Release |
| Fender mounts | Yes |
WHEEL COMPATIBILITY
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Recommended wheelset | Ritchey Comp Zeta TandM |
TIRE COMPATIBILITY
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 700c |
| Max tyre size | 700 x 40 mm |
| Note | Actual tyre size depends on rim and tyre manufacturer |
| Frame clearance | 55 mm |
| Fork clearance | 65 mm |
BRAKE COMPATIBILITY
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mount standard | IS51 |
| Max rotor size | 203 mm (adaptors available separately) |
| Cable stops | On downtube, optimised for mechanical brake coupling |
| Hydraulic compatibility | Yes (refer to brake manufacturer recommendations for travel) |
DETAILS
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sizes | M / L |
| Frame weight | 5,020 g (three frame sections assembled as one) |
| Fork weight | 1,070 g (uncut steerer) |
| Colours | Merlot, Creme & Indigo |
| Travel cases | Two Break-Away travel cases with padding included |
| Included hardware | Hinge clamps, rear brake cable connector, derailleur cable connectors |
A tandem that truly travels
The Outback TandM is not simply a tandem—it is a solution. By removing the biggest practical limitation of tandem bicycles, it enables riders to travel together with their own bike, reassemble it accurately, and ride long distances with confidence.
Components, wheels and support
On request we provide access to:
compatible Ritchey components and headsets
dedicated Ritchey TandM wheelsets
full consultation on build options, brakes and travel-oriented configurations
Why buy from Bikejamming
Tracked shipping
Bilingual support (Italian / English)
Fast, knowledgeable responses
Real pre-purchase consultation on setup and compatibility
For riders looking for something truly different, designed to go far—together—the Ritchey Outback TandM stands in a category of its own.
