Norman Rashid

I have the option to choose between 2 used steel bikes. A 2018 Ritchey outback and a 2019 Bombtrack hook 1. I am into steel coz you know...I am old ..er...( I am 60 last august). I do ride every surface...road ..mtb trails...but I love gravel off-roads most. 50km per week these days. I do ride with kids less than half my age, so I have to keep up too. Both bikes about same price...Help me decide
(Oh btw my current gravel ride is an entry level Specialized Sirrus convert with Microshift AdventX and 38mm panaracer gravel king SS+)

Rolla

A lot of it would depend on the parts build, but if all things are equal, the Ritchey's carbon fork vs the Bombtrack's aluminum would influence me strongly. Plus, I love Tom Ritchey's bikes and their heritage, but I don't know squat about Bombtrack.

tangerineowl

https://99spokes.com/en-AU/compare?b...-frameset-2019

Ride feel, I'd go for the Ritchey. The steel tubing and carbon fork will ride less harsh.

Ritchey has a 10mm lower bottom bracket, so you'd feel a little more in the bike.

A little different front end position between the bikes, to consider.

mstateglfr 

Surprised the Hook has 60mm of bb drop as that is really shallow for any gravel bike over the last decade.

The Outback can clear 40mm, but not sure how much more as that model year is more limited than their newest version.

I would go with whichever fit best, based on geometry spec.
If it's a toss up for geometry, I would go Ritchey every time.

dwmckee

Hah, nice to have two great used bike choices! I have ridden both and both are well-made and are absolutely wonderful bikes depending on what you are looking for. I would ride both and confirm if one seems much more comfortable than the other and let that be the decisionmaker. And with the used bike market right now I would not spend much time deciding as they probably will not be there for long.

Norman Rashid

Thanks guys for all the comments..I am leaning towards the Ritchey too..but we'll see..

chas58

Wow, nice choice. Fit and condition would rather seal the deal for me, but I'd love to have a Ritchey outback!

pbass

Man, I dunno, I'd go Ritchey. And then see if you can get a steel fork from him

Always been curious about Bombtracks, they look cool. But is that a thing, a steel bike with an aluminum fork?

rosefarts

I’ve got a Swiss Cross V2. Not quite the Outback but has a lot in common. I can clear 42-43mm tires no problem, despite the 38mm rating. I think the Outback is a bit more than that.

It’s a very stable and comfortable bike. It’s fast but doesn’t feel fast. More like surprised that I just PR’d all my segments on a rest day sort of thing. I love descending on it.

I don’t like the way the rear derailleur cable routes over the top tube. It’s an unnecessary point f friction. The rear loop routes over the chain stay though, reducing friction, so it’s probably a wash. Or get electric shifting and forget about it.

Chilepines

Big difference between them is geometry - which matters more than who built it. (FWIW I have a 1988 Ritchey hardtail). The Ritchey has slacker head tube, longer chain stays, longer wheelbase which will make it more stable on faster descents.

tyrion

https://www.ridinggravel.com/gravel-...utback-finish/
https://www.fixie75.com/en/shop/grav...k-1-navy-2019/

The Outback seems more racy (carbon fork, no rack mounts, steep head angle, probably better steel), while the Hook seems more utilitarian (alloy(?) fork, rack/fender mounts).

Norman Rashid

sadly someone snagged the Ritchey Outback.. he/she must've been reading this post.. so I got the Bombtrack Hook 1 instead and replaced the wheelset and brakes to Shimano ultegra rx 's. ... it's been a blast so far. but.. still wondering bout that Ritchey...