The Ritchey Project

I purchased this TimberCOMP in March 1988 in Los Gatos. I custom ordered with these options: Model II Fillet brazed stem, Prestige Model II handle bar, braze-ons for: 3rd water bottle cage, rear rack, rear cantilever brakes,and low rider front rack. The bike shop replaced the headset with Chris King with WTB Grease Guard unit, and 48 tooth non-biopace big sprocket. Later in 1988 I swapped the wheelset with Bontrager cut-down Mavic MA-2 rims, Phil Wood hubs, DT spokes, and Shimano Dura Ace freewheel built at Cupertino Bike Shop by Al Budris. I replaced the bottom bracket bearing with a Phil Wood unit. The brake levers were swapped out for Magura shorties with covers. The seatpost was swapped for a IRD unit and the saddle for a Avocet 'gel' model. The frame was was built with Tange Prestige tubing set. I added the 'Shark Fin' chain stay protector. I rode this bike all over the place, both on and off road, for long distances when I was a young man and it performed admirably. Unfortunately it was stolen from my garage and and I felt like I lost a trusted loyal friend. I replaced it with a 1991 hand-made fillet brazed Everest model that I modified in a similar way and still own today.