One of the most iconic production cyclocross bikes is celebrating its brand’s 50th anniversary with a limited-edition model. The frame, ridden to countless wins by cyclocross legends Thomas Frischknecht and Henrik Djernis, was named to recognize the dominant cyclocross country at the time, Switzerland.
We’ve reviewed several iterations of the Swiss Cross, including the Swiss Cross Disc model, and have profiled Ben Frederick’s Small Monster cyclocross bikes. Just three years ago, we profiled the 25th Anniversary Swiss Cross. Now we’re taking a look at the 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross. Huh? How did time fly by? This year’s model is to celebrate 50 years of Ritchey, not the model.
Have a look in the release below.
Ritchey Introduces the 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
San Carlos, California (November 29 2022) – To honor Ritchey’s 50th anniversary, Ritchey is excited to present the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Swiss Cross.
As a mere teenager, Tom Ritchey welded up his first bicycle frame in his parents’ garage in Palo Alto, California more than 50 years ago. And he designed and built the first Swiss Cross cyclocross bike in the mid-1990s so that the bike’s namesake, Swiss cycling legend Thomas Frischknecht, had the best bike possible for his victorious cyclocross pursuits around the world.
The new 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross draws a direct line from that first bicycle frame Tom welded, to the bike Frischi piloted to so many championships, to a modern ‘cross and gravel racer.
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
This limited-edition frameset is wrapped in the iconic Ritchey Red paint and adorned with Ritchey logos that reference the company’s history and the influence of Palo Alto, California on Tom.
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
While the 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross enjoys an endearing nostalgic aesthetic, it’s still an aggressive whip beneath the fancy red paint and throwback decals. Just like its older siblings, this special Swiss Cross is well-suited to bridge the gap between a race-ready cyclocross rig and a fast gravel steed.
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
“Sure, Tom is known for the mountain bike, but for me, Ritchey has always been about that iconic red Swiss Cross” says Fergus Liam, Ritchey US marketing manager. “Ritchey Swiss Cross is as integral to the brand’s lineage as any of our models today. Tom’s understanding of how a bike should handle in specific circumstances is as present with the Swiss Cross as it is with all Ritchey frames.”
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
Technical details for the 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross include clearance for tires up to 40mm, flat-mount disc brake compatibility, thru-axles, a full carbon fiber fork, and geometry for riders yearning for a slightly aggressive fit.
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
Joining the 50th Anniversary Road Logic frameset, released earlier this year, the 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross is one of four special framesets celebrating Ritchey’s 50th anniversary. Two more special frames will be released in the coming months.
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
Ritchey rider from the United States, Ben Frederick (pictured), will pilot his 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross when he travels to Belgium in December to compete at the elite level in the Superprestige series and UCI World Cup races.
Ritchey’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues with the release of a special, limited-edition version of its legendary Swiss Cross frameset.
The 50th Anniversary Swiss Cross is now available from the customer’s favorite local Ritchey dealer, online retailers, and at RitcheyLogic.com.
• Material: heat-treated, triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel tubing – TIG welded
• WCS headset included (IS42/28.6|IS42/30)
• 142mm spacing (12mm alloy thru-axle included)
• Replaceable stainless-steel derailleur hanger
• 27.2mm seat tube with integrated seat collar (max torque setting: 6Nm)
• Can accommodate 1X or 2X chainrings
• Ritchey WCS Carbon Cross Disc Fork included
• 1-1/8” straight steerer with integrated 45-degree crown race
• 100mm spacing (12mm alloy thru-axle included)
• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL
• Wheel and tire compatibility: 700 x 40c tire clearance (depending on tire/rim manufacturer)
• Frame weight: 1.95Kg (size L – w/o thru-axle)
• Fork weight: 430g (with uncut steerer / not including axle)
• Color: Ritchey Red
