Imagine dedicating four decades of your life to crafting the perfect bicycle – that's the passion that's fueled Tom Ritchey's latest creation, the Septimer Break-Away, which he boldly declares as the pinnacle of his lifelong pursuit.
If you're new to cycling, an all-road bike like the Septimer is a versatile powerhouse designed to handle everything from smooth pavement to rugged gravel paths, blending the speed of a road bike with the durability needed for off-road adventures. It's perfect for riders who want one bike to do it all without constant swapping. Tom Ritchey's new Septimer Frameset represents the culmination of his '40-year quest for the ultimate bicycle' – and yes, that's a pretty ambitious statement that might raise a few eyebrows among cycling enthusiasts!
At the heart of this design is Ritchey's clever Break-Away system, which lets you split the frame into two compact sections for hassle-free travel. Picture this: you're heading to a remote trail, and instead of wrestling with a full-sized bike at the airport, it fits neatly into a custom travel case (sold separately, of course). Unlike Ritchey's classic steel frames that have built his reputation, both the frame and fork here are crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, offering a modern twist on strength and performance. With clearance for tires up to 48mm wide and the reliable flat-mount disc brake setup, this bike is geared to tackle challenging landscapes effortlessly – think muddy trails or bumpy backroads that would chew up a standard road bike.
But here's where it gets interesting... Back in 1987, Tom Ritchey traveled to Europe in search of pristine riding spots free from car traffic. What he discovered were ancient stone roads winding through the Swiss Alps, remnants of Roman military routes that have barely changed over centuries. One standout path, the Septimer Pass, sparked the inspiration for this very bike. It's a nod to history, turning those timeless routes into a blueprint for modern adventure cycling.
And this is the part most people miss: the Septimer isn't just about looks or speed; it's engineered for real-world toughness. The frameset can handle mounted bags and extra weight from gear, giving you the flexibility to customize it for touring, commuting, or weekend escapes. That generous tire clearance we mentioned? It means you can swap in knobbier tires for grip on loose surfaces or stick with slicks for faster road runs, making it adaptable to whatever the day throws at you.
For setup options, it's compatible with both single-chainring (1x) and double-chainring (2x) drivetrains, which is great for beginners – 1x keeps things simple with fewer gears to fuss over, while 2x offers more range for varied terrain. External cable routing simplifies the whole disassembly process for travel, and if you're running a modern electronic shifting system like Shimano Di2, it's a breeze – just remember to disconnect the battery to avoid any travel mishaps.
Storage and utility are top-notch too: you'll find two bottle cage mounts on the frame, spots for a top tube bag to stash snacks or tools, three luggage mounts on the fork for front panniers, and rear rack compatibility for longer hauls. If you're going with a 1x setup, the front derailleur tab can be easily removed to keep things clean and lightweight.
Available in four sizes from small to extra-large, the Septimer sticks to a sleek black finish accented with white logos – straightforward and understated, letting the performance shine. For reference, the large size frame tips the scales at 1,360 grams, while the matching Ritchey WCS Gravel fork (with an uncut steerer tube) weighs 440 grams. That's impressively light for a bike built to take a beating!
It comes with 142mm rear and 100mm front 12mm thru-axles for secure wheel attachment, and while there are options for mechanical shifting stops and guides, those are add-ons that cost extra. A replacement rear derailleur hanger is also available separately for peace of mind on those epic rides.
Priced at £2,958 for the frameset, it's a premium investment, and if you want the full travel experience, add £331 for the deluxe wheeled Break-Away bike travel bag. For context, back in 2017, our tech editor tested Ritchey's earlier Break-Away Carbon frameset, which used rim brakes and maxed out at 28mm tires – a solid performer, but the Septimer's shift to disc brakes and wider tire support makes it far more capable for 'pedaling toward distant horizons or conquering ancient mountain passes,' as Tom Ritchey puts it.
Now, here's a point that could stir up some debate in the cycling world: Ritchey has long been synonymous with timeless steel frames, prized for their ride feel and durability. Switching to carbon for the Septimer – is it a smart evolution for versatility, or does it sacrifice that classic soul? What do you think – would you ditch steel for carbon in an all-road bike, or stick to tradition? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if this 40-year dream lives up to the hype!
