With the Septimer Break-Away, Ritchey presents a new carbon frame specially designed for gravel use. The innovative design, which allows the frame to be dismantled into two parts for transport, is remarkable. The model can be stored in the supplied case to save space.
Ritchey is expanding its rather special range of bike concepts with the new Septimer: a versatile carbon touring road bike designed specifically for travelling on and with the bike. The model, named after the Septimer Pass between Switzerland and Italy, combines a lightweight carbon frame with the manufacturer's patented Break-Away system, which was developed by mountain bike legend Tom Ritchey back in 2001 for a steel frame and later extended to a steel frame. Various models and materials has been used, including a racing bike with carbon fibre tubes. The design makes it possible to dismantle the frame into two parts in a few simple steps in order to store the complete bike in the transport case supplied.
Frame details and construction
With tyres up to 48 millimetres wide, the bike is positioned as a typical gravel bike. For mounting luggage, the frame has attachment points for top tube bags, threads on the fork blades and for a luggage rack on the rear triangle. Fixed mudguards can also be fitted, but they would complicate packing.
The centrepiece is the break-away concept, which divides the frame into two halves: The frame is separated at the down tube just above the bottom bracket as well as at the seat node, where the inserted seat post also provides stability. If you loosen these connections, the frame "falls apart" into two parts, which can then be laid on top of each other. A simple mini-tool is sufficient for this.
With a little practice, it also only takes a few minutes to assemble. For this to work, the rear brake line and, if necessary, the shift cables must be separable, which is done using special couplings. For easier handling, the cables at the front are routed externally in the classic way.
Sizes, geometry and availability
The Septimer is available in four sizes from S to XL; the geometry tries to strike a balance between relaxed and sporty: the stack-to-reach factor of the frame in size L is a moderate 1.48. The wheelbase and head angle indicate a fairly good-natured, but not too sluggish ride.
Ritchey gives the weight of the frame as 1,360 grams, the fork should weigh 440 grams. The Septimer is compatible with both 1x and 2x cranks, and a hidden cable guide for current Shimano Di2 drivetrains (with wireless connection to the levers) is integrated. A separate kit with stops and guides is available for mechanical groupsets. The frameset is sold individually for €3,999; complete bikes are not offered as standard, for customised builds you have to contact the leading dealers or do it yourself.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
