The new Ritchey Septimer Frameset is Tom Ritchey’s latest All-Road bike design, brought to life following a “40-year journey to the ultimate bike”… some big claims, then!
The Septimer features Ritchey’s innovative Break-Away system, that allows the frame to separated into two pieces for easier travelling, particularly when using its bespoke travel case. Both the frame and fork are made using carbon fibre, rather than the steel that Ritchey is famous for. With room for up to 48mm wide tyres and using the flat-mount brake standard, the Septimer should be able to cross difficult terrain with ease.
Ritchey-Septimer-2026-Lifestyle-1 (credit: Ritchey)
In 1987 Tom Ritchey visited Europe, and was searching for places to ride that were “unspoiled by motorised vehicles”. He found a network of stone roads in the Swiss Alps, previously used by the Roman army to control the area, and they still remain largely unchanged from that time. One of these roads, called the Septimer Pass, gives its name to this bike as the inspiration for its creation.
Ritchey Septimer Separated (credit: Ritchey)
The frameset has been designed to be strong enough to mount bags, cope with weight but also to be versatile enough for the rider to set the bike up as they want, as well as having enough clearance for wider tyres.
It’s compatible with 1x and 2x cranksets, and has external cable routing to make disassembling and travelling with the bike less of a hassle. Modern electronic groupsets make this job even easier, although the Shimano Di2 battery would still need to be unplugged.
The frame has two sets of bottle mounts, top tube bag mounts, three fork luggage mounts, and rear rack mounts. For 1x setups, the front derailleur mount is removable should you wish.
Ritchey Septimer routing kit mechanical (credit: Ritchey)
The frameset is available in four sizes from small to XL, and only comes in a black colourway, with white logos. The size large frame weighs 1,360 grams, and the Ritchey WCS Gravel fork, with uncut steerer, weighs 440 grams.
142/100mm 12mm thru-axles are included, and while stops and guides for mechanical groupsets are available, they cost extra. The rear gear hanger is also available as a spare.
The frameset costs £2,958, and it’s an extra £331 for the Break-Away bike travel bag.
The Ritchey Break-Away Carbon frameset tested by our tech editor Mat Brett in 2017 had rim brakes and room for 28mm tyres, so the move to disc brakes and allowances for wider tyres make for a more versatile bike, when ‘pedaling [sic] toward a distant destination or climbing an ancient pass’ according to Mr Ritchey himself.