A dismountable racing bike with the pack size of a normal suitcase - an appealing idea for business trips and short holidays. Of course, it's nothing new: Tom Ritchey already realised it a few years ago with the "Break Away" painted steel frame costing around 1,000 euros (see TOUR 6/2003). Now, however, the bike for the little escape after work is available in a classy and exceptionally beautiful titanium version and is worth a second look.
When assembled, you can't see the pack size of this elegant titanium racer
Only a closer look reveals the real highlight of this elegant racer. The idea is smart, the workmanship first-class. A filigree clamp on the down tube near the bottom bracket and a second seat post clamp just below the top tube reveal the special feature. The frame is divided into a front section with top tube, down tube and seatpost clamp and the rear section with down tube stub and the second seatpost clamp at the upper end of the seat tube. The split down tube is securely connected by a cleverly designed steel clamp. If you insert the seat post through the two post clamps, it becomes the connecting element that completes the frame to form a stable unit.
The advantage of the "Break Away" over other folding or demountable bikes: From the wheels to the frame geometry, it is a fully-fledged racing bike. However, the tube composite of slim titanium tubes achieves a rather modest stiffness value of 62 Newton metres per degree in the steering head. Together with the relatively soft carbon fork steerer tube and the moderately laterally stiff wheels, the bike reacts very sensitively to hard braking and fast descents in this configuration. The fitted carbon seat post, which is not part of the frame set, creaked noticeably when riding - the noise disappeared after replacing it with an aluminium post.
Ritchey advertises the frame concept as the "ultimate road bike for travelling". The very compact transport case included in the scope of delivery weighs 4.75 kilos empty and fits easily into a small car in addition to the usual luggage. A hemispherical moulding for the sprocket in the side wall and the Ritchey logo - that's all that distinguishes the case from a normal travel case on wheels. To dismantle the bike, you need three different Allen keys - and quickly realise that spontaneous trips with the racer are not so easy after all. Various clamps, cable separators and the compression clamp have to be opened and the handlebars, stem, front brake, seat post and pedals removed. Depending on skill and practice, it takes just under a quarter of an hour to stow the elegant vehicle safely and undamaged in the case. Reassembly is quicker, but the headset has to be readjusted each time. The screws of the seat post clamp should be protected with copper paste if they are frequently disassembled to prevent excessive wear on the titanium friction partner.
ConclusionThe concept of the dismountable racing bike frame with matching transport case has been realised with great attention to detail. 2,700 euros for the frame, fork, steering bearings and case may seem like a hefty price for a dismantling bike. However, if you look at Tom Ritchey's fully-fledged "Break Away" racer as an elegant titanium frame that offers the option of transport-friendly dismantling in addition to perfect craftsmanship and a classy appearance, the picture is somewhat different. Because this shimmering beauty is actually far too good to be packed away.
* tested frame height, ** BA = operating instructions, GA = warranty
