Since his humble beginnings as a teenager welding broken bicycle frames in his parents' garage in California more than 50 years ago, Tom Ritchey has continued riding, researching, designing, and building legendary bicycle frames and components that have inspired generations of cyclists to experience great rides, influenced legions within the bicycle industry, and have won countless championships.

And after a lifetime of riding in the dirt, if there’s one thing Tom knows, it’s how to design a mind-blowing mountain bike. When he first designed the Ultra, he knew it would appeal to riders who demand specific ride characteristics and dirt slaying only he could deliver - and that was in the 1980s! Good design withstands the test of time, and the latest iteration of the Ultra is a prime example. Like its predecessor from 30 years prior, today’s Ultra occupies a unique ride space from cross-country riders looking to get rowdy and go big to enduro riders lusting for some all-mountain shredding.

This special 50th Anniversary Ultra pays tribute to Tom's distinguished history – giving an aesthetic nod to the past while emphatically delivering the breathtaking modern mountain bike experience for which the Ultra is known. As an homage to the rich history of Ritchey and its sport-defining heritage of legendary mountain bikes, the 50th Anniversary Edition frame is wrapped in an iconic red, white and blue fade paint scheme and features logos that reference the company's history and the influence Palo Alto, California has had on Tom.

Designed around a 120mm travel fork and super stable Boost 148 spacing, most of the fun of the Ultra is in the wheels. Designed to accommodate 29" or 27.5" wheels, the Ultra is highly versatile. Throw on some 29s for some trail-smashing XC riding or saddle up some 27.5+ for some serious no-holds-barred shredding. The Ultra is a rough and rugged trail master that doesn’t know when to quit.