Do I need a Road Logic or a Montebello?
While both Ritchey models are ridden on roads, they are decidedly different. Read on to find out which model is best for you.
If you’re asking yourself if you need a Road Logic or a Montebello, first ask yourself if you want to pedal for performance or ride in comfort. Do you want to: endure days (and perhaps nights) in the saddle; get more acceleration out of turns; or go easy on your joints? Once you’ve determined what you want most out of riding on paved roads, you can narrow down your choices, starting with the foundation of all cycling experiences: the frame and fork.
ROAD LOGIC VS MONTEBELLO
While both Ritchey models are ridden on roads, they are decidedly different. A young Tom Ritchey, nicknamed “Senior Slayer” for his ability to beat experienced pro racers, crafted his own race bikes, which effectively launched his lengthy history of informed performance design. The Road Logic is the result of his decades of frame-building experience. With respect to the Montebello, Tom examined the possibilities for making a more comfortable bike for longer excursions. The resulting Montebello is a “go anywhere” endurance road bike.
The Road Logic is the most precise expression of a practical road bike engineered for performance cycling. Road riding comes in a few different flavors, like sprinting, climbing, and even triathlon, so “fast” often outranks comfort in terms of priorities. The Road Logic’s lower stack and shorter wheelbase lead to more nimble handling, confident cornering, and a more reactive out-of-the-saddle response.
The Montebello has prioritized comfort with a more relaxed frame geometry that’s designed around an increased stack for a more upright position, and a longer wheelbase and lower bottom bracket for greater stability. This balanced positioning allows for a ride that's comfortable while still being adept at speed. With clearance for 700x40c tires without fenders or 700x36c with, the Montebello’s tire clearance also satisfies riders who desire to ride longer than long-distance rides.
Whether the aim is comfort or performance-oriented, both the Montebello and the Road Logic each have specific ride qualities engineered into their frame geometry.
WHAT DIVIDES ROAD RIDING AND ENDURANCE CYCLING?
Simply put, continuous time spent in the saddle is what draws the line between road riding and endurance road cycling.
If you tend toward long endurance rides that span several hours or even days, then the Montebello will enable you to go the distance. If your rides are shorter, but comfort is your top priority, the Montebello will also go easy on your biomechanics. If, however, you want to match pace with your local group ride, launch town line sprints, or descend switchbacks with measured speed and efficiency, then the Road Logic will help you fulfill your aspirations.
WHEN YOU NEED THE MONTEBELLO
When any ride less than 100 kilometers (60 miles) is too short, and/or comfortably JRA (just riding along) is your main objective, then the Montebello will support your ambitions.
WHEN YOU NEED A ROAD LOGIC
Faster than the Montebello and better at accelerating and reacting quickly to sharp turns, the Road Logic can satisfy a variety of ride experiences. If performance and the pursuit of marginal gains governs your riding style, then the Road Logic will be your strongest ally.
TIP: Get the Montebello if you want to ride in comfort across state, county, provincial, or national borders without stopping when the sun goes down. If you plan to pin a number on or make a break for a local loop during lunchtime, get the Road Logic.
Endurance road cycling, having been one of the first pursuits once bikes became more efficient, is nothing new. Despite more than 125 years of endurance road cycling, the 21st century Montebello is one of the only bikes designed specifically for this type of riding.
Since Ritchey’s Road Logic first debuted in 1991, it has continued to evoke admiration and desire for any cyclist searching for a reliable whip for when the rubber meets the road.
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