Steel frames built for electronic shifting occupy a narrow space in the market, caught between the traditional aesthetics that draw riders to steel and the modern drivetrains that define current component ecosystems. The Ritchey Outback Di2 frameset resolves this tension with internal routing designed specifically for Shimano Di2 wiring, maintaining the clean lines that make steel frames visually distinctive while accommodating the battery and junction box requirements that electronic shifting demands. This isn't a retrofit solution or an afterthought—the frame was engineered from the start to handle Di2 integration without external housing runs or awkward battery mounting.

Ritchey's logic-tubed triple-butted steel construction forms the foundation, using their proprietary drawing process to vary wall thickness along each tube's length. Thicker sections at the joints handle stress concentration while thinner mid-sections reduce weight where structural demands are lower. The result is a steel frame that weighs less than many riders expect while retaining the compliance characteristics that make the material appealing for long days on mixed terrain. The Outback geometry places the rider in a position suited for endurance gravel riding—not the aggressive, slammed setup of a crit bike, but a balanced stance that remains comfortable when routes extend beyond the four-hour mark.

Tire clearance reaches 700x45mm or 650b x 2.0", accommodating everything from fast-rolling slicks for gravel races to more substantial treads when routes turn genuinely rough. The fork uses a tapered carbon construction with the same generous clearance, providing front-end stiffness without the harsh feedback that aluminum forks can transmit. Three-pack mounts on the fork legs and down tube support bikepacking loads, while fender and rack mounts ensure the frame works equally well as a four-season commuter or light touring platform.... Read More