Dahon to produce Ritchey 700c ‘take-apart’ bikes

Dahon California, Inc., has entered into a licensing agreement with Ritchey Design, Inc., to produce a new line of portable 700c performance road bikes, called BreakAway.

The frames will feature patented Ritchey technology that allows the frames to be split apart for easy transportation, similar to S+S Couplings.

"The bike is not foldable per se. It is a completely standard, high-end Ritchey frame, but with two special joints that allow it to be disassembled," said Joshua Hon, Dahon’s vice president, sales and marketing.

"Looking at the bike, you wouldn’t even know that it is can be disassembled. For anybody who likes to travel with their bike, this bike is a godsend.

Hon said Dahon, the world’s biggest manufacturer of quality folding bikes, have long respected the designs of Tom Ritchey:

“His commitment to continuous innovation mirrors our own philosophy towards design. The opportunity to work with Tom on a product for the most discerning cyclists in the world is really exciting. The initial response to this project has been amazing – every serious roadie we’ve mentioned it to wants one of these bikes.”

The frame will feature classic Ritchey road geometry and will be crafted from Ritchey WCS steel tubing. Components will be a mix of Shimano, American Classic, and Ritchey.

Dahon will preview the bike at the Taipei International Cycle show, March 29th – April 2nd. Production will begin in October 2003. Prices are expected to start at $1800.