Brant Richards has confirmed that a 29-inch specific Ragley frame is on the way.
Built to accomodate a rigid fork only, the TD-1 is designed around a 440mm fork – which is a common size for 26in wheeled bikes – but a 29in wheel fits just fine.
Typically, 29in bikes run 470-490mm forks, and so by running the shorter fork, the rider can lower the handlebars by 30-50mm, resulting in a racey feel to the bike’s handling.
Plans for a steel version are currently being mulled over, though at present the frame will be available as a Lynskey-made titanium build.
The frame features the manufacturer’s sliding dropouts, a horizontally ovalised top tube, a curved seat tube (better tyre clearance in short stay mode, and better front mech positioning too.) There’s even two bottle cages on the small frame.
Three frame sizes will be available – 16, 18 and 20-inch.
The brand’s products are available from Hotlines, which has priced the Ragley 29er at £1199.99 retail. Sock lands later this month.