Fix it, don’t ditch it! Ritchey celebrates International Repair Day

International Repair Day takes place each year on the third Saturday in October. The day is intended to highlight the value and importance of repairing things — like bikes — oftentimes in a community setting at events held around the world. You’ll agree that celebrating a day like this for a brand like Ritchey is an odd way to get ahead in business, but Ritchey has always prioritized people. In fact, Tom Ritchey believes that you should be able to fix your bike no matter how far out you are in order to get yourself back home. It’s this belief that guides his design process for the products that bear his name.

So, make your old bike new again, launch a winter bike project, or gain insights from others — this is your call-to-action to fix it (don’t ditch it)!

• Ritchey’s most Frequently Asked Questions
• Community bicycle repair
• Ritchey resources to help you with your own projects

Ritchey’s most Frequently Asked Questions (from fans around the world)

Most often you can find answers to your questions at ritcheylogic.com, either on the product pages, on our dedicated FAQ page, or at the bottom of some of our product category pages. When the same question lands in our Inbox again and again, however, it’s time to elevate it to a FAQ. Here’s a sample of FAQ’s from Ritchey fans from wherever they ride.

Q: How can I make my bike lighter?

A: The most bang for the buck purchase to help lighten your bicycle is a carbon fiber seatpost. Oftentimes you can save over half a pound! Couple this with an improved and smoother ride quality and you have a worthwhile addition to your bike.

Q: Which road handlebar is right for me?

A: Choosing a handlebar can be a tough decision with factors like width, reach and drop all playing a part. We have a pair of helpful vlogs to help you find the right bar for you. 

• In the first vlog, learn the different handlebar terms and what they mean.
• In Part 2, learn how to choose the right handlebar for you

Q: Can I cut down my carbon fiber Ritchey MTB bar?

A: Yes, all Ritchey MTB handlebars can be cut down. Ritchey carbon MTB bars come with cut mark marks indicating how much one can cut down their bars.

Q: I have a carbon railed saddle, which Ritchey seatpost is compatible?

A: All Ritchey seatposts are compatible with carbon railed saddles. Only the WCS 1-Bolt and SuperLogic 1-Bolt require specific adapters. 1-Bolt posts come with standard clamps for 7x7 rails, with Ritchey offering clamps for 8x8.5mm and 7x9.6/10mm. Note, 1-bolt clamps are specific to carbon or alloy seatposts. Consult Ritchey if in doubt which clamp to buy.

Q: What's the best upgrade to make on a bicycle?

A: The next most important component on a bicycle – aside from the frame – is wheels. A good set of wheels will improve your ride experience in many ways. From saving weight, to improving ride quality, as well as improved function; an investment in wheels is a great upgrade for a bicycle.

Community bicycle repair

The global cycling community is a big deal for Ritchey because it helps explain how Ritchey has survived and thrived for more than five decades. Word-of-mouth, gratitude (relief?) from mechanics, and flattery from the masses have all helped cement a reputation that’s grounded in how serious riders like you actually ride. Community bicycle repair collectives, such as Bikerowave in Los Angeles, Calif. (U.S.A.), provide workspace, tools, and equipment to teach people how to build, repair, upgrade, and maintain their bicycles. These collectives depend on volunteers with loads of mechanical experience and expertise, who donate their time to help empower cyclists with basic bike care knowledge. Repair collectives, which can be found throughout the world, also serve as hubs to connect the local cycling community. If there’s one where you are, it might be worth checking to see if they’re doing anything special for International Repair Day.

Ritchey resources to help you with your own projects

The digital “rabbit hole” can become deep and wide very quickly if you're not super focused when searching online for repair advice. Before you know it, your topic gets buried by all the “helpful” results that turn up from your search. That’s less of a problem if you go straight to the source. We’ve listened to you; we also work on our own bikes. When there’s an issue to resolve, we figure that the solution would probably be useful to everyone, which is why we’ve produced these tech videos to help you with your Ritchey products:

How to Service a Ritchey WCS Bicycle Wheel
How to Install a WCS C220 Bicycle Stem
How to Wrap Ritchey Handlebars

In the ultimate nod to International Repair Day, which isn’t limited to just one day, this last video is an excellent example by Paul Brodie about repairing a Ritchey frame. More than anything, it demonstrates how a steel frame can be repaired and can go on being a bicycle for many years to come.

Repairing a Vintage Ritchey Frame!

Ritchey salutes those of you with DIY in your DNA because you are the problem-solvers. Your curiosity and your healthy streak of optimism not only suggest a great bike mechanic; they make you an in-demand ride buddy. Ritchey’s recognition of International Repair Day is a reaffirmation of our rider-first philosophy, no matter if you're reviving a pre-loved bike, starting a winter project, or learning from community repair collectives. So don’t ditch your ride — fix it, upgrade it, and make it yours, because every repair is a chance to reconnect with the freedom, joy, and experience of cycling.