Not that we’re trolling for props, but Bianchi had serious 700C-wheeled mountain bikes in our line back in the early 1990s. Times change, and larger-wheeled 29-inch mountain bikes based on the 700C platform, once seen as eccentric, now draw a legitimate bloc of evangelists. The Rita puts Bianchi back in the 29-inch ring, with a twist: It’s a single-speed 29er. Its off-road simplicity and excellence take the same path as the Lewis, with essential modifications including a RockShox Reba SL 29-inch fork and WTB 29x2.3 tires. Bigger wheels and fewer gears, all in the name of more fun — the Rita personifies two of the many charming ways mountain biking has evolved.
Highlights: Easton Ultralite aluminum frame. RockShox Reba SL fork with 100mm of travel. WTB SpeedDisc All-Mountain wheels with ExiWolf Race tires. Truvativ Stylo 1.1 32-tooth crank with rock guard. WTB 18-tooth freewheel.
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Dirt Rag raves about Rita "Rita just grips and goes and the frame feels light and stiff with plenty of tire and mud clearance." |
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Style |
Single-speed 29" MTB |
Sizes |
17.5, 19.5, 21.5" |
Color |
Ritz Red |
Frames |
Easton Ultralite Aluminum, rear entry dropouts |
Fork |
RockShox Reba SL 29", 100mm travel |
Retail Price |
$1,399.99 |
Headset |
WTB ExiWolf Race, 29x2.3 |
Handlebar |
Truvativ XR Riserbar |
Stem |
Truvativ XR 3D |
Brakes/Levers |
Avid mechanical disc |
Crankset |
Truvativ Stylo 1.1, 32T, with CNC rock guard |
Bottom Bracket |
Truvativ Giga X Pipe, external |
Chain |
KMC BMX |
Cassette |
WTB cassette and lockring, 18T |
Pedals |
Wellgo resin |
Wheels |
WTB SpeedDisc All Mountain wheelset, WTB Single-Duty cassette hub |
Tires |
WTB ExiWolf Race, 29x2.3 |
Derailleurs, r/f |
none |
Shifters |
none |
Saddle |
WTB Pure V Stealth |
Seatpost |
WTB CXC, 27.2mm |
Size, cm |
17.5 |
19.5 |
21.5 |
Top Tube-actual, mm |
580 |
593 |
600 |
Chainstay, mm |
440 |
440 |
440 |
Fork Rake, mm |
39 |
39 |
39 |
Head Tube Angle, º |
71 |
71.5 |
71.5 |
Seat Tube Angle, º |
74 |
73.5 |
73 |
Wheelbase, mm |
1100 |
1008 |
1121 |
Standover Height, in |
30.5 |
31.5 |
32 |