Opinion on Ritchey Outback

Ritchey just came out with the allroad Outback. I don't suppose anyone has had time to get one yet, but based on specs, any opinion? It ticks a lot of boxes for me, except it doesn't have fender mounts which is almost a deal-breaker (I'm in the PNW). 

https://ritcheylogic.com/outback-frameset

For my purposes, I'm looking for something steel (carbon fork OK) and racier than my Ocean Air Rambler (which is actually pretty damn great on gravel). I'd use it for gravel events (maybe with 650b wheels), the occasional cross race, and general road riding. I've also been looking at the Singular Kite and Wraith Paycheck. 

Just finished reading a overview on the bike sounds nice.  I had a swiss cross at one time and it was a solid performer. This frame adds solid axles and slightly slacked tube angles.  Looks promising enough.  I always like that you can buy his bikes as frame sets to.

If you are looking for something racier than your OAR the Ritchey might be it.  Where the TT is almost the same, the Ritchey has a much lower stack and much longer reach.  I would say very low and very long for any kind of adventure bike.  It is not a bike packing rig for sure, but then you don't say you are looking for one.  I never had fenders on any of my bikes while living in the PNW for 20 plus years, but being older and more rational now, I would at least want the option.  

There's the Endpoint Coffee Grinder that leans pretty racy but still has fender mounts.

The Outback FEELS amazing to ride - thanks in part to Ritchey's approach to the carbon fork. Very different to the industry cookie cutter Tupperware approach. Not something to evaluate on a spreadsheet - it's about the RIDE

Cxmagazine has a review up. Doesn't Ritchey have Black Friday deals on their frames?

I own a Swiss Cross Canti which is now relegated to back-up and rainy day duties. It was my primo gravel and road bike for an entire season. It is a great steel no BS bike. Given it's Ritchey DNA, I would have no qualms about recommending it to anyone looking for a good steel frame set.

nalax wrote:
Cxmagazine has a review up. Doesn't Ritchey have Black Friday deals on their frames?

They do, received the below email this morning. But, "older" doesn't likely include the frame they released a few weeks ago.

"This weekend, from Friday through Monday, find incredible discounts on all older branded items up to 60% off!"