SoloRider said:I think the 2x9 system dates from about 1997. It's listed in the 1997 Ritchey catalogue.
http://www.oldmountainbikes.com/catalogs/ritchey/1997/1997RitcheyComponents.pdf
The Ritchey components were on the bike when I bought it. They're OK but I'm not a big fan of gripshift systems and think I'll change to a 94 period Shimano setup when I get round to it.