I've been lucky enough to have owned and ridden many of the great marque bicycles from both racing and touring traditions, from Italian, French, British, and American builders.  I've also had bikes made of nearly every material, fabricated by every method from brazed, lugged steel to bonded carbon.  No matter which bicycle I choose, the bicycles Richard Sachs builds are the standard against which I have come to measure all others. Whether the issue is the quality of construction, the art of the bicycle, or the comfort and precision of the ride, I regard the Sachs as the epitome of cycling experience.

I have two Richard Sachs bicycles.  The first was built to reflect certain classic values and uses the lovely Nervex Pro lugs from the 1970s and 1" tubing.  But unlike the classic lightweights of the '70s, this bicycle reflects all the refinement and maturity of the master builder's art.  The lugs, seatstays, and dropouts are all brought to a subtle, seamless perfection.  In keeping with tradition, I have chosen now to outfit the bike with friction shifting. 

I originally built the bicycle with contemporary Campagnolo Ergo shifters and a modern group.  Now I see that in _both_ styles of riding, this bicycle looked "right" and rode perfectly.  It blends comfort with precision, style with form and function, and accomplishes its exquisite performance without the slightest compromise. 

When I ordered the first bike, I already had another in mind, a more modern bike with slightly oversized tubing and a threadless steerer.  When this bike arrived the lug work was simpler but clean and exacting, the edges of the lugs were filed to flat horizontal surfaces that permitted Joe Bell to paint the offset headtube and seattube to reveal the subtle precision of such handcrafted art.  In every other respect the details were worked to perfection to match my needs and expectations.  This bike takes a more modern approach, mixing classic looks with the best of technology.  There is no hype or marketing fiction going on here, just the best of bicycling tradition brought to its summit by a master craftsman.

When I worked with Richard on the phone and during my visits, he took as much time as I wanted, he listened attentively, took my input seriously. Over the course of our conversations he made suggestions and recommendations.  The outcome has been perfect long-distance road riders, as good for racing, climbing and sprinting, as they are for centuries. 

On the Sachs I know I can carve corners, stand up and sprint hard as I can, and descend as fast as my nerves can stand it.  The only limits I experience are mine; the bike is capable, it seems, of anything.  However, it is far more common for me not to push personal limits but rather to just enjoy the ride as long as possible.  The Sachs is the bike I take to go all day and the one I know will take me home no matter how I'm feeling.  I know I'll not live forever but I hope to be riding these bikes as long as I do.  And when I'm gone, I believe they will remain one of the true standards against which all other bicycles are measured.

Douglas Brooks
Canandaigua, NY