I have been a recreational and competitive cyclist for more than 25 years.  When I started, quality bikes were made using lugged steel construction.  Frames were judged by the attention to the lug work detail. 

The majority of custom frames were produced in Europe; names like Cinelli, Guerciotti, and Gitane were prominent.  In the United States, there were a handful of builders doing similar work; one was Richard Sachs from Chester, Connecticut. I saw my first Richard Sachs bike at the Hartford Criterium in 1979.  I was a freshman at the University of Connecticut.  The Sachs was stunning, it was clear the craftsmanship was of equal calibre to anything coming out of Europe.  The bike made such an impression that I knew I would someday own one.

After 17 years of higher education, 6 moves, 5 states, 2 homes, 3 kids, 1 wife, and countless Saturday morning soccer games, that day finally arrived.  It was a Wednesday morning, pouring rain, I had been working on my wife for months, and the NASDAQ was at a 52 week high (an important consideration when one is about to order a Sachs!).  The time was ripe.  I called Richard on the phone and was standing in his shop 45 minutes later. 

People who purchase a Sachs by phone or computer are missing a true experience.  I strongly recommend going to Richard's shop to meet him in person.  (If you go I also highly recommend the Du Village restaurant on Main Street in Chester, an outstanding local French restaurant.)

We talked bikes for a couple of hours, he measured me, and I was on my way.  It was probably Richard's easiest sale ever.  I don't think he knew I had already made my decision 20 years earlier.

My Richard Sachs bicycle is a functional work of art, in the sense that Richard is a true artisan who chose the bicycle frame as his median.  The construction and attention to detail of my lugged steel Richard Sachs frame is beyond reproach.

As a Masters category road racer, the functionality of a Sachs is even more impressive.  Between racing and training, I log approximately 4000-5000 miles annually, the majority now on the Sachs.  The ability of the bike to be competitive and comfortable in a variety of racing and recreational conditions is remarkable. This is a superior bicycle built by a craftsman who knows his trade.  For the discriminating few who are seeking a special ride you need look no further than a Richard Sachs.

Mark N.  Fiengo
Niantic, CT.