As a cycling enthusiast for the past 31 years, I have been fortunate to have owned quit a few nice bikes, a few I still have and enjoy.  The first few were steel, an aluminum, a titanium and a aluminum/carbon.  My favorites have always been the steel frames.

Last year, my wife Patty and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.  Her gift to me, was to be any new bicycle I wanted.  I knew just what I wanted: It was to be made to measure.  It was to be of lugged steel.  It was to be of the finest craftsmanship with old world details.

I knew of Richard, but had seen only one of his frames a few years ago, an exquisite red frame set with lug work that exceeded any frame, domestic or European.  So, on a cold November day, Patty and I made a road trip to Chester to meet with him.  We received a very warm welcome, a tour of his shop and the chance to view his wares.  The finest craftsmanship?  Unquestionable.  The showroom samples were impeccable.  My shop tour revealed that hanging on the wall in his small workshop was a small army of war-horses—team race frames from the past season.  Battered and beaten loaners to up and coming racers who have the ability to punish these frames the way they are designed to be punished.  The craftsmanship?  Again, the finest.  Unquestionable. 

Fortunate for me, Richards wife's bike was leaning out back.  Just about my size.  With a nod from Richard, the saddle was adjusted, my pedals installed and I was off riding the countryside of Chester.  I came back an hour later: "I'll take a red and white one, please".

My Signature frame arrived in late May, 2002, and I took a few evenings to admire the details, apply a few coats of wax and build it up.  2002 Record 10, carbon post, Montreal rims, Cinelli bars and stem (one inch quill style in keeping with the classic look), Regal saddle, DT's, Conti's, Speedplays and of course, RS bar tape.

The first ride was anticipated for nearly seven months, and I was not disappointed.  This bike is an absolute dream.  First, the fit is perfect.  Richard provided a spec sheet, detailing saddle height, setback, stem length and height.  Nearly a thousand miles and not one position adjustment is necessary.  The ride, it too is perfect.  Stout and fast while climbing, the bike holds a tight line during hard downhill cornering and yet, has all day century comfort.  The steel fork dampens the harshest roads, while the engraved fork crown adds a touch of style found on very few bicycles today.  As I cruise along, I look down at the deep red top tube and fork crown and get a warm fuzzy feeling: life is good!!

A big thank you to my wife Patty, you're the best! And thanks to you too, Richard, for being the perfectionist you are.  You both are the main ingredients of many, many happy miles to come.  Let's see... our 50th anniversary is in 2025.....Sachs lugged steel....Campy Ultra-Hyper-drive......50 speed maybe?