I saw my first Sachs at the 2002 Cirque de Cyclisme in Greensboro NC.

You see I am a vintage racing bike nut or "lug licker" as we are sometimes known. The Cirque is probably the biggest get together of classic steel racing bikes in the country. Since I had developed my interest in racing bikes in the early 70's I thought the look of Campagnolo NR and Italian steel was the epitome of a racing machine. About the same time I was starting to get into racing at the ripe old age of 45.

After a year or so of racing cat 5, cat 4 and some 40 plus Masters events I decided that I needed a more serious racing machine. The new composite/Ti/aluminum wonders ride great but for me a bike has to look good too. To see a Richard Sachs Signature model in red and white glowing in the sun is a beauty to behold!

To my eye Richard has done a phenomenal job of blending traditional lugged steel of the highest craftsmanship to modern components that makes it competitive to race on. Truly the perfect combination! I talked to Richard about the terms and deposit requirements on the spot. Only eighteen months to wait!

My Sachs is equipped with a 2004 Record 10 speed group with Mavic Open Pro 32H clinchers for training and Campagnolo 28H tubulars for racing. With the light wheelset the bike weighs in around 18 lbs. To say I am happy with the bike is an understatement. The whole deal, from talking to Richard about the overall plan for the frame, to checking on the progress, and on to the final assembly was a joy. Richard even convinced me to alter my position somewhat that has ultimately proved to be an improvement in comfort. One of the advantages of working with someone who has been building race bikes for 30+ years!

The Sachs does everything a bit better than any other bike I have owned. It truly becomes part of you in a race environment. It steers wonderfully it a criterium and is nice and stable in a crowded peleton. I am lucky enough to have some other beautiful bikes to ride (including Singer, Hetchins, Ephgrave, etc.) but the Sachs is the one that gets most of the miles.

Thanks Richard!