I bought my frame from Richard in the Summer of 1976 after meeting him at the New York Cycle Show in February of that year.  As a nineteen year old, I was ready to finally build my dream bike, after crashing my Motobecane.  My friends and I saw and spoke to many builders at that show, but all three of us agreed that Richard's workmanship was outstanding.  Richard actually looked at fixing the Motobecane but said it was too badly broken, so I ordered a new framee to replace my broken one.

Both of my friends also bought frames from Richard at that time. 

The bike is still as I originally equipped it with Campagnolo Record and the old Brooks copper rivet saddle, which I love.  I have been a proud owner ever since and will never part with my pride and joy.  It was built to serve many purposes, with clearances for fenders when I cycle tour, yet with 75 degree headtube and 74 degree seat tube.  The effect was the perfect crossover bike for touring, yet always stiff and responsive stripped down.  It is now past 25 years old, and no one can believe it since it still looks like new. 

Only if someone looks more closely, can they see the scratches from insensitive European baggage handlers.  The rich red copper brown color was undoubtedly the perfect selection to hide minor damage.  It has been throughout Europe, climbing Swiss and French mountain passes loaded with fifty pounds of equipment. 

My bike has been the one material possession that I retain today, far longer than anything else I have owned.  Cars come and go, but my Sachs bike is forever.  When I am old and grey, it will still be with me.

At one time I aspired to build frames like Richard, after working many years in bicycle shops.  I went on to become a manufacturing engineer in metalworking, so I have always retained a special love of finely manufactured items. 

In the years that have passed I have a family with three girls who love to ride.  I have often told them the story of the Velveteen Rabbit, about the toy that is loved to such an extent it becomes 'real'.  They each have a special bond with one particular toy, which I expect will never be discarded.

I have my bike, which evokes warm memories of the past.  When I ride it, it becomes more than just simply that old bike.  For me, that bike has passed into the special place in my heart, and will forever be 'real'.

I take a measure of pride when I tell people my bike was one of Richard's first. 

Are there any records to tell me what number I have and how many frames Richard has built to date? It is a 25.5" frame for Stephen Shields, originally in bright red, then repainted a reddish brown, all one color.  There were no lug cutouts or fork crown RS.  I don't think there is any serial number to guide Richard.

Richard says:  "Guess #1 ... were you one of the 4 guys from the North Avenue Bike Shop?  That would be frame 575, originally green w/red trim, but changed mid-order to red.  25.5 inches, etc."

Yes, that's the one.  Obviously that was not the 575th frame, nor was the year 1975.  I'm pretty sure it was 1976.  One of them became a display bike at the store.  The smaller green one was destroyed in a accident.  The larger other frame I have no clue.  I do know that it was not even built into a finished bike for years after you built it.  What a shame.  The small green one and mine were the only ones appreciated and ridden.

Richard says:  "Your frame is rs #57; possibly the oldest known frame still 'in use'.  There are older ones, but they are just trophy bikes for collectors.  By the way, I think your frame cost $195 then."

Thanks for the quick response.  Unless your records state otherwise, I think I actually paid $185.  That included record headset, levers, and seat bolt.  I figure that even back then the materials must have exceeded $100.

I think it also has many of the elements you call 'period correct' in your article on the Masi bikes. Everything on the bike is vintage 1976, except for record brake levers with holes, which I think were not available 1977 or 1978.