My very first encounter with a Richard Sachs frameset was back in the mid to late 1970s when Toga Bike Shop was located way way over on the East side of NYC.  There were many fine Italian steel framesets hanging in the shop but I couldn't help but be drawn to this pink one.  Yes PINK!  It was a pink Richard Sachs frameset and boy was it a beauty!  I inquired about the frameset and the owner of the store said it was made by an American frame builder. 

"An AMERICAN frame builder?" I asked myself.  Was there such an animal and how could it possibly be good compared to the framesets of Italian pedigree? 

I was in my teen years then (gee, I feel old now) and the fashion statement back then was owning an Italian frameset with Campy Super Record or Nuovo Record parts.  I have to admit that I did my fair share of supporting Italy's economy back then, but that pink frameset stuck like glue to the memory banks.  That frameset left an indelible impression and its bold color begged people to take notice that an American frame builder can build framesets as good or even better than the Italian establishment.

Since the Toga days, I did not see anymore Richard Sachs framesets in local bicycle stores and thought he must have folded up his shop. 

Fast forward to the present day and little did I know Richard Sachs has been building custom framesets for the past 20+ years in Chester, CT.  The urge to buy one was still not there though.  I was very happy on my Masi Gran Criterium, and Serotta CSI, but one day a rider showed up on our Saturday morning club ride with a Richard Sachs 25th anniversary replica frameset.  It was dark blue with yellow panels and the lugwork was exquisite!  I was smitten again!  That frameset again was a stand-out among the aluminum, carbon, and titanium framesets that seems to be over-running the industry these days. 

I finally decided to do some research on Richard Sachs.  After all, a frame builder of 20+ years experience has to be doing something right to stay in business that long.  I quickly polled the population with a thread on the web and not one response was negative.  I called Richard Sachs and he sent me some articles and his brochure to read.  After a few months of procrastinating, I finally decided this past December that I would treat myself to a Richard Sachs signature frameset for my 40th birthday.  I drove up to his Chester CT. showroom and spent close to 3 hours getting measured and fit, discussing equipment, chit-chatting about his two restored Masi Gran Critierum bikes and the many pictures he has on the walls. 

What an amazing experience that was.  The sad part was leaving and having to hear that there's a 7-8 month wait for his frameset.  Well I've waited 20+ years so another 7-8 months will be a drop in the bucket. 

Delivery day came this past July and the red/white paint scheme was gleaming in the showroom.  I ordered it with Campagnolo Record 10-speed, and Richard had set up the bike perfectly.  Not one adjustment to it was necessary.  It fit like a glove and boy did it ride nice!  Who said steel forks are a thing of the past?  Just don't tell that to Richard Sachs. 

The lug work is exquisite and that Joe Bell paint is by far the best in the business.  Richard Sachs' dedication to the art of frame building is surpassed by none.  He builds every bike like it was for his own.  I can't believe I've waited this long to get one—but good things do come to those who wait!  I'm currently working on the Mrs. for another Richard Sachs frameset—hopefully this next one won't take 20+ years.