What is better than having a custom Richard Sachs bicycle? Having two of them! Yeah I know you can only ride one of them at a time but isn't variety the spice of life? I was lucky enough to be on his waiting list looooooong (now at 26 months) enough to get the first bike built with his new lugs and oversized tubes. Well ... first for a paying customer that is. His sponsored team got the first ones. Many thanks to Richard for having my red/white bike grace the gallery pages of his website as well as being featured in Bicycling Magazine. I waited approximately 9 months for my first and roughly 20+ months for my second, which I received last Summer. The wait is well worth it for those out there who still have not received theirs yet.

At a quick glance Richard's new Signature road frame does not have distinguishing features that blare out to you like many new bikes have today. Riders who like compact geometry, carbon this or aluminum that, need not read any further. Richard's new Signature frame is the perfect example of a master artisan who is not content to rest on past accomplishments but who has taken lugged steel construction to a higher level. The new oversized steel tubes are subtle but noticeable and yet the bike looks as classic as ever. The steel fork has undergone some changes as well but too technical for me to explain here. The new lugs are just as gorgeous as the old ones and as usual Joe Bell's paint is by far the best in the business.

My 2003 57.5cm c-t Campy 10spd Record with Neutron tubular wheels comes it at ~17+ lbs. Weight conscious riders should note that the new frame is lighter than his previous builds. My 2001 Campy 10spd with Nucleon tubular wheels comes in at ~18+ lbs. Although my new Signature bike is lighter it retains all the same ride qualities as my first. Quick handling, stable at high speeds, and very responsive in or out of the saddle when hammering. The bike climbs better due to its lighter weight, has ti-like ride qualities (comfortable/smooth), and yet still retains the spring of steel. Road feel translates well through the steel fork to the hands and chain rub is non-existent. His new Signature frameset is the perfect blend of keeping pace with technology without giving up 30+ years of craftsmanship. Steel is still real, especially in the hands of Richard Sachs.

Ride safe!