The first a 2004 road bike and the second a 2005 cyclocross bike, both in team colors.

After my 'fitting' visit to Richie's home/studio in December 2002 the two years to delivery for the road bike seemed endless but well worth the wait. In the meantime I obsessed over his cyclo-cross team bike as an alternative for coping with the terrible pavement in NYC and my aging English body—so I ordered the cross bike as well.

So now I have the best of both worlds—a fast, agile, stable and comfortable road bike for my rides out in New Jersey and upstate New York and a 32c tire'd 'cross bike for all other occasions in and around the city and occasional off road riding.

Much has already been written about the build quality, finish and ride quality and all are true, not to mention the kudos of riding a Richard Sachs. The bikes far exceed my riding abilities, giving me extreme confidence on broken pavement, fast down hill sections and efficient climbing. Just as I hoped. I'm overjoyed.

So raise a glass to a master builder and a thoroughly great guy.

My wife, Madeleine, now having read my little note to you, wishes to add "They are of such high quality and beauty they have earned their rightful place as living room furniture when not being ridden."