Richard Sachs 25th Anniversary revised
Custom built in 2001 in Chester, CT by Richard Sachs (for me) based on Richard's 25th Anniversary bike. Classic steel frame and fork with hand-filed lugs (before the investment cast lugs could start producing good ornate lugs). I think Richard said it takes 2-3 days for him to hand-file all the lugs. Painted by Joe Bell in the classic Sachs red scheme; many customers initially have their own thoughts about the paint but when you see it in person, you understand the attraction.
I had long lusted after a Richard Sachs, a lifetime purchase by an American original. My first real road bike was a 1993 Bridgestone RB-1, which handled beautifully and inspired confidence in twisting downhills. My interest in a Sachs was first piqued by Richard's article in the now famous Bridgestone catalogs. Shortly after, there was a great review in Road Bike Action and another interview with the American Masters.
I took the trip to Chester and got a tour of the "facilities". What surprised me was how small the workspace was. After the measurements, we talked about some of the characteristics and handling that I wanted. I left a deposit and was placed into the backlog (7 months). While you wait, Richard sends things from time to time, an appreciation of the customer and his/her patience. It's like Christmas when you get the letter that the bike is finished.
I did my own wrenching using Campagnolo, of course. The wheels are currently White Industries hubs (silver) laced to Velocity A23 rims.
The wait list is currently about 8 years and the book is closed to new customers. Being an existing customer, I can put my name on the list again for a cyclocross bike and save for the next 8 years!
