Spec'ing a Sachs

[krooj]

So, I'm gonna scratch a 15 year old itch for a Sachs, which probably places me receiving a frame around the end of 2026. I'm really wondering what the heck to dress this thing in, though. Much as I don't really care about the direction of modern road bikes, rim brake groupsets and wheels aren't making a resurgence anytime soon. The good news is that what is available right now is about as good as it's ever been, and I've had the fortune to try just about everything except EPS.

For my money, Di2 12S is the best compromise there is: decent enough battery life and partially wireless, but something about sticking that R9200 crank on a Sachs... just feels wrong. I guess there's always SR EPS 12, but will it even exist by 2026? Realistically, I can probably hoard some components over the next year and change...

There's also just the option of going with a straight mechanical group, though I've been less than happy with Campy 12 durability - could go 11s.

Comedy option: dress it in LTWOO; imperfection is perfection.

[jet sanchez]

10 speed Record and some Shamals

[Coffee Rider]

While I already had my modern bike needs met by the time I got mine, I went with SR 12 for mine since the idea was for it to be an analog bike (though running tubeless). I think Di2 shifts way better than SR12 mechanical FWIW and, if building another steel rim brake bike, is probably what I'd use.

[zlin]

Flat bar sscx.

Ps: sell me the RL when you take delivery!

[charliedid]

Alivio and a sweet pair of OG Spinergy wheels.

[rwsaunders]

More important questions...which tubeset, lugs and paint?

[Clean39T]

Originally Posted by krooj

So, I'm gonna scratch a 15 year old itch for a Sachs, which probably places me receiving a frame around the end of 2026. I'm really wondering what the heck to dress this thing in, though. Much as I don't really care about the direction of modern road bikes, rim brake groupsets and wheels aren't making a resurgence anytime soon. The good news is that what is available right now is about as good as it's ever been, and I've had the fortune to try just about everything except EPS.

For my money, Di2 12S is the best compromise there is: decent enough battery life and partially wireless, but something about sticking that R9200 crank on a Sachs... just feels wrong. I guess there's always SR EPS 12, but will it even exist by 2026? Realistically, I can probably hoard some components over the next year and change...

There's also just the option of going with a straight mechanical group, though I've been less than happy with Campy 12 durability - could go 11s.

Comedy option: dress it in LTWOO; imperfection is perfection.

DA 9250 w a more svelte crank would be easy - White Industries, THM, etc.

Just remember you still need a hole in the front for rim-brake di2..

[peanutgallery]

Sram still does some rim brake support with Etap. Works great

LTWOO is interesting. I would like to see some, my understanding is rival/105 to maybe ultegra in quality? If you externally zip tie a Di2 kit to a Sachs the gods will strike you down But that doesn't seem to stop some folks

Personally, not a fan of the 12 speed Di2 for a myriad of reasons, but the 11 was rock solid ....but, you had to plumb the bike (correctly=>inside the frame)

Enjoy. What color are you going with?

[edgerat]

Hoping to be at the window when the drive-thru opens this year as well. Full mechanical SR12 for me.

[AngryScientist]

Record 12. Done.

[Mike V]

Super Record 12. Fin

[mhespenheide]

Personally, I'd hunt down some silver Shimano R7000 and a true polished silver crankset. But I'm nostalgic and easily swayed by aesthetics.

[nmrt]

Now I am curious -- what about the 12 speed Di2 grinds your gears?

Originally Posted by peanutgallery

Sram still does some rim brake support with Etap. Works great

LTWOO is interesting. I would like to see some, my understanding is rival/105 to maybe ultegra in quality? If you externally zip tie a Di2 kit to a Sachs the gods will strike you down But that doesn't seem to stop some folks

Personally, not a fan of the 12 speed Di2 for a myriad of reasons, but the 11 was rock solid ....but, you had to plumb the bike (correctly=>inside the frame)

Enjoy. What color are you going with?

[Gwerziou]

How does Mr Sachs handle his queue? I have no more than two bikes in total, (unlike my collection of fine woodwinds which must be over a dozen) and don't swap out too frequently. My beloved Gunnar Crosshairs is 24 years old now, however, and there must be more touchup paint than original on it. The Sachs do look lovely and the craftsmanship is evident... Would there be significant functional difference, really, between a Gunnar and a Sachs cross bike?

[krooj]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

DA 9250 w a more svelte crank would be easy - White Industries, THM, etc.

Just remember you still need a hole in the front for rim-brake di2..

Thanks for that reminder - I totally forgot that 9250 isn't wireless...

I do like the idea of a THM crank, but the cable routing with that 30mm spindle in a BSA shell will require creativity. With my 'vagen, I stripped the outer cladding and covered the wire pair with electrical tape to make it work.

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Record 12. Done.

Originally Posted by Mike V

Super Record 12. Fin

Mechanical SR12 is still in the cards. I do take pause with some of the QC issues experienced with the FD and cassette, but at least I can use a DA12 cassette...