Conversation with Richard Sachs (Silca blog)

[PQJ]

For the über aesthetes among us, a nice touch is painting the ferrules on the ends of your cables to match your frame color. If you don't have extra paint from your effbuilder (or effpainter), you can often find nail polish that approximates the color of your steed. Those inclined to notice the little details will be impressed; most will miss this tiniest of attention to detail.

Where did I learn to match ferrules to frame color?

ATMO, I think y'all can guess.

[merckx]

Originally Posted by ravdg316

A Sachs beatifying my dirty garage. +1 for Sachs products

This is cool!

[johnniecakes]

Originally Posted by merckx

This.

The computer screen creates a veneer that separates us, and causes us to be a little less human.

The same phenomenon occurs when we are ensconced within the metal walls of our motor vehicles.

It is an us versus them ideology that unfortunately has permeated our society.

Where I work we have a CEO who flexes his keyboard muscles but will never say anything remotely strong face to face. I just don't get it, what happened to civil conversation. You know like Mama taught, if you can't say something nice, just be quiet.

[oldguy00]

Originally Posted by TiStar

This guy has always seemed insufferable to me ha

At the risk of getting yelled at by Paceline royalty........I kind of always felt the same. BUT, I admit to having never have met him in person, and is based only on his forum persona.... Doesn't mean I don't think he (likely) makes a very good bike, just means we prob have very different personalities, and that never made me want to send $6k for a frame from him. And that's OK.
The blog was a good read, thx!

[SlowPokePete]

I remember talking to Richard one time at this race in Rockland County .

There was 6+" of snow on the ground..

Was cold and nasty out there.

He was getting ready to go out for his race.

This guy is the real deal...

If you don't think so you need to reevaluate where you are coming from.


Seriously.

I doubt you are as badass as him.

SPP

[HenryA]

Not really knowing Richard but having hung out around his booth at Handmade some time ago and speaking with him, then reading some of the things he says and writes, I think I get it that he may have achieved sui generis status or something close to it. A few others think differently and that is fine and natural.

Admitting that you are still in a struggle for excellence after doing something for 40 years is pretty heady. Its out for all the world that you have a standard you still and will continue to hew to. Very few will do that, because its scary to put yourself on the line for all to see, win or lose. And after 40 years, if the product was “less than”, we’d all know it. I don’t see that happening.

[tylercheung]

For the über aesthetes among us, a nice touch is painting the ferrules on the ends of your cables to match your frame color. If you don't have extra paint from your effbuilder (or effpainter), you can often find nail polish that approximates the color of your steed. Those inclined to notice the little details will be impressed; most will miss this tiniest of attention to detail.

Where did I learn to match ferrules to frame color?

ATMO, I think y'all can guess.

I bought the multicolor pack from Jagwire������

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by merckx

The mention of Suburban Cycle stirred some memories. I recall an individual who worked there, maybe the owner. I think his name was Sam. Good guy I recall.

Does the shop still exist?

By "Sam" you may be thinking of Sam, who owned Newington Bicycle. I was just a teenager in the '70s so I don't recall all the personalities, but Sam doesn't ring a bell.

The original (in the '70s) owners of Suburban Cycle were Keith Nappi and Bill Pfeiffenberger. I don't know the status of Keith, but Bill passed away in June 2022.

The shop was originally in the Ferndale Plaza in Kensington, then moved to the larger quarters across the street (across from the porno theater!) and was there through the late '70's and at least '80s. It eventually changed to Suburban Ski and Bike (after the move below), and is now Suburban Sports. It's no longer in the Kensington section of Berlin but east, just a little east of Berlin's center.

[merckx]

Originally Posted by Peter P.

By "Sam" you may be thinking of Sam, who owned Newington Bicycle. I was just a teenager in the '70s so I don't recall all the personalities, but Sam doesn't ring a bell.

The original (in the '70s) owners of Suburban Cycle were Keith Nappi and Bill Pfeiffenberger. I don't know the status of Keith, but Bill passed away in June 2022.

The shop was originally in the Ferndale Plaza in Kensington, then moved to the larger quarters across the street (across from the porno theater!) and was there through the late '70's and at least '80s. It eventually changed to Suburban Ski and Bike (after the move below), and is now Suburban Sports. It's no longer in the Kensington section of Berlin but east, just a little east of Berlin's center.

Yeah, it was newington.

[TiStar]

I wasn’t trying to be controversial just sharing my opinion...afterall this is a forum right? It’s nice that some feel defensive and assume I’m trying to be a “badass”. Someone who refers to themselves as "an effete elitist aesthetic slut" just isn’t my cup of tea ha. It just reminds me of those twits in Oasis haha. I guess the thread was just for those who want to ride the bandwagon and bring praise. I think a lot of his bikes are cool if that makes some feel better. Anyway that’s cool that he is on the forum and kudos for sticking to building bikes for 40 years. I’d like to ride one sometime for sure. That doesn’t mean I have to be buds with the guy. Who knows …if he’s as eccentric as he seems he’d probably rather have a beer and talk **** with me than the hordes of groupies he obviously has out there

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by TiStar

I wasn’t trying to be controversial just sharing my opinion...afterall this is a forum right? It’s nice that some of feel defensive and assume I’m trying to be a “badass”. Someone who refers to themselves as "an effete elitist aesthetic slut" just isn’t my cup of tea ha. It just reminds me of those twits in Oasis haha. I guess the thread was just for those who want to ride the bandwagon and bring praise. I think a lot of his bikes are cool if that makes some feel better. Anyway that’s cool that he is on the forum and kudos for sticking to building bikes for 40 years. I’d like to ride one sometime for sure. That doesn’t mean I have to be buds with the guy. Who knows …if he’s as eccentric as he seems he’s probably rather have a beer and talk **** with me than the hordes of groupies he obviously has out there

Not really into hero worship myself, although I don’t quite get the Oasis analogy. Maybe early Nick Cave? Oddly, I’m not really a big fan of his bikes. I’m much more impressed by his writing and propensity to offer his opinions seemingly without fear of repercussion.

It reminds me of the time I interviewed Larry Flynt. He didn’t give a ****. Something admirable about that.

[Likes2ridefar]

.

[peanutgallery]

It'll be nicer than an ebike

Originally Posted by Likes2ridefar

Fully on board with Richard and I want one of his bikes made for me.

[Likes2ridefar]

.

[carlucci1106]

Originally Posted by PQJ

For the über aesthetes among us, a nice touch is painting the ferrules on the ends of your cables to match your frame color.

FNG AeroDiscDi2 Racer Boi aspiring aesthete sluts: "What's a ferrule?"

RS: Match your tubeless valve stems to your frame color, ATMO.