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Pro bike: Alie Kenzer’s Richard Sachs

Challenge's Grifo 32 tubular offers a highly versatile tread that works well in a variety of conditions

  • Alie Kenzer's Richard Sachs Signature Cyclo-cross bucks the trend with its 100 percent steel frame and fork construction
  • Custom 'PegoRichie' tubing is made by Columbus and brazed into short point lugs of Sachs' own design
  • Richard Sachs/CYBC team bikes are also equipped with steel forks
  • The tube diameters may look unusually small when compared to aluminium but it's an inherently stiffer material so they'd have to be as big to yield the same effect
  • There are no fancy S-bends to be found here just four purposeful straight tubes of custom Columbus butted steel tubing
  • The bottom bracket lug includes a built-in chainstay bridge integrated right into the casting for a little extra rigidity
  • The seatstay bridge is brazed-on separately and is in keeping with the overall aesthetic
  • The seat lug is particularly trick
  • Top tube cable routing keeps everything out of the way
  • The Sachs fork crown was recently updated with slightly wider spacing and deeper sockets for a more robust joint and improved brake pad clearance
  • The head tube includes a modest 18mm extension to correct for threadless headsets' shorter stack heights
  • The timeless red, white and yellow finish is applied by renowned painter Joe Bell
  • Rival is technically SRAM's entry-level group but its performance isn't far off the top-end Red's and it easily offers the highest value of the lineup
  • Rear shift performance is fast, precise and robust thanks to a more forgiving cable pull ratio and the unique Exact Actuation derailleur geometry
  • The OG-1070 cassette is heavier than the OG-1090 but far more tolerant of mud
  • Team rider Alie Kenzer's bike was set up here with a single ring but most team riders use a double
  • The Wippermann Connex stainless steel chain is held on with a Salsa Crossing Guard and N-Gear Jump Stop
  • Kenzer's bike was also equipped with a now-defunct Cane Creek Volos wheelset which uses the company's unique hub flange design originally developed by Cronometro
  • Challenge's Grifo 32 tubular offers a highly versatile tread that works well in a variety of conditions
  • Cane Creek SCX-5 cantilevers are fitted with Kool-Stop pads that have been cut down to allow the arms to open up further
  • Crankbrothers Candy pedals are a popular choice for 'cross
  • The traditional handlebar bend retains a close reach up top but allows riders to stretch their arms a bit more in the drops
  • The Selle San Marco Aspide saddle is wrapped in red just for Sachs
  • Oval Concepts provides the lightweight and reliable R700 aluminum bar and stem

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Challenge's Grifo 32 tubular offers a highly versatile tread that works well in a variety of conditions

© James Huang/Cyclingnews.com