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Pro bike: Alie Kenzer’s Richard Sachs

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

  • 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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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

© James Huang/Cyclingnews.com