Bike Check: 44 Bikes builds Richard Sachs Wife’s “The Lovely Deb” a Do All Bike

@Steve – I’m sure she’s got a quiver by RS already. And he DOES have a multi-year (12? 15?) waitlist already from paying customers…

Are those Stan’s Iron Cross wheels with the decals peeled off? The rims look super clean without a braking surface or logos.

Should have opted for a short-cage XO mech over the WiFli derailleur.

Ok, nondrop setup requested, but yet those are drop bars are they not? Also he said a Maltese was gonna ride with her so I assume they decided it’d be better in a rear rack, because it doesn’t have a front one.

Thanks for the kind words as well as the critical. It was wonderful to collaborate with Richard to build his wife a bicycle for all seasons and conditions.

Regarding the initial spec: when Richard first contacted me, the build was originally to be a surprise. But as the conversation progressed, it was evident and crucial that we include her in the conversation. This is when the build turned into what you see above. What she really wanted was a drop bar, tig welded, modern “road” bike. And it was evident that she would be using it for a variety of purposes, so versatility was on the top of the list. What’s wonderful about working with clients can be how the build takes shape as the conversation takes place. What was originally envisioned can sometimes turn into something exactly as stated or something completely different.

It’s my job to listen to what the client wants, and deliver what they need. This build was no exception.

Regarding concerns of missing teeth with accuracy of cuts w/ hole saws: I take quality, precision and process very seriously. Precision of miters (in this case chainstay’s to dropout) has a bit more to do with the accuracy of your setup, tooling used and methodology deployed. Rate of feed, speed of spindle, roundness and sharpness of the hole saw have a bit more to do with the precision of the actual miter itself. The faster the feed and speed, the more likely the hole saw is to grab the tube, tear it. As some have mentioned, the hole saw in the picture is missing teeth (2 teeth to be exact in succession). Due to the sharpness and roundness of the entirety of the hole saw, this is still ok in my book due to the slower feed and slower spindle speeds I typically use. Hole saws have a lifespan like any consumable. That one in particular is still very much sharp and round, and I have many more when I feel as though it no longer is fit for the job.

My best – Kris @ 44 Bikes

Beautiful build and beautiful setup. Custom builds at the end of the day do have to be a work between the builder and client and I think this elaborates that wonderfully.

Also, I love it when the designers/fabricators/owners comment on articles about their products!

very nice frame. clean build. (also glad to see that ugly enve logo missing on the fork)