With the history we share with Max behind us, it's time to visit the story of Max and his new bike:

As a late bloomer in the slightly more "serious" world of cycling (not the BMX cruising I did going to school as a kid), I was oblivious to world of custom bicycles. As I became more immersed in the cycling culture I discovered the beauty of the bespoke bicycle.

On my first trip to NAHBS in Richmond VA (2010?), I saw Richard's bicycles in person. Something completely different than what most of the show was about (all the newest bells and whistles, tapered this, oversized that, etc.) which really intrigued me. I saw something I have lusted for ever since ...

Fast-forward 6 years and many bikes in between, this 1983 Sachs road (#973) came up on the internet chopping block. After two emails between Richard and I, it was on it's way to California from Connecticut.

Unpacking it was something special. I could see the shiny paint peak out between layer upon layer of bubble wrap. It could not have taken any longer! I really had to be careful with the knife as to not damage it before it's first ride.