Features Road Steel conquers mud By James Huang published 9 December 2008 Aluminum and carbon fibre machines may dominate the cross racing landscape but legendary... Image 1 of 29Custom 'PegoRichie' tubing is made by Columbus(Image credit: James Huang)Richard Sachs/CYBC team bikes are also equipped with steel forks.(Image credit: James Huang)The tube diameters may look unusually small as compared to aluminum(Image credit: James Huang)The bottom bracket lug includes a built-in chain stay bridge(Image credit: James Huang)Alie Kenzer's Richard Sachs Signature Cyclocross bucks the trend with its 100 percent steel frame and fork construction.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Custom 'PegoRichie' tubing is made by Columbus and brazed into short point lugs of Sachs' own design.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Richard Sachs/CYBC team bikes are also equipped with steel forks.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The tube diameters may look unusually small as compared to aluminum but it's an inherently stiffer material so they'd have to be as big to yield the same effect.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)There are no fancy s-bends to be found here; just four purposeful straight tubes of custom Columbus butted steel tubing.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The bottom bracket lug includes a built-in chain stay bridge integrated right into the casting for a little extra rigidity.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The seat stay bridge is brazed-on separately and is well in keeping with the overall aesthetic.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The seat lug is particularly trick.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Top tube cable routing keeps everything out of the way.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The Sachs fork crown was recently updated with slightly wider spacing and deeper sockets for a more robust joint and improved brake pad clearance.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The head tube includes a modest 18mm extension to correct for threadless headsets' shorter stack heights.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The timeless red, white and yellow finish is applied by renowned painter Joe Bell.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Rival is technically SRAM's entry-level group but its performance isn't far off from the top-end Red and it's easily offers the highest value of the lineup.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Rear shift performance is fast, precise and robust thanks to a more forgiving cable pull ratio and the unique Exact Actuation derailleur geometry.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The OG-1070 cassette is heavier than the OG-1090 but it's far more tolerant of mud.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Team rider Alie Kenzer's bike was set up here with a single ring but most team riders use a double.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The Wippermann Connex stainless steel chain is held on with a Salsa Crossing Guard and N-Gear Jump Stop.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)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.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Challenge's Grifo 32 tubular offers a highly versatile tread that works well in a variety of conditions.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Cane Creek SCX-5 cantilevers are fitted with Kool-Stop pads that have been cut down to allow the arms to open up further.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Crankbrothers Candy pedals are a popular choice for 'cross.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The traditional handlebar bend retains a close reach up top but allows riders to stretch their arms a bit more in the drops.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)The Selle San Marco Aspide saddle is wrapped in red just for Sachs.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Oval Concepts provides the lightweight and reliable R700 aluminum bar and stem.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)Sachs is still an active racer himself finishing an impressive second place finish (Masters 55+) on day one of this year's Mercer Cup.(Image credit: Anthony Skorochod)Pro bikes, December 9, 2008Alie Kenzer’s Richard Sachs CYBC SignatureGet The Leadout NewsletterThe latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*Join now for unlimited accessEnjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Join now Already have an account ? 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