Speed, the Sweet Life and a Tri-Composite Sarto Raso

The Sarto HQ is an unassuming industrial-esque block surrounded on two sides by open pastures. It’s strangely beautiful. But then, I like factories.

After a brief tour to say quick hellos, Tommaso and I took a short walk up the street to grab a bite at Sarto’s local family-run cafe. Even now, my mouth waters as I recall the flavors and the feel of the place, from my simple plate of shrimp pasta to the thirst-quenching local beer and the robust dessert espresso we imbibed at the end of our meal amidst the easy patter of Italian. There’s nothing quite like being in a foreign country and experiencing life’s simple pleasures, the excitement of a new place, the people and their prideful work.

Saying so long to that cafe was not easy, but we eventually returned to the Sarto factory, where I pulled out my cycling kit and got on the Fit bike. Owner Enrico, whom many of you got to meet at our Regroup in the Desert event, arrived to greet me and ask about my fit. I’d sent some data from my last fit of a few years past, and through a series of broken English back and forths, Enrico made clear that he didn’t love some of the measurements. Instead of holding to a snapshot of my form, I gave the team full autonomy to make the Sarto Raso bicycle that they’d want to ride, free from bias from me, previous fits, and my ever-growing collection of road bikes in the fleet at home. “You guys are the experts!” I said. “Build me the perfect Sarto.”

With the bike shoes back in their bag, we looked at several carbon samples and spent time on the factory floor, where I watched as the team transformed sheets of carbon into works of art. You’ll notice when you see my new frame the blue thread that weaves through the tubes in different places. Sarto calls this their Tri-Composite fiber, or TC for short. It’s a composite fiber infused with metal filaments, a confluence of Japanese and Italian engineering. It comes in blue, green and red versions, which feature copper, and a titanium version, which comes in grey. Another fun fact: did you know that carbon is stored in a freezer to retain its pliability? I thought it would be the opposite.

After a less exciting drive back (thank goodness) to Venice proper, I took the ferry to the islands and enjoyed a sunset stroll before my flight back to London. It was quite a different experience from the stormy and rainy days I spent with my wife in Venice the year prior. This time, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the charm of old Venice shone through in all its historic elegance. Despite my return flight being delayed numerous times once I returned to the airport, fellow Regrouper Pete, who lives in London and makes this trip regularly, assured me that it would all work out, and he was right.

It was an incredibly long day but one that I won’t soon forget. If you’re in Europe this summer and wonder if a day trip to Sarto is possible, I can confirm it is. And it’s worth it! For those looking to make a special trip to see Sarto from the States, why not let us arrange your Sarto Experience? We can liaise with the Sarto team to ensure your visit goes smoothly. And once you’re back in the States, we can pick up where you left off, receive your geo and specs from the factory, talk through your build and bring your dream bike to life.