Charles, It will be interesting to see what the man himself says, but I think your being simplistic in Sach's influences. He has said many times that the bike industry has not been an influence since the early 80's. The latest credit of influence I have heard him give was of undecaled Nagasawa frames at the New York bike show. It's also pretty clear that Sachs was inspired to improve his construction techniques and execution, something the Italians were not generally doing in the mid to late 70's into the 80's. I think it's all in the archives.
Jonathan Greene Oviedo FL
In a message dated 2/27/2006 3:14:32 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, chasds@mindspring.com writes:
I have to disagree. Richard Sachs was inspired by Masi. Period. And for a long time. I'm sure other builders had an influence, but Masi was primary. No doubt he'll correct me off-list if I'm wrong. I'll so report if he does.
Just take a look at Sachs' frames, from the mid-70s on. They look like Masis. A little more performance-oriented than the GC, but very much an italian-style frame.