Today's installment checks in from Stumptown (Portland, Oregon), land of coffee beans and bikes. And when it comes to cycles most talk turns to Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles.
Spreading faster than a fire through old growth PNW forest, White has stood the custom cycle world on its ear. Sacha blends function with jewel-like ornate detail, eye candy with time-tested practicality. They say God is in the details... one then could only presume God would more than likely ride a Vanilla. Sacha White in his own words...
1. How old are you?
I'm 28
2. Where were you born?
I was born in Longmont, Colorado (outside of Boulder)
3. What's your earliest memory of a bicycle or something bicycle related?
Crashes! I remember it was a Sunday and my family had friends over for brunch. My dad decided to teach me to ride. He started me on a down hill, and I kept crashing into the same pile of branches. I ran home so pissed. I also remember riding home from swim team practice on my new bike with hand brakes. I was going fast down hill and pulled the front brake instead of the rear, was catapulted and slid on my chest. There was tons of blood. Another time I was riding with my brother. He was pulling wheelies and his front wheel dropped out and...
4. What was your first cycle?
A small red Schwinn cruiser.
5. How about first "high-end" cycle?
Well I had a Schwinn Le Tour or something which was not high end, but my dad had a Record equipped Paramount from the sixties in the shed. One by one I took every part off of the Paramount and had the LBS install it on my Le Tour (I'm sitting here shaking my head and laughing right now)
6. Did (does) your family (parents, siblings, etc) ride also?
My dad rides a couple hundred miles a week. My brother rides some. My mom would ride to the farmers market and to dance class if I built a bike for her.
7. Did you like to tinker with bikes back then?
Yes, and I liked to hang around the bike shop. I loved the smell of Tri Flow and inner tubes and I still do.
8. Did you ever work in a Bike Shop... if so, where/how long?
Not really. I helped out at friend's shop, but never for money.
9. Have you ever done any organized racing?
Yes. I did some road racing when I was younger (like nine) then more road racing in the past eight years and lots of 'Cross.
10. How about cyclo-touring?
Some
11. What job(s) did you have before frame building and also-do you have any other job currently besides frame building?
I build full time. Before that I was a messenger for four years. Before that I was a baker, Barista and cook.
12. When did you start building?
In '99
13. Who would you say is your greatest influence in designing & frame building?
Hmmm... From a design aspect, I don't know. From a craft aspect, I am influenced by the standard for "great" that some builders have set. Mark Dinucci is one. He was building in the Northwest in the 70's. I have seen a few of his frames and one without paint. Every last detail was super tight. I would say perfect. Tom Kellogg and J P Weigle come to mind and some of the Japanese builders too when I think of setting a standard for me to aspire to.
14. Did you apprentice... if so, with who?
I did not apprentice, but I did build my first frame with Tim Paterek. It was a great starting point.
15. What's your idea of the "perfect cycle" regardless if you built it or not?
I think single speed cross bike (maybe with couplers). Simple, efficient, durable, goes anywhere...
16. Shooting a guess... how many frames would you say you've built?
200-250
17. Any cycles out there that you secretly wished, "Darn, I wish I'd built that!"?
Not that I wish I had built it, but Weigle's stuff has made my jaw drop. Dinucci too.
18. Your idea of the perfect client?
My perfect customer is someone who knows what they like, will talk to me about it and then cut me loose. I really love building for real people too. People who are going to ride and love the hell out of their bike. The working class of bike riders. It is special to me when a customer is having me build a sort of companion for them. That makes me want to build a bike with my heart and soul.
19. What defines a nightmare client in your experience?
Errr... I don't think I want to go there :)
20. Any words of advice to up & coming frame builders?
Make sure your tubes, etc are super clean. Get a good preheat. There is a lot of hard (detailed) work involved, but it is very satisfying.
21. What do you find most funny or peculiar (in a kind way-not brutal) about the cycle-buying public... what don't they get or aren't they seeing?
Primal Wear.
22. What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?
I think the bar has been set pretty low.
23. What cycle don't you have anymore that you wished you did?
I wish I had my dad's old Record equipped Paramount that I stole the parts from.
24. What cycle do you currently ride most, even if it wasn't built by you?
I ride my one speed cross bike that I built with Tim Paterek. My first bike.
25. When did you last ride your bike and for how far?
This morning about 5 miles.
26. What's your idea of the perfect ride?
Soft dirt trails on a road, cross or mountainbike. Good climbs when I'm in shape. I really like city riding too.
27. Could you ever see yourself being Car Free... just using mass-transportation and your bike to get around?
My family has been car free since August of 04. My shop is a mile away from home and my daughter's school is right there too. Our lifestyle is set up so everything is within a couple of miles. It was intimidating at first but it is cake now.
28. Why do you think so many folks have romanticized bicycles & bicycling?
I don't feel like I do, so I guess I don't know.
29. Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?
When I quit messengering and started building fulltime (about four years ago) I was excited about finding another hobby, because building bikes was officially my occupation. That hasn't happened though. Bikes are still my passion. I can see getting into wood working. I would like to build a wooden boat.
30. If you could say one thing to Lance Armstrong what would it be?
Richard isn't buying it ;)
31. In a pinch... McDonalds or Burger King?
Neither
32. What kind of shampoo did you last use?
Soap
33. Favorite libation: wine, beer or fire water?
Good coffee first and foremost! I also like Belgian Trappist-style Ales, and Stouts and Porters. Even PBR sometimes. It is down right refreshing.
34. Even though there seems to be a real tradition to it-what do you think of folks who spend more time setting up their cycle with just the right color saddle, bar tape, bags, hoods, etc than actually riding or at least commenting on the ride?
I used to messenger on a 9 speed Dura Ace-equipped road bike. My justification was essentially "ride what you will enjoy riding" as fancy or as crappy as it is. I think the ultimate tragedy is a fantastic bike that doesn't get used.
35. Did you go to college... if so, what was your major?
No I didn't, but I can see myself in school for industrial design some day.
36. Your favorite music while working (if any)?
Oh, I have been listening to Journey's greatest hits, some other 80's music, good hip hop, Gypsy Kings, Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse...
37. If you had it to do all over again... would you be building cycles?
Yes, if everything fell into place again.
38. What's your favorite lunch food during a work day in the shop?
Burritos and espresso.
39. When it's all said & done-what kind of legacy will you hope to have left behind?
I want for someone 40 years from now to see a Vanilla when all of the paint has fallen off, and to say "Oh my god that is TIGHT!" or whatever the kids are saying in forty years.
40. How can folks get in touch with you to order a custom cycle?
www.vanillabicycles.com
[email protected]
971.570.3244
Damn, I looked at his web site and now I have to clean the drool out of my keyboard. If I still lived in Seattle I'd have to make a trip down to drool in person.
Posted by: Jeff | May 10, 2005 at 08:09 AM
I have been wanting a Vanilla for some time now, and this just cemented my decision! It's time for me to start my Vanilla bicycle fund. I really have enjoyed reading the questionnaires--the builders are as varied as their bicycles and are true craftsmen. Thanks to Large Fella!
Posted by: Tracy | May 10, 2005 at 08:51 AM
A genius. The dropouts alone make the case. The coordinated brilliance of the rest of the bike seals the verdict. If his bikes work, and if he does not burn out, his custom American lightweights should be the accepted world standard for design within five years (IMO, they already are, but such awareness takes time to trickle down). He should not go to design school, except to seek tenure and pension. Protect his talent from them. They can ruin it in a degree program. What they know, he can learn auditing and reading. What he knows, they only wish they knew. If he wants to out do Phillipe Starck, or Michael Graves, I would trust him to design a toaster or a yacht right now.
Posted by: Don | May 10, 2005 at 09:40 AM
Those bikes are beautiful. And, he has my favorite answer for number 22:
22. What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?
I think the bar has been set pretty low.
But, what's up with "My mom would ride to the farmers market and to dance class if I built a bike for her."? We simply must be missing part of the story there! ;)
Posted by: nathan | May 10, 2005 at 11:04 AM
He's really talented, and for such a young guy his skills are right up there with any of 'em. The dropouts are great, his single speed and fixie bikes are just the bees knees.
Posted by: fixedgear | May 10, 2005 at 02:21 PM
Since I was introduced to Vanilla's website about a year ago I have held firmly the belief that Sacha White is right up there with the Sachs, Goodrich's, Weigle's, etc. And at such a young age. I can't wait to see what comes of Vanilla in the years to come. I can't wait until I can afford to put down a deposit.
TG
MO
Posted by: Todd Guess | May 10, 2005 at 09:33 PM
You know, I know jack about Vanilla, but I see Sacha's bikes around town, and they totally fill me with lust. Oh my g-d, they are so gorgeous. I gotta go check out the website now. Thank you!
Posted by: vj | May 11, 2005 at 08:17 AM
Sacha built me a bike in 2004. It was my personal present to me on a "significant" birthday. If the devil is in the details, then that bike is unholy - it's a wonder. I like to sit and stare at it. He's a master.
Posted by: terry b | May 11, 2005 at 10:12 AM
I went to the Vanilla site and about wet myself.
I need to win the lottery.
Posted by: Lambo | May 11, 2005 at 02:59 PM
#29 "I would like to build a wooden boat."
its the best thing I ever did. Nothing like the handmade beauty in a wooden craft. Much the same as seeing a fine bicycle for me. Wow!
Posted by: spanky | May 15, 2005 at 06:17 PM
I am the fortunate and proud owner of the double-paneled, green Vanilla touring bike that is featured on the Vanilla website as Touring Bike #1. Sacha is a brilliant bike builder and my bike is proof of his skills and talent.
I would suggest to any potential customer that you tell Sacha what you would like in general terms (type of bike, specs, desired components, etc.) and then give him wide latitude to be creative in designing and building your bike. He is so very easy to work with.
I can't wait to get another Vanilla.
Posted by: Tom B | May 17, 2005 at 07:04 PM
#19. Sacha, thanks for being discrete on that one. But it's ok to take a shot at me. I probably deserve it. :)
Posted by: Michael | May 24, 2005 at 12:00 PM
HA HA HA...LOL Mike!
Posted by: sacha | May 24, 2005 at 10:24 PM
One thing Sacha has to do more often is to focus on how his lovely gems RIDE...I mean they have all the gorgeous bike drool you could wish for: i just would love to read some reviews of how his bikes RIDE...I have no doubt that would help his sales even more (not that he needs it, I'm sure).
Cheers and happy riding.
Joe
Posted by: joe | July 20, 2005 at 04:48 PM
Although mr. vanilla does produce work that works and looks good, and is totally functional, I would like to say that mr. vanilla, like other "master" of the investment cast and plugandplay drop outs are but a third of the Master Craftsman that sculpted true master pieces from steel stamped lugs, and maybe sandcast bottombrackets. Remember those?
If mr. vanilla follows this path, then we will have another bright yet hollow star like mr. e-ritche...
blessings and peace,
mr.stampedlugs...
Posted by: Mr.Stampedlug | August 17, 2005 at 11:17 PM
ps.
yo investment cast asses (plural) better thank your painters for the good looks!
suckers!
Posted by: Mr.Stampedlug | August 17, 2005 at 11:20 PM
"Although mr. vanilla does produce work that works and looks good, and is totally functional, I would like to say that mr. vanilla, like other "master" of the investment cast and plugandplay drop outs are but a third of the Master Craftsman that sculpted true master pieces from steel stamped lugs, and maybe sandcast bottombrackets. Remember those?
If mr. vanilla follows this path, then we will have another bright yet hollow star like mr. e-ritche...
blessings and peace,
mr.stampedlugs..."
what/
! are they giving away laptops again?
it's a shame that you can infer so little
and sit behind anonymity. you haven't a
clue what you are talking about...
e-RICHIE
Posted by: | August 18, 2005 at 07:45 AM
I haven't heard anything about who paints these bikes - does Sacha paint them?
Props to the painter, whoever that may be.
p.s. did anyone see the paint details on the seat post of touring bike #4 on the vanilla site? nice touch.
Posted by: Josh | August 28, 2005 at 07:34 PM
Sacha makes his own custom stainless lugs. he miters them , welds them and grinds smooth and then they get polished. He is also doing Vanilla downtube logos in stainless, which are brazed directly to the frame and then polished. The bike I saw this work done on is at his painter's shop, Acme. Sacha is always pushing himself to do something new. The website and pictures tell about half the story.
Posted by: Mark Veno | September 10, 2005 at 09:30 PM
I didn't get a chance to meet Sacha himself, although I did see him at the NAHMBS in San Jose. I DID talk to Ben who works with him. Vanilla bicycles are beautiful and their work is impeccable. Sacha is one of a small handfull of builders starting to make Longtails, and after the NAHMBS, the race is tight between him and Scott Dion of Fraser Cycles. The Vanilla guys are funny, friendly and though they haven't built anything for me (yet), I imagine they are wonderful to work with.
Posted by: Ian Hopper | March 21, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Do you know Mark DiNucci is still around? If not, he has been down in the Sisters area, but comes to Portland often and stays with his Mom....
Posted by: Rodger Lance | July 10, 2007 at 03:55 PM