The Pinnacle of Custom Cycling Comes to Chainsmith

For discerning cyclists, the pursuit of perfection is a journey—one that now leads to Chainsmith, where we proudly introduce Sarto Bikes to Australia. While Sarto has graced our shores before, Chainsmith offers an unparalleled experience: a comprehensive, data-driven fitting process ensuring every Sarto bike is not just custom-built but custom-fitted for optimal performance and longevity.

The Heritage of Sarto: Crafting Frames in the Heart of Italy

Founded in the 1950s by Antonio Sarto and his brothers, Sarto began as a humble workshop in Veneto, Italy. Over decades, it evolved into a beacon of Italian cycling artistry, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Today, under the guidance of Antonio's son, Enrico, Sarto continues to handcraft bespoke carbon fibre frames, each a testament to their enduring legacy.

At Chainsmith, our passion lies in connecting riders with bikes that embody more than performance—they embody future and achievement.

When we (David Piacenti and Alison McGregor) first encountered Sarto, what initially captivated us was not just the intense beauty of the frames but the performance drive behind each build. Here was a company that didn’t merely assemble bikes—they crafted racing machines driven by relentless curiosity and precision. As Enrico Sarto himself says, “Even after more than 60 years, we don’t go a day without asking ourselves how to improve our products.”

It is the continuous pursuit of perfection, combined with the aesthetic mastery of Sarto’s finishes, that we know will resonate with Australian cyclists. So the choice to add Sarto to our stable was an easy one. It wasn’t just a decision—it was a natural alignment of shared values: a commitment to performance, beauty, and the endless quest to elevate the cycling experience.

Total Control: The Sarto Workshop Philosophy

At Sarto, every frame is born from a meticulous in-house process. From sourcing premium carbon fibre to the final paintwork, each step is executed within their Venetian workshop. This complete control ensures unparalleled quality and allows for bespoke customization, tailoring each frame to the rider's unique specifications.

At Chainsmith, we believe in being transparent about the hands that shape your bike. In today’s world of mass production and faceless assembly lines, it matters—who builds your bike matters. When a frame passes through a multitude of unknown factories, much is lost in translation. But at Sarto, every stage—from carbon layup to the final finish—is handled under one roof, by a team whose sole focus is craftsmanship and precision.

For us, this in-house manufacture means more than just quality control. It means that as a rider, you build a relationship with your bike, knowing the exact journey it took from raw carbon fibre to the final masterpiece beneath you. It’s about honouring the craftspeople whose skills have been honed over decades, supporting an artisanal skillset that keeps traditions alive.

And there’s another layer we value deeply: keeping things local within the workshop reduces waste, unnecessary transport, and overproduction. It’s a model that’s sustainable for the earth, preserving the craft while being mindful of our impact on the planet.

For Chainsmith, partnering with Sarto means we can confidently introduce you to the true story behind your bike—the hands that shaped it, the minds that engineered it, and the care embedded at every stage.

Engineering Mastery: What Makes a Sarto Unique

Sarto’s dedication to engineering excellence is apparent in every frame they produce. Employing tube-to-tube construction, Sarto handcrafts each frame to the rider’s exact specifications, achieving the perfect balance of stiffness, compliance, and responsiveness. This meticulous approach allows for custom carbon layup tuning, ensuring each bike performs precisely as intended—whether designed for race aggression, climbing prowess, or endurance comfort.

In their constant quest for advancement, Sarto have recently integrated forged carbon into selected models. Distinct from traditional woven carbon fibre, forged carbon is formed by compressing short, chopped fibres with resin under intense pressure. This process creates complex shapes with enhanced strength-to-weight ratios, particularly effective in areas subject to high stress, such as the bottom bracket and head tube.

For the rider, this translates to a frame with improved structural integrity, offering greater power transfer, precision handling, and refined ride quality. The benefit is a more responsive and stable experience, especially under demanding conditions where control and efficiency are paramount.

At Chainsmith, we deeply respect this fusion of material innovation and artisan craftsmanship. Sarto’s adoption of forged carbon reflects their ongoing commitment to enhancing performance while retaining the bespoke, hand-built ethos that sets them apart. This is not technology for technology’s sake—it is purposeful refinement, crafted to elevate every aspect of your ride.

The Finish: A Testament to Perfection

Beyond performance, Sarto frames are renowned for their impeccable finish. Each frame undergoes a meticulous painting process, resulting in a flawless, durable, and visually stunning product. Whether you prefer a classic aesthetic or a bold statement, Sarto's in-house paint shop brings your vision to life with precision and artistry.

Chainsmith’s Fitting Philosophy: Where Precision Meets Purpose

At Chainsmith, we believe that a bike's true potential is unlocked through your perfect bike fit. Our comprehensive fitting sessions in our IdMatch bike fit Lab, analyse biomechanics, riding style, and personal goals to ensure your Sarto frame complements your physique and aspirations. This dedication not only enhances immediate performance but also promotes long-term cycling comfort and endurance.

Sarto + Chainsmith: A Partnership for Australian Cyclists

By uniting Sarto's Italian craftsmanship with Chainsmith's fitting expertise, we offer Australian cyclists an unmatched bespoke experience. Each Sarto bike from Chainsmith is more than a purchase—it's a collaboration, a commitment to excellence, and a companion for your cycling journey.

Begin Your Custom Journey

Ready to experience the synergy of Italian artistry and Australian precision? Book a consultation with Chainsmith today or fill out your Best Bike Recommendation below, and embark on the path to your perfect ride.