The Pinnacle of Custom Cycling Comes to Chainsmith

For years, cyclists across Europe and the United States have enjoyed exceptional access to not only some of the world’s finest hand-built bikes, but also the full spectrum of bike fitting services—ensuring they receive the very best in frame quality paired with the highest levels of personal tailoring. But now, that pursuit of perfection leads closer to home. At Chainsmith, we are proud to introduce Sarto Bikes to Australia, offering custom Italian craftsmanship with our comprehensive fitting expertise, right here in Sydney. While Sarto has graced our shores before, Chainsmith offers an unparalleled experience: a comprehensive, data-driven Idmatch 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. The Sarto Lampo Plus stands as a prime example—the world's first customised aero-optimised race bike designed for those who seek speed without compromise, combining wind-tunnel-tested shapes with the responsiveness that only a handmade frame can deliver. 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.” This spirit of continuous refinement is embodied in every Sarto frame, and it’s what inspired us to bring these exceptional machines to Australian cyclists.

Sarto Lampo Plus: Custom Formed tubes and unique triple-edged rib to improve air-flow

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 those venturing beyond the tarmac, the Sarto Seta Gravel TC exemplifies what in-house control means for riders seeking adventure-ready performance. Designed for stability and responsiveness across varied terrain, this gravel model showcases Sarto’s ability to apply their carbon expertise to the growing demand for custom gravel machines. By managing every stage of production, Sarto ensures that even their most rugged builds offer the refinement, durability, and comfort expected from a handcrafted Italian frame.

For riders ready to explore the untamed landscapes of Australia, such as the Munda Biddi Trail, the Sarto Seta Gravel TC stands as a testament to how custom craftsmanship elevates gravel riding. With its tailored geometry, clearance for wider tyres, and Sarto’s meticulous carbon layup tuning, the Seta Gravel TC offers the perfect balance of stability, comfort, and performance across unpredictable terrains. Crafted entirely in-house, every Seta Gravel TC is built to handle the demands of Australia’s diverse landscapes. Whether for a spirited SEVEN Gravel Race or Wiseman Ferry explorations, the Seta Gravel TC embodies Sarto’s philosophy of creating bikes that perform flawlessly, wherever the road—or trail—takes you.

Sarto Seta Gravel TC packed with technology to have you sailing over any terrain

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.

Adding to their engineering distinction is the option of Sarto’s TC (Tri-Composite) technology. By integrating metallic fibres into the carbon layup, the TC models deliver enhanced vibration damping without sacrificing stiffness or power transfer. Where standard carbon frames offer a more direct, race-tuned experience, TC variants introduce an additional layer of compliance, making them ideal for riders covering longer distances or riding across variable road surfaces. It’s this level of material innovation that ensures Sarto can tailor each frame to meet a rider’s exact performance needs.

Every Sarto frame begins with locally sourced unidirectional carbon fibre, carefully selected for its strength-to-weight properties. By layering the carbon in specific orientations, Sarto fine-tunes the ride characteristics of each build. Reinforced junctions—such as the bottom bracket and head tube—receive precise layering, enhancing power transfer and handling precision where it matters most. This commitment to craftsmanship and engineering integrity ensures each frame delivers lasting performance and an unmistakable ride feel. The benefit is a more responsive and stable experience, especially under demanding conditions where control and efficiency are paramount.

Take the Sarto Seta Plus TC, for instance—Sarto’s answer to the demands of endurance cyclists who require both speed and comfort over long distances. The Seta Plus TC features subtle aero shaping and a compliant carbon layup. The Tri Composite carbon fibre takes comfort to a new level, and along with it being custom-tuned for each rider, the Seta Plus TC offers a fusion of stiffness and vibration dampening. Structural integrity and comfort perfectly maintained with performative lightness is a testament to Sarto’s continuous pursuit of engineering excellence.

Sarto Seta Plus TC. Extraodinary carbon exposed to exhibit the skilled workmanship

At Chainsmith, we deeply respect this fusion of material innovation and artisan craftsmanship. Sarto 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 SARTO Raso, An exceptional feel made with locally sourced unidirectional carbon fibre

For riders seeking the perfect balance between race-ready aggression and long-distance capability, the Sarto Raso offers an impressive blend of aerodynamics, stiffness, and comfort. Designed to perform across varied terrains with up to a 35mm tyre capacity—whether sprinting on the flats or climbing the rolling hills of Australia’s unpredictable landscape—the Raso proves that versatility doesn’t mean compromise. Its geometry delivers responsiveness and stability, tailored through Sarto’s signature carbon layup process, ensuring a ride that feels as good on rougher roads as it does on smooth tarmac.

Sarto Raso TC: Styled like no other and impressive technology make this a perfect bike

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.

And then there’s the Sarto Asola, an ultralight climber’s dream. Weighing in with a sub-700g frame, the Asola is not only technically refined but aesthetically flawless. The finish on the Asola, like every Sarto, is nothing short of remarkable—each frame receiving personalised paintwork that’s both beautiful and protective. It exemplifies how Sarto’s artisanal touch ensures that performance and beauty are never mutually exclusive. A climbing frame must meet minimal weight standards, and the refined paintwork of the Asola is no exception.

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.