Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Silca, originally established in 1917 by Felice Sacchi on the outskirts of Milan, Italy, has a rich history of pioneering achievements. From its early days, Silca has introduced groundbreaking advancements that have shaped the cycling industry.

It was the first company to incorporate gauges on pumps and in the aftermath of World War II, Silca embraced lightweight plastic, a revolutionary material at the time.

Silca also launched the industry’s first valve-controlled CO2 inflator, pushing the boundaries of functionality and convenience.

In 2013 the grandson of Felice Sacchi sold the company to Joshua Poertner and the following year, the company headquarters and manufacturing moved to Indianapolis in the USA.

La Dolce Vita: Silca SuperPista Review

La Dolce Vita: Silca SuperPista Review

These Silca pumps attract a fair amount of derision for their price and seemingly opulent construction. But due to my respect for the brand and its story, I’ve been very keen to compare the SuperPista to my seven-year-old plastic track pump.

Gear: Silca Artist Edition Richard Sachs Pump

Gear: Silca Artist Edition Richard Sachs

The cyclocross team of Richard Sachs is not only very capable, it is also one of the best looking on the circuit — thanks in no small part to the design sensibilities of House Industries, and the skill of Sach’s longtime frame painter: Joe Bell.

Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Gear: SILCA HX-One

Some of my most treasured possessions are my grandfather’s woodworking tools, not only because they still work reliably, but for the chips and nicks in…