slowgoing
new member
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 9
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I'm considering getting a custom lugged steel frame and fork. I have been looking at a Serotta CSI and a Spectrum steel. What would be the advantages of each? Thanks.
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terry
new member
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 47
Loc: Southeastern MA
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ridden both-no advantage/disadvantage to either. both beautifully made, impecible manners and stunning pieces of art. i went with serotta for the simple reason i liked the aesthetics of the shaped/swaged tubing. both can make anything you want. the choices are agonizing, isn't. godd luck-you can't lose.
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MichaelKatz
friend
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 26
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I have a 2003 CSI and a 2003 Spectrum Superlight Ti. While the latter is not steel, it did give me the experience of dealing with Tom and Jeff at Spectrum and I did have the opportunity to see several Spectrum steel frames in various stages of completion while visiting the Barn. Here are my thoughts. The CSI is a very fine bike and I enjoy it very much. However, Serotta is really deemphasizing its involvement with lugged steel and focusing more on ti and ti/carbon. In contrast, steel is still at the heart of what Spectrum is all about. From what I observed and from speaking to Tom, Jeff and Spectrum steel owners, a Spectrum steel continues to represent the finest in the art of custom steel frame fabrication. The lug work, hand shaping and finishing of a Spectrum steel frame are frankly superior in terms of attention to detail and artistry. In addition, when dealing with Spectrum, you work directly with Tom to achieve exactly the fit and design that will meet your needs and desires. You can also custom design your paint scheme from almost an unlimited number of options. Having a steel frame built by Spectrum is as personalized and individualized a process as you can get since you are dealing directly with the fitter, designer, fabricator, finisher and painter. Plus when you compare prices, well price out a CSI compared to a Spectrum steel (frame, fork, headset, and paint) and draw your own conclusions.
So why did I get a CSI? The answer is kind of goofy and smacks of conspicous excess. In the aftermath of a serious car accident, I decided to get a Spectrum as a reaffirmation of the joy of life. After speaking and meeting with Tom, I concluded that a ti frame would best suit my riding style and needs so I ordered my Superlight. I have a very close relationship with my LBS that has evolved into a meaningful friendship. They had just become a Serotta dealer and I knew they would be hurt when they discovered I bought the Superlight instead of a Serotta ti. I always had wanted a fine steel bike so I decided to sell another bike I had and use the proceeds plus some more of the accident money to buy the CSI as a "second" bike. I don't regret having done so for a minute. The CSI is a wonderful bike. But when the time comes that I am ready to buy a steel frame that represents the finest in hand crafted workmanship and artistry that is available in custon steel, I have no doubt that I'll be taking another trip to Spectrum.
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slowgoing
new member
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 9
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Very helpful, guys, thanks. Putting a personal fitting by Tom Kellogg into he mix really kind of tips the scales by itself, doesn't it?
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terry
new member
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 47
Loc: Southeastern MA
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yes it does. i did it with peter mooney-a small boston builder-in 1980-and i still have that bike. many have come and gone over the years but i'll never sell that mooney-it's got, by my estimation, over 60K miles on it-just last year i put 1k miles on it. i still love the feel of that bike. i'm sure you will too with whatever you go with, but you'll never forget the experience of a one-on-one with the builder/designer.
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 42
Loc: NC
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Great post MichaelKatz and very informative. These are the type comments I look for when thinking about a bike purchase. Is it mandatory to visit the Spectrum shop when purchase a frame for the first time or, can they work from the fitting numbers from a local bike shop?
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MichaelKatz
friend
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 26
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There are a number of Spectrum owners, who have posted on the old Spectrum forum, who bought their frames "long distance" from Spectrum and are very pleased with the results. While a face to face meeting with Tom is ideal, not everyone lives in the geographic proximity that permits a visit to the shop. In such cases I would recommend downloading the custom fitting form from the Spectrum website and then calling Tom to discuss exactly how he wants the measurements made. Then go to an LBS with lots of custom experience to have the measurements made. Equally important, take your existing bike with you and have the shop take measurements of top tube, seat tube, head tube, stem, bar width, crank length etc and dig up the specs on seat and head tube angles. Then stick your bike in a trainer and ride it for a half an hour with the shop taking a load of pictures of you from the front, both sides, rear etc as you ride. Tom is not a rigid "by the numbers" static fitter and designer. He stresses dynamic fitting where biomechanics and anatomical functioning play a significant role in the final design specs. Once he has all of this, give him a call and arrange to talk with him about your needs, desires, riding style, the stuff you sent him, all of your questions, all of his. Tom is as accessible a guy as you could imagine. From the comments made by those who have done it "long distance", if you are willing to take the time and effort, you'll end up with a frame that matches you as if you had done it in person.
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