volga1943
new member
Reged: 01/19/06
Posts: 1
Loc: Ohio!
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I'm simply seeking an honest answer to my question regarding Serotta's fanbase (I'm refering here to steel frames - I know nothing about Ben Serotta's Carbon, Aluminum or Titanium frames). I've had two Serottas (one I still ride on occaison): a Club Special and a Nova Special X. Both of these bikes were nice looking and responsive. However, I wouldn't have purchased either of them on my own if my team at the time hadn't issued the frames at below cost. Serottas are expensive and, based on my experience as a rider and mechanic, I've seen quite a few crack. Fork brazing is very often mediocre at best. I've ridden bikes in the same price range and class (no worse than Serotta by any means) and I've ridden what most of you would call beaters or low-class production bikes. I have to say that my cheapo 1991 Schwinn Parmaount PDG 5, with its sloppy brazing, junk fork, and vomit-inspired paint job rides better than my Serotta. The beater is stiffer, more responsive, more stable in decents, etc. In 1991 the whole 105 bike was $495.00. The 88 Nova Special frame cost like 500-600 retail. You want bike art? There are better options than Serotta...you want a dependable bike for the money that you won't go bankrupt if you actually want to race it (and crash it)? Don't fear production bikes. Don't beleive the hype, my young aspiring roadies.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Quote:
volga1943 wrote:
I'm simply seeking an honest answer to my question regarding Serotta's fanbase (I'm refering here to steel frames - I know nothing about Ben Serotta's Carbon, Aluminum or Titanium frames). I've had two Serottas (one I still ride on occaison): a Club Special and a Nova Special X. Both of these bikes were nice looking and responsive. However, I wouldn't have purchased either of them on my own if my team at the time hadn't issued the frames at below cost. Serottas are expensive and, based on my experience as a rider and mechanic, I've seen quite a few crack. Fork brazing is very often mediocre at best. I've ridden bikes in the same price range and class (no worse than Serotta by any means) and I've ridden what most of you would call beaters or low-class production bikes. I have to say that my cheapo 1991 Schwinn Parmaount PDG 5, with its sloppy brazing, junk fork, and vomit-inspired paint job rides better than my Serotta. The beater is stiffer, more responsive, more stable in decents, etc. In 1991 the whole 105 bike was $495.00. The 88 Nova Special frame cost like 500-600 retail. You want bike art? There are better options than Serotta...you want a dependable bike for the money that you won't go bankrupt if you actually want to race it (and crash it)? Don't fear production bikes. Don't beleive the hype, my young aspiring roadies.
First post and you're into slamming Serotta already, eh? Why don't you post your query/dis over at the Serotta Forum http://www.serotta.com/forum/ they might have some reasonable responses to it.
Troll.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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Allan
journeyman
Reged: 05/04/04
Posts: 198
Loc: Bds,W I
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Oooohh Dave thats got to piss you off with him dissing Serottas like that, man that punch was wwwaaaaayyy below the belt.
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Its time to ride.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Quote:
Allan wrote:
Oooohh Dave thats got to piss you off with him dissing Serottas like that, man that punch was wwwaaaaayyy below the belt.
No, I'm not at all pissed because the guy dissed Serotta. Some folks don't like 'em. I do, I've owned 8. That's what makes the world go around.
What I don't like is when someone comes here and tries to start a flame war and turn this forum into a Bicyling.Com-type site. The disucssions here are generally reasoned and while opinionated (of course) they are pretty much self-moderated and held in a gentlemanly fashion. We can agree to disagree while respecting others.
If someone wants to come here and opine his dislikes for a brand, he's welcome to do so. *But* it should be done in a manner that presents his argument in a factual, mature way and would invite others to have their opinions shared without feeling they would get blasted by diatribe and vitriol.
The guy's a troll. My opinion.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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ROP
new member
Reged: 06/26/07
Posts: 11
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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Quote:
Dave_Thompson wrote:
Quote:
The guy's a troll. My opinion.
Especially since it's his/her first and only post!
I have always had a lust for Serrota steel bikes (being a huge man, I have always loved the ride of a good steel bike). I have never purchased one as I had cheaper/free sponsorship opportunities with other brands. One of the things that drew me to them was that they seemed to be one of the first manufacturers to really try to experiment with tube shapes/draws to affect better ride qualities. Hopefully I will still finally get my hands on one...AFTER I get a new Calfee! Although it seems Serotta is a little less about steel now. 
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Edited by ROP (06/27/07 01:27 AM)
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tsutaoka
new member
Reged: 11/16/07
Posts: 1
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i'm looking for a new bike and the 2 in the running so far are the serotta meivici vs. parlee z1 or z3.
i rode the serotta hsg carbon and hsg it...favoring the carbon ride qualities. i haven't had the opportunity to ride parlee's yet, but what i've heard is positive.
any good comparison info? 
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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Serotta manufactures some sweet bicycles. Don't own one from that company, but I sure do dig 'em lots.
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 38
Loc: NC
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I think the Z1 is going up in price, way up. If you can afford one now, I would not pass up the opportunity to own one. You communicate directly with the builder which I think better ensures you realize the builder's ideal of how his creation will meet your desires and requirements. The third party fitter interpretation worries me a bit, though historically this has been a successful method also. Still, I like talking directly with the builder. I suspect you can do this with either of your choices since they are such expensive bikes.
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taketothehills
new member
Reged: 10/01/07
Posts: 6
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Quote:
rnhood wrote:
I think the Z1 is going up in price, way up. If you can afford one now, I would not pass up the opportunity to own one. You communicate directly with the builder which I think better ensures you realize the builder's ideal of how his creation will meet your desires and requirements. The third party fitter interpretation worries me a bit, though historically this has been a successful method also. Still, I like talking directly with the builder. I suspect you can do this with either of your choices since they are such expensive bikes.
I've just orded a Z1 full custom, at 2007 prices (thanks to my dealer). He also told me that prices were about to rise-although I think the Z1 less so and the packages are now going to include fork etc. Whatever the change I'm sure the Meivici will remain a lot more expensive, at 2007 prices nearly DOUBLE a Z2/3 for instance.
I did not test ride the bikes. Since a key element of my choice is custom fit I don't think a test ride of a poorly fitting bike should be that revealing. Also the dealers are in London, and I'm 300 miles away. A test ride around traffic congested streets is not going to tell me anything really.
As for the third party fitter, I'm very happy that after the fit session I've been sent CADs from Parlee to look at and consider. Managed to replicate the new geometry more or less on another of my bikea with some fiddling about and therefore be perfectly happy before signing it off. I've no doubt a Serotta fitter will get you right too.
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