Road Cycling - Kerry in Newsweek on Serotta

The latest issue of Newsweek (july 12, 2004) has a 2 page picture of Kerry in modest cycling gear (pg 34-35) - he has on loose shorts and a T, gloves, biking shoes on a Serotta. The tires are Continental, but I can't tell the model. Of course he is wearing a helmet!

I am sure others of you can identify the wheel set, etc.

WOW, talk about product placement!

I just found the web pic:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5359360/site/newsweek/

That picture is a couple of weeks old. I remember it was posted in the Guess What Kerry Rides thread that devolved into non-bike related unpleasantness and was eventually moved into the Politics forum.

Handsome machine, though.

That picture is a couple of weeks old. I remember it was posted in the Guess What Kerry Rides thread that devolved into non-bike related unpleasantness and was eventually moved into the Politics forum.

Handsome machine, though.

Guess I must have missed that discussion.

Still, being in Newsweek does add a new dimension.

Thanks for the update.

I guess I was more concerned about the Women and Infidelity cover story. That reminds me: I need to call the florist! ;)

I guess I was more concerned about the Women and Infidelity cover story. That reminds me: I need to call the florist! ;)

I certainly didn't go to any florist when my wife cheated on me.....

55/Rad

I imagine that someone, somehow, will turn this picture thread into a political discussion, and will take my post and come to some sort of "logical conclusion" consistent with whatever agenda they want to push.

Just waiting for that post!

Sigh!

How about this?

It's obvious from this picture that Kerry's tires are German, his shoes Italian, and his drivetrain Japanese. Is John Kerry a fascist? He clearly didn't speak out to prevent the attack on Pearl Harbor! Why does John Kerry hate America?

You'd think that with all his bucks (make that his wife's bucks) he would buy a top-of-the-line Trek, Cannondale, or LeMond. He's always talking about buying American.

You'd think that with all his bucks (make that his wife's bucks) he would buy a top-of-the-line Trek, Cannondale, or LeMond. He's always talking about buying American.So where do you think Serotta's are made?

I saw he had kysrium sl's. I couldn't tell what group he had. Shimano, but what level? Not the new dura ace shaped hoods. I also noticed the smaller lever was black. Meaning at least ultegra. Also, the hood cap thing that has the name of the group on it seemed to be black but it could have been his glove reflection of a shadow. I had just assumed dura ace.

not to nitpick or have this thread turn political, but his wife didn't make the money either...

and serottas are american. and very expensive, at that. if it says serotta on the side, it's a damn fine piece of machinery. wonder if it's actually his or just for a photo shoot? i mean, i don't think much of his politics or of him personally, but he plays hockey (which is major up-points) and if he's a cyclist, that may just seal the vote!

So where do you think Serotta's are made?

Is New York still part of the U.S.?

"The tires are Continental"

Cool! I finally found something I have in common with ol' JFK, our Contitental tires. :) I, for one, am glad he is proud to be seen on his bike. I'm not so sure it's a bad thing that he doesn't wear the whole spandex roadie kit. We don't need to know too many personal details about our candidates. :)

Is New York still part of the U.S.?Yup! At least upstate NY. Kerry owns a couple of Serottas from what I've heard and actually does ride them even when he's not being photographed. Serotta is more top of the line than Trek, Lemond, or Cannondale, IMHO.

Is it just me, or is he way to big for that bike?

Is it just me, or is he way to big for that bike?

This discussion was also had a couple of weeks ago and it got out of hand, believe it or not. My thought is that he has more important things to worry about right now than his bike fit. I'm just glad he rides.

. . . wonder if it's actually his or just for a photo shoot? . . .

Its his, Kerry has 2 serottas, both custom fits (yes it looks small but it really isn't)
I attended a presentation by Ben Serotta and he made mention of fitting Kerry for
a new Ottrott.
BTW the bike that he is riding is a full paint Ottrott, covered up those CF tubes for
a bit of stealth.
His other Serotta is a Ti Legend.
I believe he has other bikes as well.

Marty

that is indeed a fully painted ottrott with ST suspended rear carbon stays.

that frameset retails for $5k.

the full bike, depending on components, goes for $7-10k

Personally, I think that a full paint Ottrott is a crime.
the CF tubing looks really nice. Kerry could have done
a red tint and it would look mahvalous . .
His Legend has same paint scheme btw.

Marty

I did some poking around the Serotta website and was just drooling at the paint scheme choices. Gorgeous.

You can't tell from the pic posted on the website, but it's blown up to a full page in the magazine, and if you look closely you can see "Dura Ace" on the left crankarm. I believe that this is the same bike he rode around my fair city last month. There was a photo in the Bee of him turning on to the Sacramento River Trail near Old Sac.

Is it just me, or is he way to big for that bike?


I'm guessing the photographer is using a wide angle lens which can distort perspective a bit... I thought the same thing.. but then I've seen another pic of him on that bike, and it looks normal...

jeff

i agree that full-paint ottrotts are a crime.. polished ti and natural carbon are such a nice looking combo...

http://www.serotta.com/images/ottrottst03_BG.jpg

The latest issue of Newsweek (july 12, 2004) has a 2 page picture of Kerry in modest cycling gear (pg 34-35) - he has on loose shorts and a T, gloves, biking shoes on a Serotta. The tires are Continental, but I can't tell the model. Of course he is wearing a helmet!

I am sure others of you can identify the wheel set, etc.

WOW, talk about product placement!

I just found the web pic:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5359360/site/newsweek/


If Kerry's a biker, all the more reason to vote for him! :)

if it says serotta on the side, it's a damn fine piece of machinery.

Oh, come on! I think Howard Dean's bike is a much better piece of machinery :p

http://www.cornellcollege.edu/Dean2004/images/RAGBRAI2.jpg

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

-murray

Laroach , kucinich or nador ! I cant force myself to vote for flip flop kerry .
jarhead#42

This thread is about Kerry and cycling, not about voting. Stick to the topic, thanks.

Koffee

Mod

This thread is about Kerry and cycling, not about voting. Stick to the topic, thanks.

Koffee

Mod

Thanks, Koffee. :D

More video last night of JK on his red and yellow Serotta and once again he's in a t-shirt and dorky camping shorts. Now what kind of example does that set for our young people? Won't someone think of the children!?!?

Some radio show reported that Kerry had a ride cut short due to a flat. Can we really vote a man into the oval office who can't fix a flat?

he had to wait for the SAG to arrive

Is New York still part of the U.S.?

My bad! :cry:

Kerry owns two Ottrotts and a Legend Ti the last I heard. An Ottrott will run $5K before you put paint on it and, before you put a fork on it. The fork will add $575 according to the Serotta website. Now add a pair of Ksyriums or other high end wheelset along with Dura-Ace, a saddle, bars, etc and you will have to write a check for about $10k to take one of these home.

It probably sounds like a lot of money for a bicycle but, keep in mind that Kerry also owns 5 homes, 5 SUV's, a lear jet, a yacht, snowmobile, etc so the money in the bicyles is only pocket change to him. He is a very, very wealthy person and, he made it the easy way, by inheritance.

... he made it the easy way, by inheritance.I thought he married it.

I've long wondered what type of person would ride an Ottrott in cargo shorts. My journey has ended.

Larry

I've long wondered what type of person would ride an Ottrott in cargo shorts. My journey has ended.

LarryImagine the criticism he'd get from the non-cycling community if he was photographed wearing lycra shorts and a cycling jersey? I'd bet his choice of riding apparel was discussed and it was decided that there'd be less negative reaction with cargo shorts and T-shirt. He looks like more of an average joe the way he's dressed. How many people outside various cycling fora are scrutinizing his bike and componentry?

I've long wondered what type of person would ride an Ottrott in cargo shorts. My journey has ended.

Larry

Hey, he is a politician running for office. Which turns on more voters? Which turns off more voters?

Riding a bicycle in "modest" attire will reinforce an image of energy and youthfulness.

Riding a bicycle in lycra will reinforce an image of strange looking clothes (and person) for many viewers who don't have a clue about bicycling.

You can bet a lot of PR thought went into what he wore for that picture.

Is it just me, or is he way to big for that bike?


If he has back problems, he might like a more upright position. I changed the stem on my commuter to give me just that. I'm now pretty comfy on the hoods. With the money he and the wife have, I'm fairly certain that he can swap stems and other parts until the bike feels "just right". If that's what he likes to ride centuries on, it isn't too small for him. Remember, the most expensive bike is the one in the garage that's never ridden.

DnvrFox
While I'll likely vote for the one in which the "Force is Dark, Indeed," I can't help but think that the up side to having Kerry win the election - Gratuitous Political Shot: before he quickly runs our nation into the ground - would be an improved climate for bicycling. And I'm all for that, in a good news - bad news kind of way. ;)

Koffee, While I truly respect your mod powers, one cannot separate the man from the politics as easily as you suggest. He wouldn't even be mentioned in Newsweek if it were not for our habit of "voting." This is a thread about a man who is running for the most powerful office in the world. The fact that he shares our passion is wonderful and exciting, even for an old warmonger like me. But suggesting that we can't banter about politics while we discuss an activity and sport that is defined by how politicians the world over perceive us is a little constraining. The key is to agree to disagree and to keep it civil.

That said, even an old hetero fascist like me has to admit he has great cyclist legs.

I totally understand the man is a politician, but if people are gonna start talking about whether they are going to vote for him or not, I will put an end to it. Comment on him riding, comment on how it's a totally scripted and plotted picture for the media, and that's ok, but if it looks as though it may turn into a "vote or not vote for Kerry", then we need to step in as moderators and get the topic back where the intent and spirit of the thread meant to go. Otherwise, we have to move it to the Politics and Religion forum.

But he does have great cyclist legs. ;)

Koffee

Mod

The calves would indicate that he's likely a pretty serious cyclist. In my book, that means he can ride any damn bike he can afford or want. I hope I can someday afford a nice bike like that, whether it's from money I would make as a lifetime public servant or because the woman I love and eventually marry is absolutely loaded.

At least he's not smoking, like this guy (yes, that's a cigarette he's holding):