Eman

I currently own a Serotta roadie that means a lot to me. It was purchased about ten years ago when I purchased a Serotta Atlanta from a LBS. After the fit cycle process and paying for the bike, Serotta called the LBS stating my gigantic top tube requirements (61cm frame, 65cm TT) was too stretched for the Atlanta. Instead of them saying, "Too bad, you have to upgrade", they made a deal with Ben Serotta, who the owner of the LBS knew personally. Ben and his people were experimenting with tubing and frames for the Colorado III at the time and they made me a frame based on the work on their prototypes. Very cool of the LBS and Serotta and a move that made me loyal to both forever!

I am now getting very interested in sprint triathlons. In fact, I seem to be taking to running and swimming to the extent biking might end up being my third best event! I would LOVE to take this opportunity to buy a new bike, but personal events have made this very difficult, especially for another custom frame. Sometimes, life just shows up. Since I am only doing sprint distance, I am sure my road frame would be fine.

I do have about a $1000 to invest into my beloved Serotta. To make it more appropriate for the Tri, what changes would you make? I have a very basic Mavic spoked wheel set, a mix of componetry of 105 to DuraAce and standard drop down bars. Since I am 6'5, 225-230, I am not a lightweight and I am not sure if making the bike lighter would make a real difference or not. I am intrigued to learn from the thoughts of experience. I have found true escape and happiness in this new hobby to take me away from life's other hardships. Thanks in advance.

Triguy

Do nothing to your bike. If you do another tri or two, maybe some clip ons, and a wetsuit. A few more races, then pick up an aero helmet, good speedsuit and fast tires.

Don't get rid of your drop bars, drastically change your position or drop the whole $1000 just for one race.

cjbruin

Since you're doing a sprint, I wouldn't necessarily worry about making your bike more tri specific. If you really want to spend the $1K, I think a better set of wheels would be a good idea as they will benefit you on all your rides.

thehammerdog

Dude Ben Serotta is sweet. Invest in fast light wheels..You may need to change out stem to be shorter for better comfort in the aero position....Wheels....& cool bars, maybe a seat.
Good luck, good wheels will eat most of that budget.

Rahzel

Consider spending about $50-$75 on a set of clip-on aerobars for your bike. That's pretty much all you really need to do, especially considering that you're already on a frame that was designed specifically to fit you comfortably! If you don't mind playing with your fit a bit, consider also switching to a zero-offset seatpost and moving your seat as far forward on the rails as you can--for most people, this will allow you to put more power out and be more comfortable in the aero position.