toavii

This bike got a little attention in the Ebay/CL thread and I said I'd take some pictures. Not quite sure it exactly fits in a C&V forum given it's a 2000 but here it goes...

I gave it a little attention getting the bulk of the dust and grime off. The Ultegra group can look better yet but I haven't really sat down with it and done so. The original Specialized saddle was tossed aside for a stand-in Pro. And really, if I were to keep it, the fugly threadless stem and post would be the first to go. This bike is a tad on the big side of what I prefer but I couldn't resist it. The paint is nearly flawless. This bike was ridden very sparingly and hung. A very nice old man sold it to me and he was enjoyable conversation, telling me how he came about ordering it. He gave me the 2000 Serotta catalog and his invoice and fitting for this bike.

I have many more pictures but these are what made the cut. I don't know much of these bikes or Serotta in general so anything is appreciated. I can try to answer anything about the bike as well.

gomango

A little smaller and I would be after you to sell it.

If you can make this fit, I would keep it.

As far as the stem goes, no biggie to find something nicer.

I like the AC post though.

Make sure all of the bearings are well lubed before a ride and I wouldn't trust the tires at this point either.

Gorgeous bike and a real find.

FWIW I sure recognize that Flanders shop sticker.

toavii

Yep, I'm sure I could ride it just fine at my size, I just don't like having that much bike under me.

If it's a keeper, the consumables will be going away.

It'll probably be taken down to the frame at some point here to address everything. Have to find the time first.

D1andonlyDman

I can't believe the OP paid $300 for this bike. It's easily worth $800-1000.

gomango

Those stays are super sexy.

ncrnelson

That does look showroom fresh, very nice. You nearly stole it at that price, you must have lightning reflexes when it comes to responding to craigslist deals.

On another note, nice pictures. What kind of camera are you using?

KonAaron Snake 

The stays were the first things I noticed. I'm not sure why, but Serottas often seem to go below what you think they would be worth...it's odd given just how nicely built they are. I really like this one (and like Serotta in general). There are catalogs and serial code deciphers over at paceline.

As as well loved as Serottas are, I actually think they're under appreciated.

toavii

Indeed. It definitely looks the part of a well made bike. Those visible, small scuffs on the driveside seat stay are the only real visible mares on the frame. Cranks obviously have shoe wear but it happens. We'll have to meet up sometime and you can take a look.

toavii

Just a run of the mill Nikon D3100 and touched up a tad in PS.

gomango

The Atlantas were the "good deal" in the line up. They were priced well below a CSI but you could add custom features to get them close to that performance level.

Shoe wear on the cranks is no biggie. The guy rode the bike and I like that.

Love to see that beauty in person. I am teaching a course and taking one at the moment. Will be finished in a week or so and we should hit the road for a ride.

BTW I wonder if Dave Kirk built this bike? Might be worth posting on PL to get the low down.

toavii

Sounds good to me Grady I might have to bring two bikes though as the SP doesn't like being left behind. Finding it hard to justify riding anything else at this point.

As for the Serotta, in my view this bike would have been even more beautiful with the matching steel fork. Beggars and choosers and all that though...

ncrnelson

Still beats the hell out of the best cell phone cameras.

gomango

Yes, if it fit like a glove I would consider having one built and painted to match.

On the other hand, it may well ride better with the carbon.

We may well never know.

tmh657

Yep. And under valued perhaps. I had 2 Atlantas, both '98 or so. I got the first frame cheap and found another in better condition. I liked the first one better so I sold the second one. I think the OP got everything but the frame for free at $300.

My Atlanta gets the most saddle time. For me it is stiff enough, must be the big tapered tubes at the bottom bracket and has that intangible quality that makes a steel bike just feel right. I have an Ultegra 6700 group on it with Ultegra hubs/Open pro rims. It's not light but floats along just fine.

If you can ride it comfortably I say have fun and tear it up. The lugs are pretty nice too!!

The Thin Man 

That seat cluster!?

Good gracious!!

Just spectacular.

Incredible find, @toavii!

gomango

I am curious if some Compass Chinook Pass tires might fit.

Would really make that Atlanta perform and provide all day comfort.

They are 700x28 and I have an extra set. Maybe we should see if they fit just for fun.

toavii

Count me in, for the fun.

I was sort of curious about the tire clearance. It seems to have a little room to work with given the 23c currently on there. Something I was going to ask at the Paceline.

gomango

Excellent question for that forum, but I would ask tmh657 about some of these details as well.

Sounds like he has some excellent experiences to share with you.

This is a win/win for you. If the bike can't be made to fit, then you will have loads of quality info to market the bike accordingly.

Kobe 

That is a gorgeous bike. If it even comes close to fitting you got to keep it.

I would have thought just the opposite, but when Serotta closed down a few years ago their value seemed to drop. Maybe the perception that if they had to close they weren't building good bike. Your Atlanta sure proves that wrong.

toavii

Since you have experience with these frames, any thoughts on tire clearance?

If I ended up keeping it, I'd like to go wider to balance out riding 23s on my other main bike.

oddjob2

Looking at your photos and at my Serotta (Columbus SL), if you have the room between the chainstays for an extra 3mm a side, then the calipers, fork, and bridge should not be a challenge.

tmh657

I will do some measuring on my setup.

Flog00

@daf1009
An Atlanta

daf1009

At some point, I will have to add an Atlanta to my collection...just because!

tmh657

Looks like I could fit a 28 between the chain stays. Not sure I need to. The roads are pretty smooth where I live. I haven't ridden any Serotta besides an Atlanta but I have a search set up on ebay for other models. All more $$$ than an Atlanta so it's a good way to enjoy the brand.

toavii I would ditch that stem as well. I went to threadless. It may not be as pretty as a quill stem but I am going for ease of operation. I think I am going to put some high zoot light wheels on it next.