This or that: Bob Jackson v. Serotta
10-24-19, 08:03 AM
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This or that: Bob Jackson v. Serotta
Need an assist here - looking for an everyday road machine likely to use often for Zwift and quick club rides. For the sake of argument they're the same price and both in excellent condition.
The contestants are:
1) Restored 1992 Bob Jackson 531 with Dura Ace 9000 (11sp)
2) Serotta Concours titanium with Dura Ace 7800 (10sp)
What say you?
The contestants are:
1) Restored 1992 Bob Jackson 531 with Dura Ace 9000 (11sp)
2) Serotta Concours titanium with Dura Ace 7800 (10sp)
What say you?
10-24-19, 08:08 AM
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Well, I loved my Bob Jackson but sold it. I still have my Serotta CSI. So guess what I'm picking...
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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
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10-24-19, 08:12 AM
#4
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I have a Legend Ti, and the rear triangle stability / plantedness is superb. If the Concours is anything like it, that's my vote.
10-24-19, 08:13 AM
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10-24-19, 09:37 AM
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Serotta + Titanium = Winner
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10-24-19, 10:09 AM
#7
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I agree. All else being equal the Serotta is a far better bike.
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
10-24-19, 10:52 AM
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Components? Brifters is brifters... Cranks is cranks. Wheels, maybe they are different, maybe not so much. Frame? Ummm. Serotta= One of the best race bike builders EVER. Nothing against Bob Jackson, it's a production frame, and using 531 in 1992?
I have a 1974 Ron Cooper and a 1975 Carlsbad Masi that are 531. My 1990s steel bikes, no.
I have never used DA 9000. What does it do better than DA7800? Weight? Probably. As much as between 531 and Ti?
Keeping competitive for club rides? The motor matters more than anything else. The parts?
So... Seriously?
Ride the heck out of it. (Either one.)
Best regards, Eric
10-24-19, 11:02 AM
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"Nothing against Bob Jackson, it's a production frame"
The Concours is also a production frame unless specifically ordered as a custom.
The Concours is also a production frame unless specifically ordered as a custom.
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10-24-19, 11:10 AM
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I will make this observation on my 531 Bob Jackson. Mine was a 53/54 CM range frame so not large. I got into a really fast (for me) chasing another rider. Speeds stayed in the 23-25 mph range and I could really feel it flexing under me. I was probably in the 180-190 lb range then.
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10-24-19, 11:17 AM
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Thanks for all the comments. I've been riding my late 80s Tommasini on group rides of late, or my Cannondale Slate. They're both serviceable. Looks like I need to make the call for the Serotta.
10-24-19, 11:39 AM
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Yes, you are of course, correct. I did mention in the same paragraph that Serotta was a gifted builder and designer of racing bicycles*. 1970s Colnagos, Masis, De Rosas, etc, etc. were also production frames. Thanks for the correction, I did not mean to imply that Ben Serotta had personally held the torch.
Best wishes, Eric
*NB jamesdak comments, regarding frame flex under effort.
10-24-19, 12:01 PM
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I love my Bob Jackson, and the Bob Jackson I had before it. I know Serotta only by their reputation. I wouldn't turn down either if they were offered. Here's the factor that I would consider the decider.
Heavy trainer use + steel = rust (unless you're meticulous at wiping things down after). I don't have anything titanium, but no way I put one of my best steel bikes on the trainer.
Heavy trainer use + steel = rust (unless you're meticulous at wiping things down after). I don't have anything titanium, but no way I put one of my best steel bikes on the trainer.
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10-24-19, 12:20 PM
#16
incazzare.
I love my Bob Jackson, but given this choice, I would probably go for the Ti frame.
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10-24-19, 12:25 PM
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How are the vintage Ti bikes anyway? Serious question as I have read that the Colnago bikes are like noodles. Is Serotta better?
10-24-19, 12:34 PM
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Pics? I think I’d take the Jackson, although I’d probably sell the DA off it
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10-24-19, 01:02 PM
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My opinion is that ti varies more than steel, and fewer builders use it well. A Merlin, or a Serotta, are wonderful bikes. Some others? Not so much.
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 10-24-19 at 01:06 PM.
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10-24-19, 01:13 PM
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You can't compare a Colnago ti bike to a Serotta ti...not remotely the same animal. One marketed a material in a sourced, the other made bikes.
My opinion is that ti varies more than steel, and fewer builders use it well. A Merlin, or a Serotta, are wonderful bikes. Some others? Not so much.
My opinion is that ti varies more than steel, and fewer builders use it well. A Merlin, or a Serotta, are wonderful bikes. Some others? Not so much.
10-24-19, 01:29 PM
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10-24-19, 01:47 PM
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How do you feel about Litespeed, @KonAaron Snake? Just curious.
I love my Litespeed built MTB that I turned into a commuter, but it's a fairly overbuilt MTB that I'm using for a different purpose...hardly a good way to judge the frame as it was intended.
10-25-19, 07:50 AM
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I had a LeMond Arrivee titanium built by Trek. It was not an enjoyable ride, felt heavy, slow, noodly.
Pic of Jackson - and catalog pic of Serotta (photo shows Campy, bike has Dura Ace):
Pic of Jackson - and catalog pic of Serotta (photo shows Campy, bike has Dura Ace):
Last edited by alexihnen; 10-25-19 at 08:01 AM.
