Serotta Desirability?
 

Do the vintage Serotta's have some unique qualities? I am talking about the mid 80's lugged ones made from Columbus SL/SLX.

I do see them occasionally, but my left over snobbishness from yesteryear has me firmly in the Italian camp at the present.

I saw a frameset at a bike shop this weekend, and although I have heard of the brand for decades, I have never ventured into learning about them.

Some of them definitely have some unique qualities. They also have a nice connection to U.S. pro racing history.

How they're viewed among collectors seems to vary. There's a small group of people who love them. I think a lot of other people view them as "post-classic" in the sense that they are largely an experimental deviation from the traditional steel bike tradition and in that sense "modern".

I'm sure others here will have opinions to share.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8556c63864.jpg

The reason that I ask................................grabbed this never crashed, full Dura-Ace Serotta (Early 90's?) for $400.00 today.

56 cm Columbus SLX. Everything fantastic condition Dura-Ace but the front hub.

:lol: :lol:

I'm just one person, but I have a high opinion of them.

"Serotta" sounds...
 

...Italian.

Put a tri-color sticker on it and ride it like you stole it.

I had a Serotta Club Special. It had beautiful workmanship and finish, not that that mattered at the time, and was an entry level racing bike that was not only was a joy to ride, I got loads of positive responses from guys riding Italian and other bikes, especially after a test ride. Mine was around 1981. Being us made, didn't hurt and that was before Serotta really got peak notoriety.

Personally, I would take a Serotta over an Italian bike of the same era. Just my opinion.

Mine is definitely later but in my opinion you can't go wrong with any Serotta.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...20fb672d31.jpg
I know...I know.....non-drive side....sorry. I need to take to get pics of this.



Here's the old Serotta forums, great ton of info on them here. To include all the catalogs.

Paceline (Old Serotta) Forum


Oh, and yeah, they are the equal of the Italians easily. I love me some Italian steel but no getting around how good Serotta's are.

+1 : Love Serotta bikes and find the ride of my Cororado TI and steel models as good as my Italian bikes.

Although not quite vintage, I ride a 2001 Serotta CSIII Rapid Tour that somehow fits me even though it was built for the original owner who is 6’8”. Super ride in a strong, light frame. Count me in with the “love them” crowd.

I've always liked that seat stay configuration. Definitely a late 80s early 90s paint scheme.:lol:

Love Serotta bikes and find the ride of my Cororado TI and steel models as good as my Italian bikes.

What a steal of a deal. Those frames often sell for that much alone and DA is a very nice group set.

Definitely a classic brand in my book. Would like to own one.

I just ordered a Colnago Master frameset, so I really don't need another bike, but I just couldn't pass this deal up.

The PO said that he looked up the serial, and it was early 90's. He said it just didn't fit him. When I got it, the seat was was just about all the way down. He was super thrilled that it was going to a collector and rider, and not to some kid to "fixie" or something. When I saw the CL listing, I thought it was a scam at first.

I'm glad that someone here grabbed that one. I had it on my CL watch list, and noticed it was gone this morning. I believe that is an NHX model, similar to my first gen Colorado - but without the filet brazed bottom bracket. I hope you'll consider switching out that stem for a proper quill setup. I have owned three Serottas, and they are/were great riding bikes.

For sure. Stem and bars are going "back in time" as is the saddle and seatpost.

Probably a correct repaint, and just clean up the DA groupset. It shifts and runs great, so no need to money pit the bike.

ETA- Yes, fully lugged BB

If all Ben Serotta ever did was spawn Keeper of the Flame Dave Kirk, his place in the bike pantheon would be justified. But he did a lot more than that; everything I have heard says Serottas are excellent bikes.

$400 for that machine? Yeah, how could you not?

As a guy who owned a Colnago Master and Legend Ti at the same time I can’t think of an instance where I’d choose the Colnago over the Serotta

He was a good, traditional, frame builder.. is he still around?

https://benserotta.com/

"In January 2018, I formally and publicly re-entered the bicycle business with the opening of the Serotta Design Studio. It’s not a 3-click to purchase company, nor will you find my new bicycles mixed in with a line-up in general retailers. With this new endeavor, I wanted to establish a direct relationship with each cyclist who places her/his trust in us to deliver an exceptionally wonderful product. It’s not that I have anything against retailers as a whole, not at all. It’s just that I’d rather not dilute the information flow, so that I really know we are delivering the best product for each client. Besides, it’s more fun and more informative getting the direct feedback."

Great deal on that, jealous! Love my Legend Ti frame, can't go wrong with a Serotta frame

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b247fda698.jpg

I agree that $400 is a good deal for that bike. But, I would caution you against repainting until you had a chance to confirm it’s a “keeper”.
Unless you have access to a very affordable painter, you might find yourself overly invested in this frame. I’ve been following the market on Serottas ever since buying my first one years ago, and in that time I’ve seen many sellers try to get what they (and me) thought was a reasonable amount only to have to reduce substantially to get it sold.
It may be that many buyers just aren’t familiar with the brand, I’m not sure. I saw a guy on FB that recently bought a near mint Serotta frameset with a winning bid of $202. They just don’t bring the money I feel they are worth at times...of course there are exceptions.
Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

My Legend CR is one of the best riders I have ever been on. Perpetually in the riding order. Lugged Colorado Concept tubing. Brilliant frame builder/designer.

I have my own paint facilities, so it's decals and price of paint. Around 100 dollars typically all told.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...609f2d3649.jpg
This a SOMEC I did recently.

I just do the bikes in my collection that I want to keep and ride.