This or that: Bob Jackson v. Serotta
10-24-19, 08:03 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 655
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 189 Post(s)
Liked 473 Times
in
200 Posts
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
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,649
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Mentioned: 155 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2322 Post(s)
Liked 4,924 Times
in
1,760 Posts
Well, I loved my Bob Jackson but sold it. I still have my Serotta CSI. So guess what I'm picking...
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
Likes For KonAaron Snake:
10-24-19, 08:12 AM
#4
Senior Member
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
#5
Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Maryland/DC
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-24-19, 09:37 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,771
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 338 Times
in
178 Posts
Serotta + Titanium = Winner
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
10-24-19, 10:09 AM
#7
aged to perfection
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PacNW
Posts: 1,801
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 828 Post(s)
Liked 1,240 Times
in
655 Posts
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
#10
1/2 as far in 2x the time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northern Bergen County, NJ
Posts: 1,746
Bikes: Yes, Please.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 285 Times
in
222 Posts
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
#11
Senior Member
"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.
Likes For TiHabanero:
10-24-19, 11:10 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,649
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Mentioned: 155 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2322 Post(s)
Liked 4,924 Times
in
1,760 Posts
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.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
10-24-19, 11:17 AM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 655
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 189 Post(s)
Liked 473 Times
in
200 Posts
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
#14
1/2 as far in 2x the time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northern Bergen County, NJ
Posts: 1,746
Bikes: Yes, Please.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 285 Times
in
222 Posts
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
#15
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,921
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,087 Times
in
637 Posts
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.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
Likes For USAZorro:
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.
__________________
1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
10-24-19, 12:25 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 2,190
Bikes: Ti, Mn Cr Ni Mo Nb, Al, C
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 942 Post(s)
Liked 526 Times
in
349 Posts
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
#19
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,843
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2924 Post(s)
Liked 2,916 Times
in
1,488 Posts
Pics? I think I’d take the Jackson, although I’d probably sell the DA off it
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
10-24-19, 01:02 PM
#20
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
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.
Likes For KonAaron Snake:
10-24-19, 01:13 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 2,190
Bikes: Ti, Mn Cr Ni Mo Nb, Al, C
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 942 Post(s)
Liked 526 Times
in
349 Posts
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
#23
2-Wheeled Fool
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 2,346
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Brompton
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1385 Post(s)
Liked 677 Times
in
457 Posts
10-24-19, 01:47 PM
#24
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
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
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 655
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 189 Post(s)
Liked 473 Times
in
200 Posts
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.
