Serotta content -- C&V enough?
03-30-17, 07:55 AM
#1
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Serotta content -- C&V enough?
I picked up this Serotta cyclocross frame from Craiglist for a song based on a forum member's hot tip. I believe it dates from the late 90's or early 00's based on the 1" headtube. It probably originally had a threaded fork, but it was replaced by a threadless Independent Fabrications fork by the previous owner.
Ordinarily, I would think a frame of this age is not C&V enough, but cyclocross bikes have changed dramatically in the last few years -- tapered headtubes, discs, hydraulic braking, thru axles, 1x narrow wide chainrings, clutch derailleurs, et cetera.
That makes a rim brake cross frame basically an antique, right?
I built it with:
--Chorus 11 group
--Thomson stem and post
--Chris King headset
--Zipp SL88 bars
--Paul mini moto front brake and Paul neo retro rear
--Record 11 hubs on Mavic Open Pro rims, 32 spoke, 3x
--Challenge Strada Bianca tires
Ordinarily, I would think a frame of this age is not C&V enough, but cyclocross bikes have changed dramatically in the last few years -- tapered headtubes, discs, hydraulic braking, thru axles, 1x narrow wide chainrings, clutch derailleurs, et cetera.
That makes a rim brake cross frame basically an antique, right?
I built it with:
--Chorus 11 group
--Thomson stem and post
--Chris King headset
--Zipp SL88 bars
--Paul mini moto front brake and Paul neo retro rear
--Record 11 hubs on Mavic Open Pro rims, 32 spoke, 3x
--Challenge Strada Bianca tires
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03-30-17, 08:38 AM
#2
Pedal to the medal
I love me some Serottas. Why the brake setup? I've heard of shorty cant or v brakes used in the rear for heal clearance. Maybe because v's have a stronger stopped power so they're suited for the front?
The handlebar bag really ties it all together.
The handlebar bag really ties it all together.
03-30-17, 08:45 AM
#3
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I wanted the mini-moto in the front to avoid using a cable hanger (interferes with bag) and because I like them. I used the canti in the back because I could bring myself to not use the braze on cable hanger.
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03-30-17, 08:56 AM
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Nice work, looks good. I looked at that ad for 2 weeks hoping that the frame would magically get a couple cm bigger. Love the green!
Did it come with DT Swiss hubs?
Did it come with DT Swiss hubs?
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03-30-17, 09:03 AM
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Thanks again for the tip Spaghetti. I think he was selling it complete with DT swiss hubs, but I ended up just buying the frameset. Probably the greatest craigslist score of my cycling life. Worked out to about $300 with the CK headset.
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03-30-17, 06:45 PM
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Somewhat slow older guy
Icepick - that's a nice CL find for sure! I was all proud of my $300 LeMond Poprad CX bike, but yours tops it for sure.
03-31-17, 07:54 AM
#9
Senior Member
Is this classic CX geo with very little BB drop? How does it feel compared to your road bikes?
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03-31-17, 08:19 AM
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I don't have a geometry chart for it, but I suspect if I investigate the serial number I could find one. But BB seems a bit higher than a road frame to me, but not as high as my Spooky CX. Perhaps somewhere in between. Feels comfortable and stable. Easily ridden no hands.
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03-31-17, 08:25 AM
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My method of measuring BB drop is incredibly scientific. It's determined by which size canned good I need to prop up the crank when photographing it. Spooky required a taller tomato can. Serotta only needs a short chipotle can. Ergo, lower BB.
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03-31-17, 08:31 AM
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Great build of what I consider to be a classic. The prior owner might have changed the fork for a number of reasons. Early Cyclocross bikes had forks that provided a range of technical and performance issues. The replacement fork might have been installed for one or more of the following reasons;
To improve the tire size capacity and mud clearance
To widen and reposition the cantilever studs to allow the use of different brakes
To stiffen the fork to reduce excessive flex while braking and cornering
I had a custom fork built for my Simoncini. The original fork was problematic for all of reasons listed above. It's still one of my favorite bikes to ride and admire.
With the original fork;
With the new fork;
To improve the tire size capacity and mud clearance
To widen and reposition the cantilever studs to allow the use of different brakes
To stiffen the fork to reduce excessive flex while braking and cornering
I had a custom fork built for my Simoncini. The original fork was problematic for all of reasons listed above. It's still one of my favorite bikes to ride and admire.
With the original fork;
With the new fork;
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
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Last edited by Barrettscv; 04-01-17 at 06:09 AM.
03-31-17, 08:37 AM
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03-31-17, 08:38 AM
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