Roger M

Some of you have probably seen Scozims post a few weeks ago. A friend of his passed away, who had a lifetime collection of bicycles and parts. I went with Scott to evaluate the bikes. Anyhow, all of the bikes were sold off in short time. Except one.

Nobody claimed this purple Serotta. I received a text from Scott a couple of days ago, mentioning that the Serotta was available and if I wanted to buy it. The person helping with the estate was kind enough to meet me just up the street from my house.

As for the purple bike, it is missing a seatpost and saddle. The frame looks to be in good shape, except the seat tube decal(which likely got rubbed by a pump strap). The serial number begins with '84', so I will assume it is from 1984.

It's a Nova Special and here's the mixed bag of parts:

Shifters 7400 6 speed
Derailleurs 7400
Crankset 7400
Pedals 7400
Headset Super Record(me thinks?)
brake levers Dura Ace ax aero
Brakes Royal Gran Compe
Hubs Record high flange
Rims Nisi tubular
Stem Cinelli
Bars Cinelli

I haven't measured it yet, but it is probably around a 55cm...

thumpism 

Nice find. Sold a couple of those back in the day. It was the economy model (production bike from a custom builder).

jiangshi

84 as the beginning of the serial number does not mean 1984.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=99078

romperrr 

very regal with the gold brakes! Looks like it'll clean up nicely.

Roger M

I read through part of that thread already.

jamesdak 

Should be a great ride out on the road. Love the color more than the yellow of mine. Enjoy!

gthomson

wow, if that's bottom of the barrel what did the bikes from the top look like?? can you share some pictures?

Roger M

Here is a link to that thread.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...html?styleid=8

Roger M

I broke it down to the frame and fork, leaving the headset hooked up.

The bottom bracket is a Campagnolo part. I wonder if the original owner had a full Campagnolo group on this in the beginning? Headset, BB, hubs all from Italy. And then possibly upgrading to 7400 within a couple of years maybe? Who knows...

Anyhow, I gave it a bath and rubbed some scratch x on it. There's plenty of chips in the paint, but it cleaned up well. Here's some before and after photos.

KenNC

That sure cleaned up well! Eager to see it reassembled and if you make any component changes!

Roger M

Small update.

I'm trying to use parts that I have, in order to cut costs. The one thing that I can't seem to find here, is a headset that isn't made in Italy. With that being said, I will leave the Campagnolo piece in there for now.

When I received the bike, it was minus a saddle and seatpost. I am trying to keep this a Shimano build(except for the headset for now). I've had this old Ultegra post for several years(which coincidentally came with another Serotta that I had). It's the right size and it cleaned up OK.

The brakes and drivetrain are 6700 series 10 speed Ultegra. Some more parts I've had for some time. They have less than 500 miles from new on them, and show very little wear.

The one thing from that 6700 group that I can't see fitting on this bike is the crankset. I have a 6700 triple, but will not be using it for appearance reasons. I do have a 7410 Dura Ace chainset and bottom bracket that should work.

I'm going to try to remove the decals on the seat tube. Before I go to YouTube for instructions, I would be grateful for any guidance on doing it without damaging the paint.

Here's a few pictures

Velo Mule

Wow. Great story. All the bikes were sold off except the Serotta?? Incredible! It cleaned up nicely. That Imron paint really shines. That bike looks like it will fly with the bladed spokes and aero rims.

I don't understand how Italian bikes get all the accolades and Serotta's, while they have a following, I think are under appreciated. Perhaps they don't feel exotic coming from New York rather than Italy.

This shop turned out frames for some of the best racers in the world. But I am also completely prejudice.

It looks like the bike is back in good hands again. It must have been bike karma.

Roger M

I'm pretty sure my kid has never been so excited about a bike as much as he is right now.

Roger M

Dylansbob 

To more easily remove those damaged decals, use a hair dryer (or heat gun) to soften them up.

Roger M

Thanks for the tip, Dylan bob. It worked great! A hairdryer and a fingernail, along with some goof-off afterwards. Much appreciated.

Velo Mule

That looks great Roger M . I think the Serotta decal on the seat tube was redundant anyway. It looks best as it is now. The paint looks great all cleaned up and the matching Silca pump completes the bike.

I am not a Serotta expert, however, I think the difference between the Nova Special and the Club Special is pantographed seat tube ends and fork crowns. I had a Club Special, but would have gladly bought a Nova Special at the time if it were available. Pantographed details, while nice, don't make the bike perform or ride any better. It does give it a more upmarket look if you need to keep up with the Italians. If you want to keep with, and beat, the Italians, get a Nova Special and get on your bike and train.

Great looking Serotta.