Serotta Nova Special X

shankldu · #1 01-30-2012, 08:37 AM

Nova Special X anyone have one trying to research this model, my guess is that the onei im looking at is 80s , blue to white fade w yellow decals lugged columbus.

kong79 · #2 01-30-2012, 09:48 AM

I've got an 86 (I think) model. Red fade to white. SLX tubing. Love it. I'll post a picture later. Bought mine off e-bay in 2004 and put period correct Shimano 600 components on it.

shankldu · #3 01-30-2012, 10:19 AM

were they touring / racing low end /high end ??

kong79 · #4 01-30-2012, 12:13 PM

They were Serotta's "stock" bike, meaning they weren't custom made for an individual. They were made for several years. The Columbus SLX tubing was top of the line back in the day. I'm not sure what the geometry is, but it has a nice and stable road racing feel, not twitchy like a crit bike. Mine has no mounting points for racks or fenders so it isn't a touring bike.

shankldu · #5 01-30-2012, 01:46 PM

OK gotcha the bigger frames like mine 63 cm r probrobly sl sp correct.

oliver1850 · #6 01-30-2012, 05:11 PM

Check the serial number if you want to figure out the year. If all numbers the first number of the serial number indicates the last digit of the year: 6 = 1986, 7 = 1987, etc. up to 1989. If it's a 1990, it has a 2 letter code, which should be SN for a Nova Special X. If you can't read the serial number, the earlier ones had side track seat stays, the late ones were fastback.

47-57 cm frames were all SLX
58-59 cm frames were SLX/SPX mix
60 cm and up frames were SPX

For a 63 cm:
Head tube angle 73.5
Seat tube angle 73
In other words, standard Serotta racing frame geometry.

Basically, it was Serotta's 2nd in the line for most years. Mid 80s the Club was top of the line, mostly had extra detail work like engraving. Later the Colorado took the place of the Club, adding tapered/shaped tubing. The Novas were still a top level frame compared to what most framebuilders built.

buck-50 · #7 01-30-2012, 07:53 PM

I've got an early 90s NHX, and it's the single best riding bike I've ever owned, period.

oliver1850 · #8 01-30-2012, 08:42 PM

I like my NHX a lot too. The only difference between it and a 1990 Nova Special X is the S bend chainstays, I believe.

wingnut · #9 01-31-2012, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kong79

They were Serotta's "stock" bike, meaning they weren't custom made for an individual. They were made for several years. The Columbus SLX tubing was top of the line back in the day. I'm not sure what the geometry is, but it has a nice and stable road racing feel, not twitchy like a crit bike. Mine has no mounting points for racks or fenders so it isn't a touring bike.

I actually have a custom '89 NSPX - black frame, yellow stickers, and chrome fork & stays. Both the fork and the stays have braze-ons for racks so it can be used as a touring bike. I have the receipt from Serotta as well as the catalog for custom options!

kong79 · #10 01-31-2012, 12:25 PM

This is mine. Scroll down to see more pics.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=81898

peanutgallery · #11 01-31-2012, 05:29 PM

second this, buddy of mine got one back around that time, with all mavic. dawn of the fit kit sizing cycle and he waited a few months. he was short and regular bikes at the time did not fit him well. unfortunately, his brother had a party and the bike was stolen after a few months. talk about domestic disputes, that was a doozy

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut

I actually have a custom '89 NSPX - black frame, yellow stickers, and chrome fork & stays. Both the fork and the stays have braze-ons for racks so it can be used as a touring bike. I have the receipt from Serotta as well as the catalog for custom options!

rounder · #12 01-31-2012, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck-50

I've got an early 90s NHX, and it's the single best riding bike I've ever owned, period.

I like my NHX too. It was pretty much the only bike i rode for about 15 years.

It came with Shimano 7-speed with downtube shifters. Replaced that with Duraace 7410 with downtube shifters. Replaced that with campy 10-speed with brifters. Rode the bike forever. Learned about bikes and wheels and components with that bike. Plus it was fun. Still have the bike and like how it looks and what it does.

wingnut · #13 02-01-2012, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peanutgallery

second this, buddy of mine got one back around that time, with all mavic. dawn of the fit kit sizing cycle and he waited a few months. he was short and regular bikes at the time did not fit him well. unfortunately, his brother had a party and the bike was stolen after a few months. talk about domestic disputes, that was a doozy

I hope he had homeowner's insurance at the time. While prices on custom were nowhere near as high as they are today, it must've hurt. My receipts for the NSPX and my De Rosa Professional show that the Serotta was worth two De Rosas!

Anyhow, I did see a custom NSPX sell on eBay not long ago. 58cm white frame with chrome fork & stays...