message boards

[eddief]

I wonder if there was a well designed, not too commercial (not RBR) message board if it could be self-sustaining?

A board where manufacturers might bring their new products to the public and where interesting good and/or controversial conversations could take place.

I get uncomfortable with stepping on the hospitality provided here by Serotta. The CSI subject has worn itself out and now the new bike subject will wear itself out. But even Mr. Direct himself (me) gets tired of the bad mouthing, second guessing of Serotta on THEIR board. Even before the new model is out, the negative appears here first.

At some point I may wish to express that negative, but it dawned on me that would be pooping next to where dinner is served. How does that saying go?

I know they have made their bed and have choices. I simply wish sometimes we had another good venue in which to talk.

[sellsworth]

What about http://www.bikefanclub.com/

[aLexis]

I wonder if there was a well designed, not too commercial (not RBR) message board if it could be self-sustaining?

A board where manufacturers might bring their new products to the public and where interesting good and/or controversial conversations could take place.

I get uncomfortable with stepping on the hospitality provided here by Serotta. The CSI subject has worn itself out and now the new bike subject will wear itself out. But even Mr. Direct himself (me) gets tired of the bad mouthing, second guessing of Serotta on THEIR board. Even before the new model is out, the negative appears here first.

At some point I may wish to express that negative, but it dawned on me that would be pooping next to where dinner is served. How does that saying go?

I know they have made their bed and have choices. I simply wish sometimes we had another good venue in which to talk.

You could try bikeforum. They have a no holds barred road bike section.

As far as manufacturers go, I really doubt that they (Serotta included) would use an internet message board to introduce new products and ask for opinions. A few people may offer valuable critiques, but they would be sorely outnumbered by the rest. The great thing about innovators, is that they lead the way and let the others talk. I respect Ben a lot for that.

I know you have many opinions, Eddie, and do appreciate your not pooping near supper. Really. I just doubt you will find that holy grail of forums. Until then though, stick around. You can let a few silent ones out now and again. ;)

[Tailwinds]

Have you checked out www.cyclingforum.com?

[DfCas]

I've been a supporting member there for 7-8 years,and it is the place for technical info.I don't mean this in a critical way,but there is a lot of chat and small talk here.I read it all and don't mind.

Traffic has been down on cyclingforum.com simply because all the technical arguments such as weight vs aero,wheel building,etc have been worked out and settled.

I think it is also good that it is not manufacturer based,and I don't mind being critical of anybody's bike there.I would never make a negative comment about a Serotta here as I consider it rude.

dan

[Smiley]

Eddie and all , this is a great place to be , we enjoy our own opinions and my guess is Serotta guys and gals respect this fact .All were doing is entertaining ourselves on their dime . Heck the fact that were talking about this new Meivici frame is the best advertising going , good or bad since you all have created a buzz that will make you all want to go to the local LBS and kick the tires of this bad boy and see if the fine folks at serotta are really staking their reputation to deliver a truly unique machine for the price .
I know a couple of years ago when Todd at Serotta called me to tell me the Hors Categorie was a discontinued product , well I thanked him since I knew I just added a few resale dollars to my bike if I should ever decide to sell it . Now we lose the CSI , you guys know what, it was a really hard bike to sell from a fit stand point cause I could not slope the Top Tube so the C-III sold much better due to the loss of quill stems . I just fit my wife for a CSI but she really needs a sloping top tube so a best fit will be a new C-III for her and maybe me if I have not drank the kool aid and plucked down the jack for a new Mavici or better yet a new Ottrott since I still like Ti and I am not that nuts about all carbone . Tomorrow I'll take a coffee shop spin on my sub $ 400 Kogswell and enjoy the ride not cause its a cheap bike but because it makes me happy to ride it and guess what it fits me just right , just like all my other bikes do . Enyoy being here , thanks Serotta and thanks to all of you for keeping me entertained with your comments and opinions . Enjoy

[Kirk Pacenti]

eddief,

If someone could tell me what one of these things costs to set up, maintain and administrate, (serottajames?) I would consider it. After all that was the thinking behind my gallery pages; to give builders a place to show off what they've got.

A message board seems the next logical step......


Cheers,

[Kahuna]

Dave, I already setup a "framebuilders forum" a while back on Bikefanclub.com for exactly this purpose. I floated the idea to a few builders but it never seemed to catch on. One problem might have been because it was a closed forum, for builders to discuss their craft and for others to read (but not post). I've since opened it up to the general public, so let's see how it goes. If there's enough interest great. Unlike most forums that have strict rules against commercialism, this one doesn't. At least as long as things don't get too out of hand.

There's a gallery there too. If you would like your own gallery to show off your lugs and work, let me know and I'll create one in an instant.

-K

P.S. A bit of trivia - Kirk is the guy at ABG who drafted my lovely Spectrum, (along with Tom Kellogg who spec'd and finished the frame.) For his involvement I remain eternally grateful!

eddief,

If someone could tell me what one of these things costs to set up, maintain and administrate, (serottajames?) I would consider it. After all that was the thinking behind my gallery pages; to give builders a place to show off what they've got.

A message board seems the next logical step......


Cheers,

[e-RICHIE]

[QUOTE=Kahuna]Dave, I already setup a "framebuilders forum" a while back on Bikefanclub.com for exactly this purpose. I floated the idea to a few builders but it never seemed to catch on. One problem might have been because it was a closed forum, for builders to discuss their craft and for others to read (but not post). I've since opened it up to the general public...QUOTE]


kahuna-issimo
which group is the "framebuilders forum". i look at
your site regularly, and just checked it, but must
have missed it. dove?

[William]

I think this is a great place to hang out and talk bikes, mechanics, technique, training , and sometimes just have fun goofing off. It's fun and informative. But this is a public forum hosted by Serotta. All are welcome as long as they follow a few basic guidelines. It's rare when we get trolls on the list and when we do, the forum members generally do a good job of policing it.
With that said, I don't have a problem with constructive criticism of a product or service, even if it pertains to Serotta. I personally like to hear all sides and points of view on a topic/product. Good and bad. This would become a pretty boring place if it was filled with nothing but "yes" people on all things pertaining to one manufacturer. If Serotta were afraid of people bad mouthing their lines, then they would make this a members (owners) only forum. But it's open to all, and that's what you will get, all different points of view. And that's a good thing in my book.

Why break up a good thing? Serotta has nothing to fear.

William

[Kahuna]

Y'know sometimes I truly regret what I did to my brain cells in college. :crap: :D

Take a look now. It should be all set.


kahuna-issimo
which group is the "framebuilders forum". i look at
your site regularly, and just checked it, but must
have missed it. dove?

[Doc Austin]

Somebody mentioned "no holds barred," but if you want to see real blood and guts forum bickering try the motorsports forums, especially the American open wheel sections. It gets so nasty it's almost ruined motorsports for me.

This forum seems more like a bunch of friends having a beer together after a ride than anything else, but I do read alot of helpful cycling info here. I think the people who inhabit the forum have struck the right balance between serious discussion and hanging out with the guys. I think it's just right.

Someone mentioned that it's bad manners to critisize Serotta on their own forum, but my experience is that if you have a problem, take it to them, and they will probably surprise you with how easy they are to work with. Not so long ago someone had a wheel fail on a new Serotta Legend TI, and it damaged the frame. Last I read on the forum, Serotta was going to fix the frame, even though it wasn't their reponsibility.

I don't want to go into the details of the business I have done with Serotta, because that's not the way to do business, but I don't think it's bad manners to say they went so far above and beyond for me that I still can't believe it................and I didn't even ask for anything special. That's just the way they do business, which is why I'll never ride anything but a Serotta.

[BumbleBeeDave]

(Gee, I’m SO agreeable this morning! You’d think I just got--aaah, but I didn’t--so it must be meds overdose or something. Never mind! ;) )

Anyway, I also feel like this is the local cycling bar where there is always someone at the table.

Serotta can get nothing but good out of people discussin their bikes here, whether good or bad. I’m sure someone there does read this stuff and it’s helpful from a marketing feedback and occasionally technical standpoint. If people come in here and criticize personaltities at Serotta, that’s unfortunate. But it’s also unreasonable for everyone to like each other all the times.

Take Sandy for instance. What a #$%&*! And that Smiley? Pure #$%&!! And what’s up with that William guy? He’s such a $%*& all the time! I could go on AND on--and frequently do--but it’s time for more happy meds! . . . ;)

BBDave

[William]

[QUOTE=BumbleBeeDave
Take Sandy for instance. What a #$%&*! And that Smiley? Pure #$%&!! And what’s up with that William guy? He’s such a $%*& all the time! I could go on AND on--and frequently do--but it’s time for more happy meds! . . . ;)

BBDave[/QUOTE]

I always thought I was more of a big @*&#%^ then a $%*&? :confused:

William ;)