‘86 Serotta Nova Special

[edward12]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200916/de5e9fa5f99c1ccee715bea0607ddef9.jpg
I finally built up my ‘86 Serotta Nova Special frameset I acquired during the early days of the COVID-19 shutdown.

The shifters, derailleurs, brake levers, and brakes are period correct Campy NR. The hubs are Campy Triomphe from the era. The crankset is a VO Grand Cru 48/34 with matching bottom bracket and 9 speed chain. The 6 speed freewheel is an IRD cyclone 13-26. The cockpit is Campy NR and Nitto with a Tange Levin headset. Pedals and toe cages are MKS.

So far, the bike is beautiful to ride. I’m even thinking about tackling the California L’Eroica with it! [emoji41]


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[stephenmarklay]

That looks proper.

[oliver1850]

A beauty. Looks to be just my size.

[rustychisel]

Golly, that's clean.
Also big. Also pretty.

[bitpuddle]

This is really nice. Thanks for posting it.

[bob_in_pa]

Very nice.

[Plum Hill]

I wonder how the Serotta Nova sold in Mexico.
The name didn’t work for Chevrolet.

[Spaghetti Legs]

That’s a good looking build. I tackled Eroica Cali last time with the same crank, Super Record RD, 13-28 freewheel.

[Toeclips]

Love the toe clips!!

[stephenyi]

Looks awesome! Great build.

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[Buzz]

Very nice!

[dave thompson]

I wonder how the Serotta Nova sold in Mexico.
The name didn’t work for Chevrolet.

Ha! NOVA en español = “not going”.

[Clean39T]

That's super cool - a bike like that is on my list of things to acquire when I have the space..

[jamesdak]

That is beautiful.

I just picked one up today and am digging to see what info I can find about these. Hoping for my first test ride tomorrow.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/171048626.jpg

[oliver1850]

That is beautiful.

I just picked one up today and am digging to see what info I can find about these. Hoping for my first test ride tomorrow.



Yours looks to be within a year or two of 1988. Check the serial number and see if it has the two letter model code (SL for a Nova Special) or all numbers. If all numbers, the first numeral will tell you the year: 9 = 1989, 8 = 1988. I'm pretty sure your frame will fit one these two serial code systems, as it has fastback stays.

The Nova was intended to be all Columbus SL. I've been told that comparable tubes from other manufacturers (Tange, True Temper, Reynolds) were sometimes substituted when supply of Columbus tubes ran short.

I have several variations: a Nova Special, a Nova Series, a couple of Nova Special X's, and an NHX. I can't explain why, but I like these frames more than any of the numerous Colorado frames I own.

[jamesdak]

Yours looks to be within a year or two of 1988. Check the serial number and see if it has the two letter model code (SL for a Nova Special) or all numbers. If all numbers, the first numeral will tell you the year: 9 = 1989, 8 = 1988. I'm pretty sure your frame will fit one these two serial code systems, as it has fastback stays.



https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?p=2797628#post2797628

SL56 9621