zap
07-02-2004, 10:31 AM
I would like to thank Lori and Smiley for allowing me to test the latest Legend. By the way everyone, Lori is fast so watch out.
First of all, my apologies in advance for any mistakes regarding frame tubing specs, etc on the bike I tested. Smiley, correct me if any of the specs are not correct.
Test bike was a 57 Legend ST with sloping top tube, F2 fork (?), 1cm headtube extension, oversized chainstays and the stiffer rear carbon seatstays. TT was 56.5cm with 11cm positive rise stem. Frame had the Sierra Nevada paint scheme and Campy equipment :banana: Wheels, Bontrager X Lite with Maxxis tires at 110psi.
I need to point out that the bike did not fit me. The top tube and stem were to short by a combined 3.3-3.5cm. I adjusted the saddle position pretty close to what I normally ride, so for this test I probably had more weight on the rear wheels than if the bike were sized correctly. The stem and h/bar were higher than normal and the bars were 2 cm wider than what I'm used to. All these differences made me feel a little awkward on the bike but typical when riding a bike not set up "just right".
I've tested small frames before and the basic characteristics were still apparent in frames my size. However, keep the above in mind as you read my ride report.
The ride was smooth. In fact, much better than the first generation Legend Ti frames. Like current Sevens, I thought the ride of gen 1 Legend's was to stiff. The current Legend ST rode very well.
The drivetrain was nice and stiff and the bike accelerates very well. I felt the fork was a good compromise between stiffness and ride compliance.
So far everything performed as I would expect from a top of the line frameset.
However, as speeds increased above, say, 18mph while in the saddle, I felt an increasing disconnect between the front and rear. The front rode just fine as expected but the rear started to give vertically. The rear was too compliant and I didn't like the feel. What was really surprising was that going through dips or over bumps, the rear wheel would lighten up considerably or in some instances, leave the ground.
It's possible that my weight distribution contributed to this problem but I think the fault lies in the rear stay pivot design. I believe under a 400 lb load the rear moves 3mm. I doubt I loaded the rear wheel more than 200 lbs but regardless, there appears to be enough compression and rebound to lighten the rear wheel. Maybe the longer than normal carbon post due to the sloping top tube contributed as well?
I would have liked to weld the rear seatstay lug to the rear dropout and then tried the frame, but I don't think Ben would have approved :D Another possibility is to try a frame with super sized rear chainstay's.
For some, I can understand the appeal of having a rear stay pivot. But for me, I would have to test this design further on a larger frame with a level top tube and super sized stay's before making a final decision on this design. I would also want to try the regular Legend with Ti seatstay's. Not to mention the Ottrott.
I didn't need to test the handling as I've ridden Serotta's before so I know the handling would be just fine.
IMHO, to get the most out of your Serotta purchase, test as many models as possible and if one intrests you, try different tubing options in order to find what works best for your riding style. Then work with your fitter to get the frame geometry nailed.
:beer:
First of all, my apologies in advance for any mistakes regarding frame tubing specs, etc on the bike I tested. Smiley, correct me if any of the specs are not correct.
Test bike was a 57 Legend ST with sloping top tube, F2 fork (?), 1cm headtube extension, oversized chainstays and the stiffer rear carbon seatstays. TT was 56.5cm with 11cm positive rise stem. Frame had the Sierra Nevada paint scheme and Campy equipment :banana: Wheels, Bontrager X Lite with Maxxis tires at 110psi.
I need to point out that the bike did not fit me. The top tube and stem were to short by a combined 3.3-3.5cm. I adjusted the saddle position pretty close to what I normally ride, so for this test I probably had more weight on the rear wheels than if the bike were sized correctly. The stem and h/bar were higher than normal and the bars were 2 cm wider than what I'm used to. All these differences made me feel a little awkward on the bike but typical when riding a bike not set up "just right".
I've tested small frames before and the basic characteristics were still apparent in frames my size. However, keep the above in mind as you read my ride report.
The ride was smooth. In fact, much better than the first generation Legend Ti frames. Like current Sevens, I thought the ride of gen 1 Legend's was to stiff. The current Legend ST rode very well.
The drivetrain was nice and stiff and the bike accelerates very well. I felt the fork was a good compromise between stiffness and ride compliance.
So far everything performed as I would expect from a top of the line frameset.
However, as speeds increased above, say, 18mph while in the saddle, I felt an increasing disconnect between the front and rear. The front rode just fine as expected but the rear started to give vertically. The rear was too compliant and I didn't like the feel. What was really surprising was that going through dips or over bumps, the rear wheel would lighten up considerably or in some instances, leave the ground.
It's possible that my weight distribution contributed to this problem but I think the fault lies in the rear stay pivot design. I believe under a 400 lb load the rear moves 3mm. I doubt I loaded the rear wheel more than 200 lbs but regardless, there appears to be enough compression and rebound to lighten the rear wheel. Maybe the longer than normal carbon post due to the sloping top tube contributed as well?
I would have liked to weld the rear seatstay lug to the rear dropout and then tried the frame, but I don't think Ben would have approved :D Another possibility is to try a frame with super sized rear chainstay's.
For some, I can understand the appeal of having a rear stay pivot. But for me, I would have to test this design further on a larger frame with a level top tube and super sized stay's before making a final decision on this design. I would also want to try the regular Legend with Ti seatstay's. Not to mention the Ottrott.
I didn't need to test the handling as I've ridden Serotta's before so I know the handling would be just fine.
IMHO, to get the most out of your Serotta purchase, test as many models as possible and if one intrests you, try different tubing options in order to find what works best for your riding style. Then work with your fitter to get the frame geometry nailed.
:beer: