Great discussion with Kevin at Get A Grip Cycles

[Nathanrtaylor]

A friend of mine went in for a fitting at Get a Grip this afternoon and placed an order for an Ottrott. Since I am "that guy" who has to question everything even if I have very limited information, I ended up on the phone in a 3 -way call with my friend and Kevin discussing his choice of an Ottrott vs a CDA (I just took delivery of a CDA and LOVE it, btw)

Kevin took the time to talk to a non-customer (me) about the benefits of each frame (CDA vs Ottrott) for almost an hour. He could have just as easily told my friend that he knew what he was talking about and left it at that. It was amazing. He really knows his stuff. This is my second experience with a fit specialist and shop owner specializing in Serotta, but if Kevin (and Henry at my local shop) represent the norm for Serotta dealers, then Serotta has incredible advocates on their side.

Anyone in the Chicago area who hasn't checked out Get a Grip cycles needs to. Next time I'm in Chicago, I plan on stopping by.

[Johnny Law]

i sure am glad i googled 'road cycle chat forum'!!


good stuff.

[Nathanrtaylor]

Hey, what can I say? I was impressed.

If the info isn't of use to anyone, it'll quickly fall into the land of forgotten threads. :)

[Johnny Law]

it was uselful to me. it's always good to hear of people who know what they are talking about and are eager to help and not to mention for the common goal of cycling.

and to think it has a lot to do with serotta is what i was getting at. now i'm seriously interested as well as impressed.

[Nathanrtaylor]

Very cool.

I'm fairly new to road cycling as an adult, so forums like these are very important to me as well.

[Johnny Law]

Very cool.

I'm fairly new to road cycling as an adult, so forums like these are very important to me as well.


huh? as an adult? regardless of what forum i'm on, i'll forever know that serotta deals in knowledge and with knowledgeable people and only a handful of idiots ride them and are on this forum.

it's not about the forum in and of itself, it's about cycling.

[Johnny Law]

it is a great story and told with respect which is what i respect Nathan, that's all.

now if you'll excuse me, i gotta go get ready for tomorrow's big ass group (sometimes over 100 cyclists) ride with North West Cyling Club.

http://www.northwestcyclingclub.com/

it's suppsed to be 44 around start time but no worries, the last time i went it was so cold and windy that the majority of the riders and racers just drove up and then drove off. i stayed and rode in the crap weather with a few others, myself in a beanie and a hoOdie on top of my longsleeve apparel and not too mention Sir WIll Black's New Belgium Ale jersey that he gave me. yes, i had to toss that in!! :)

http://houston.justweather.com/

out. have a good ride if you do tomorrow.

[LilBolt]

I was in Chicago about 6 months ago for a job interview and stopped by Get a Grip before heading to the airport. Had a great chat and learned a few things...plus I was given a couple of store logo cycling caps. Too bad I didn't get the job! Would have been a great place to bring my business.

[dekindy]

So what did he say about the Ottrott versus CDA? Ben Serotta says that the Ottrott is his favorite model.

[Smiley]

So what did he say about the Ottrott versus CDA? Ben Serotta says that the Ottrott is his favorite model.

Used to be the CSI was Ben betta tester and now its his Ottrott unless he's moved on to a MeiVici.
Anyway I can't see anybody going wrong with a CDA or an Ottrott aside from initial cost. The difference to me is BB stifness in the Ottrott as you push the pedal and it goes. I have a buddy that is riding a HSG carbon and that feeling is even greater in carbon. I guess you really can't lose with any Serotta choice.

[Nathanrtaylor]

He basically said that the Ottrott was more tuneable to rider characteristics due to the usage of carbon fiber in the two main tubes.

The extra initial cost of the Ottrott is somewhat defrayed by the longevity of the materials. Serotta builds the Ottrott as if it is the last bike you will need.

One interesting thing is that for the longest time Serotta worked to tune their materials to feel like their steel bikes. This is what Smiley was talking about in the post above. I guess it's true about the inherent feel of a steel bike, if they got the ride quality right decades ago!

[MichaelC]

To celebrate my 58th birthday and 1 year cancer free, I recently ordered an HSG Custom from Get a Grip here in Chicago. I was fitted at their downtown location by Adam and I can't say enough great things about that experience. Very thoughtful and thorough. Should have the new ride in another couple of weeks. Hopefully the weather in Chicago will be a little better by then. If you've never been in the Get a Grip shops, I seriously urge you to go check them out. I never saw so many sweet bikes in one location in my life. Gave me wood :)

[Pete Serotta]

Congratulations, on one year cancer free, and a birthday, and I hope the bike comes one day before the warm weather. PETE


To celebrate my 58th birthday and 1 year cancer free, I recently ordered an HSG Custom from Get a Grip here in Chicago. I was fitted at their downtown location by Adam and I can't say enough great things about that experience. Very thoughtful and thorough. Should have the new ride in another couple of weeks. Hopefully the weather in Chicago will be a little better by then. If you've never been in the Get a Grip shops, I seriously urge you to go check them out. I never saw so many sweet bikes in one location in my life. Gave me wood :)

[pedalyourbike]

I am the buyer that Nathan is referring to that went and got fit at Get A Grip Cycles in Chicago, IL. This was the best experience I have ever received. I been to several bike shops and this is "THE BEST". Serotta needs to make sure to keep them on their map. Two things they do well.... (FIT, and CONSULT) Adam and Kevin (owners) are TOP notch. Kevin never "once" tried to sell me. He advised me of my options. Serotta was the winner. Love the brand, the experience, and knowing I have a top quality product that was fully custom to my crazy physique. THANKS to GETAGRIP AND SEROTTA! I look forward to my bike in 5 weeks. If anyone is ever in Chicago and need a HIGH QUALITY SHOP. Think "Get A Grip" - Rob

[itsalldark]

The shop in chicago for Serotta is Alberto's Cycles in Highland Park. I believe they were the first Serotta dealer in the area. Fitting road bikes is what they are known for and if you are interested in the real deal go talk to Brendan. They have a fit studio that is second to none, and they know what they are doing. They also carry a bunch of other high end custom bikes as well as Seven which always makes it interesting. They also do all sorts of custom insoles and custom shoes. The shop is one of the nicest looking shops I have seen and they have rides going out all year long, including night cyclocross rides in the fall that are a blast. I have purchased four serottas from them including a 30th anniversary.

[pedalyourbike]

Thanks for mentioning the other dealer dark. I am content with GetAGrip and what they did for me. Doesn't matter to me if that dealer was the first Serotta dealer in the Chicago land area. I was just stating a fact of my experience. Everyone has their opinion. GetAGrip has my vote.

[itsalldark]

Just a heads up for you to see how another dealer does it, there is a reason they are the most respected dealer in the Chicago area and maybe the entire midwest. If you get some time you should pop your head in and see---or hop on one of there group rides. Just an idea, enjoy the bike--------

[Nathanrtaylor]

The last thing pedalyourbike needs is to be introduced to a better shop than the one he just found. :banana:

I mean this in fun. He's a good friend. :D