My first Serotta

[Treetop]

Hi everyone - I am now the proud owner of my first Serotta! :D

I picked up this CDA from Spicoli :cool: last week and after a few rides have taken the time to snap a few picts to share here. I love everything about the bike (well except for the cages). It is just what the doctor ordered to deal with this dreary NE monsoon we have been having. I was sold on the fact that is was has the same geo as a stock C50 that I have ridden and knew could be dialed in from.

This sled will become my new daily driver and occasional RR weapon after a long and difficult task of pushing another past love into the role of Sunday driver.

Thanks to Spicoli and also to Serotta for providing this great sandbox to play and learn in.

Any and all feedback is welcome. :beer:

-Treetop

http://gallery.me.com/treehouse5/100008/DSC_0208/web.jpg?ver=12463138730001
http://gallery.me.com/treehouse5/100008/DSC_0167/web.jpg?ver=12463135520001
http://gallery.me.com/treehouse5/100008/DSC_0215/web.jpg?ver=12463139670001

[Pete Serotta]

The CDA has always been one of my favorites....YOURS looks very nice. When my son in law graduated from his PHD, my wife and I got him a CDA.....


Best riding and hope to see you on the road. PETER

[Treetop]

As someone new to riding a Serotta but having been around long enough to know their pedigree - I can say I'm not disappointed even with possibly inflated expectations. I haven't taken it to the mts for a high-speed descent test but it's everything I thought it would be. Buttery over the bumps and solid when pushed. Perfect!

Great bikes! as everyone here likely knows.. ;)

Thanks -Treetop

[Ahneida Ride]

Orange Bikes Rule ....

Serotta makes great orange bikes !!!!

[MattTuck]

Sweet ride.

The first picture is playing an optical trick on me I think, is the bike on an incline? and is the seat tube really reclined? or is it just me?


I dig the orange, too!

[Treetop]

it's a flat TT. It is on an incline - you're right. Here's a better shot of it. I'll have to double check the build sheet but seem think the ST is 73°?¿
http://gallery.me.com/treehouse5/100008/DSC_0172/web.jpg?ver=12463136050001

I like the orange too. Have a few-year-old LeMond Poprad I tricked out for CX that's also orange. This pair allows me to cut down on needed kits for cordinaton ;)

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . would cost a bundle, but they would play perfectly off of the carbon in the rear stays and the fork.

Other than that, love that creamsicle orange!

BBD

[MattTuck]

Thanks for the flat pic!


PS. How are the Ardennes? I'm trying to think of my next wheel... and they are in contention. Do the wider rims really make a difference?

[Pete Serotta]

Add the Striped cages and suit and DAVE will give it a try......

. . . would cost a bundle, but they would play perfectly off of the carbon in the rear stays and the fork.

Other than that, love that creamsicle orange!

BBD

[jlwdm]

Good looking bike. Just add the Arundel Mandible cages.

Jeff

[csm]

Orange Bikes Rule ....

Serotta makes great orange bikes !!!!

ditto. I've thought about sending my legend back to get repainted this orange.

[TAW]

Looks great and nicely built. Congratulations, and welcome to the forum.

[William]

Love the color!! :cool: :beer:


Welcome to the obsession!! :beer:





William

[Treetop]

Thanks for the flat pic!


PS. How are the Ardennes? I'm trying to think of my next wheel... and they are in contention. Do the wider rims really make a difference?

I like the wheels a lot. They are a good fit for me and the kind of riding I like to do. With the wider rim width and the 25c tires I run - they inspire a lot of confidence on gravel and the crap Maine roads I ride on. This was the selling point for me. I was liking the Bastogne set but at 63kilos I was told I was likely going to prefer the lighter scandium Ardennes. Idea being I would actually be "upgrading" from the Campy Neucleon tubulars they were replacing. (The Neucs are awesome road wheels but have now become dedicated to CX) I have not once thought I made the wrong choice. The Ardennes are .5 lighter and every bit as smooth.

That said - I would actually like to put a set of new 23c 320tpi Vittoria CXs on to see how smooth these clinchers can get in an attempt to relieve my need to hold onto my Zipp 202 tubulars. To me those wheels are still in a league of their own - but never having tried Edge, Lew, Hyperion, Bont XXX, etc. carbon - my scope is a little narrow. If it ends up that the tires make that much difference I would part with the Zipps and Stinger 50's I have for racing and pick up a set of the C2 Stingers. That's how much I think the wider rim does make a difference.

Hope this helps. Obviously I can talk wheels all day...
-Treetop

[Treetop]

for the welcome and kind words about the bike!

It's great to be among the "enablers". :p

This will def be my weapon of choice at next years Battenkill. I may even have to do the Tour of the Catskills so I can stop by the factory and get a full Serotta education. Hopefully there is no CX that week :D

Now about those cages...you nailed it - these would be perfect
http://www.sveltecycles.com/catalog/ArundelMandible.jpg
I'll start saving now but the trick will be keeping my nose out of the classifieds. Did someone say obsession? :crap: :beer:

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . would also look real good on that bike! :)

http://www.handlebra.com/

BBD

[Spicoli]

Looks awesome! you have done it justice, this is exactly what/where/who I had hoped it would go :D A perfect fit IMO.

:beer:

[Treetop]

Handlebra is the ticket - they make orange!
http://handlebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/orange_hb.jpg
I couldn't stomach the thought of putting cork Cinelli on this ride just for the color. Thanks for the tip.
I like the idea of honey brown though but then I would need a Brooks Swallow to match. That would take the bike in a different direction altogether. I usually only make changes when something gets worn out. But now the seed has been planted...like I said "enablers"...

It's great to be here. :D

Thanks Spicoli - glad to know I did you proud. :beer: