[tommyrod74]

Originally Posted by Brian Smith

Hi tommy,

Thanks for pointing out, the correct model name of these Ti/Carbon bikes was HSG IT.
I worked at Serotta during the breadth of the HSG moniker's usage, but it's been a while and some details may slip away from memory from time to time.

Among the steel bikes receiving that moniker were ONLY cyclocross frames.
Regarding seat post diameters of the HSG IT, the frames were shipped including an aluminum shim to make the 30.9 titanium seat tube I.D. accept a 27.2 seat post. I was recommending jettisoning the shim and using a 30.9 post. All Serotta frames so built tended to accumulate a stacking of tolerances which led to a poorer appearance once the seat post was installed and the clamp tightened, as well as slippage in some cases. Additionally, saddle height adjustments became a bit more fiddly, as the shim tends to move upward and rotationally with the post, requiring an extra finger or two to keep/move the shim where you want it. At the time of production of these models, the availability of 30.9 seatposts was not as broad as it is today, and there was a desire to accommodate the breadth of seat post options available in the 27.2 size. These days, the situation is different.

I like your characterization of the HSG IT as an Ottrot on a budget. It's worth bearing in mind that the budget nature of the carbon parts in the HSG and Fierte lineups were significantly less damage resistant than those in the Ottrot and Meivici lines. The pre-painted finish on that tubing was also more prone to chipping, which may contribute to an increased frequency of refinishing needs.

Thanks for the information from someone who was there when they were being made

Out of curiosity - would you characterize the carbon used in these models as inferior to what was generally used in the marketplace, or just inferior to the Ottrott and Meivici carbon? Should I be concerned about damage to the carbon going forward, beyond the (admittedly minimal) clearcoat lifting, which appears to be merely cosmetic?

I checked the seattube and, yep - it's a shim. I'll grab a 30.9 post when I build it up, thanks for the heads up.

Thanks, as I'm hoping this will be a sweet rig once refinished.

Also - my HSG steel is a very nice ride.

ETA: while I'm bothering you (and apologies in advance) - would you consider this model to be equivalent to the Nove, or significantly different?

Thanks,

Tommy