What-a-ya think about the brochure??? (caution, Serotta content)

[BumbleBeeDave]

.... I have. Beautiful bike.

BBD

Originally Posted by fiamme red

I was wondering if the project was going forward. It was good to see that there are some new posts on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SerottaCycling/.

Has anyone here seen a Prologue in person?

[Ronsonic]

Originally Posted by pbarry

Rob English must have dumb customers.

There's a LOT going on with an English, the cable routing being the least of them.

[Ronsonic]

Originally Posted by jpw

Time for specifics. Do those dropouts look functional or brutal? I can't decide.

Functionally brutal. I think I like them.

[AngryScientist]

I'm sure many of you got the Serotta update email today.

I wonder how many they are selling? I know they made another announcement a couple months ago that they would build rim brake models now, a walk back of the disc only framesets they re-started with.

Curious if anyone on this forum is considering a new Serotta or maybe has ordered one?

New Option 1

We have orders placed for all top tier component groups from the leading suppliers, but like everyone else, do not expect deliveries to match our demand. So, instead of disappointing our customers we’re offering a limited number of production slots for frameset-only orders.

Frameset (frame, fork, headset, seat clamp, axles) prices start at $6695 (steel); $7545 (titanium) including custom design fees.

Please also note: Our primary concern is always for your safety. Customers who purchase framesets directly from Serotta will be asked to sign an agreement accepting the risks and responsibilities for the assembly and maintenance of the bicycle.

2

Your New Serotta is now available in participation with your favorite Independent Retailer /Fitting Specialist.
You love your favorite bike shop…and wish you could purchase your new Serotta through their store. Now you can. The only requirements are that the retailer has a proven track record of understanding bike fit and has a pro-level mechanic on staff for assembly and service…. and of course, that the retailer agrees to facilitate the transaction. No worries, we’ll make sure that you have the full benefit of the Serotta approach to personalized design and engineering, collaborating with your retailer to ensure you have the full value of a truly bespoke experience. Please note, your retailer will be responsible for obtaining and quoting the finished bicycle cost, including assembly.

If you’d like to purchase your new Serotta with the convenience of your favorite retailer or service provider, just provide us with the contact info for your local shop/s and we can take it from there.

3

(i thought you could always do this...)

Book a fitting with Ben S himself.

[Coffee Rider]

Although it doesn't really matter to me since I'm already set on ordered bikes and have one that Ben built, does anyone know whether Ben is at least building the steel bikes himself? That would make the price seem somewhat more reasonable even though I think that's the most expensive steel frameset around.

[lavi]

Those prices. Lol. GFL.

[jkbrwn]

Woof. Cash. Money.

[nmrt]

i would have been the first to scoff at the prices. but if chinese/taiwanese made frames can cost $5500, a boutiquely boutique Serotta, made in the U.S. with living wages and health care (hopefully), can certainly be $7500.

Or maybe we go back to our annual blaming TPC for jacking up prices of all bikes and bike related things.

[fiamme red]

Non-refundable deposit is apparently still $4,500.

https://serotta.com/deposit

To proceed with ordering a bike you will pay a $4500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot on the build list. Once we collect your measurement data, a draft is made, you approve it and we assign a target build commencement date for your frame. At that time, you will also be provided an estimated delivery date for your bicycle.

Up until that commencement date you will be given the opportunity to review the build kit and finish options for your bike. We recognize that your preferences may change during the waiting period and are happy to adjust accordingly. However, the frame geometry and component details need to be finalized by the commencement date, so your bike is not delayed.

A non-refundable payment for the balance due on your bike, based on the final specifications, is due prior to your assigned build commencement date. We strive to meet our projected build and delivery dates, but many factors that are out of our control can impact the schedule. These factors include, but are not limited to, availability of raw materials for frame production, quality assurance testing, component availability, shipping and assembly delays. The delivery date is an estimate, not a guarantee. Delays in delivery are not grounds for order cancellation or refund.

[Coffee Rider]

Originally Posted by nmrt

i would have been the first to scoff at the prices. but if chinese/taiwanese made frames can cost $5500, a boutiquely boutique Serotta, made in the U.S. with living wages and health care (hopefully), can certainly be $7500.

Or maybe we go back to our annual blaming TPC for jacking up prices of all bikes and bike related things.

Although the prices are high, you can spend as much or more on a Legend Bertoletti and definitely more on a Passoni. Way back when I bought a Seven, the dealer (also a Serotta dealer) said it was partly ego that Ben wanted to have the most expensive bikes. I think the fact that were are five pages into this discussion over quite a lot of time is a good indication that Serotta still matters.

TPC hasn't helped inflate the prices of anything I've sold, so I neither thank nor curse them.

[mhespenheide]

I just don't see it as a value proposition. There are many other custom builders working in steel who offer the highest level of quality for a better value. Similar story for titanium or carbon. If you're a serious potential buyer, you've either got a tremendous emotional connection to Serotta or price just isn't at all an issue for you.

Another point: if we're talking about six thousand to eight thousand for a frame, I'd guess those potential buyers aren't looking at a second-hand frame. But, at some level, I have to wonder if Ben is competing against his own company's prior work. I like Serotta as a concept; even with my relatively limited resources, it wouldn't be all that hard to find and buy an older Serotta that fit me. Of course, it wouldn't be custom for me, but I play in a different pool...

[AngryScientist]

I see they have a location in Balston Spa NY - does anyone know - is any fabrication going on there or is it just office space or...?

It would be fun in the Spring to take a ride out there and drop in and see Ben and the crew if there is anything going on.

[KonaSS]

Frameset (frame, fork, headset, seat clamp, axles) prices start at $6695 (steel); $7545 (titanium) including custom design fees.

As my mom would say, these seem like bikes for people with more money than sense.

[Buzz Killington]

Warning: This is just guesswork from what I’ve read. And only for the Ti bikes.
The tubing is manipulated in China or Taiwan (don’t know tubing origin)
Tubes are sent to a builder in the USA to be cut/mitered/coped
Tubes sent to another builder to be welded (not in Ballston Spa HQ)
Painted frames sent to another builder for paint
Frames sent back to Serotta for final delivery to customer.

I can’t justify the price at my poverty level, but the bikes are gorgeous.

[PaMtbRider]

I am a Serotta fan boy. I love my Ottrott. If money was no object, I still wouldn't buy one. I see nothing that even remotely justifies the inflated cost.