Serotta Ottrott - Keep or Sell - Don't Hurt Me...

[Twilight228]

Originally Posted by kiwisimon

take it for a ride and check it still floats your boat. Not every good bike is a good match at any given time.

This is probably the right idea, I'll take it out this weekend after a tune-up.

Originally Posted by Fat Cat

Doesn't seem like the bike lites any particular fires for you. Flip it. Make two people happier.

This is where my mind was this morning. You may very well be right

[apologies if trying to quote two folks in one reply doesn't work, I don't know what I'm doing]

[Twilight228]

Does anyone have any idea if weighting 220 is a risk to a this type of frame? Probably no way to know without the build sheet, which I do not have.

I really don't think so, but what a crappy thing to learn if I'm wrong.

[jimcav]

based solely on it being an iconic model and will always be time-stamped in your mind to your little girl.

consider a mirror and a varia and try it--those got me back out after a 8-year break.

[SteveInBoulder2]

Originally Posted by Twilight228

Does anyone have any idea if weighting 220 is a risk to a this type of frame? Probably no way to know without the build sheet, which I do not have.

I really don't think so, but what a crappy thing to learn if I'm wrong.

220 shouldn't be a problem. I am currently riding an Ottrott and I tip the scales at about 245. I haven't had any issues in the few years I've had it.

[Twilight228]

Originally Posted by SteveInBoulder2

220 shouldn't be a problem. I am currently riding an Ottrott and I tip the scales at about 245. I haven't had any issues in the few years I've had it.

Amazing, thank you!

[benb]

It is probably highly unlikely 220lb is too heavy for an Ottrot but the only way to know would be if you somehow got the build sheets and knew the weight of the person that ordered the bike.

What year is it and what fork was it? The F3 had three different stiffness levels for different weight riders who had different goals. IIRC I was in the 170-180 range when I bought my Serotta and they put me on the middle stiffness F3.

I would bet it's fine and it's just going to be how much it flexes or how it feels if you're heavier. But if you're not riding a ton and haven't been out there hammering you're probably going to ride it less aggressively and it might all wash out. Most of the raciest bikes today have weight limits in the 250-275lb range.

The fact you're asking probably means you haven't eliminated cycling in your mind and that would mean you should keep it. Getting rid of it and being wrong means you're spending a bunch more money. Keeping it doesn't cost anything.

All this stuff can change. I kind of went on a bit of a cycling hiatus during Covid too and did more weight training type activities. But by this year I was definitely very sick of it all, especially the change in how much time I spend indoors vs outdoors. Being outdoors is a big big part of why I like cycling, it's good for the spirit, keeps me away from crowds of people, and just makes me feel better. No primarily indoor sport can give those benefits.

[Jad]

I'd be interested to see how handling the bike affects your thinking. Maybe dusting it off, lubing the chain, checking the tires will help you see where you are with it. Certainly taking a spin is a good idea.

There can be such a difference between the idea of a thing and the thing itself.

[oldguy00]

Originally Posted by Twilight228

Good Morning Everyone,

I followed this forum heavily 10+ years ago, and was an avid cyclist at the time. Against the advice of those on this forum, I purchased a Serotta Ottrott shortly after my daughter was born (2nd child), with good intentions. As projected by at least one person one here indirectly, she has sat in my garage for the better part of a decade. I've never had the nerve to sell it, mostly because the fit is literally as good as it gets.
....

Sorry if I missed it, but why were others telling you not to buy it?

[HenryA]

Its a great bike. Good as anything. Keep it.

[Twilight228]

[QUOTE=benb;What year is it and what fork was it? The F3 had three different stiffness levels for different weight riders who had different goals. IIRC I was in the 170-180 range when I bought my Serotta and they put me on the middle stiffness F3.

The fork is a F3, marked "EIGHT FIVE". I had no idea this indicated flex, but based on a quick read through a post by PETE SEROTTA, it appears they offered a 6.5, 8.5 and a 10.5.

I always thought is was circa 2005, but never really tried hard to verify. AngryScientist posted a serial decode a "little while" ago, that would indicate that it's no older than 2004 (based on a serial he referenced => 2004 C OS 53 3XX). My SN: C OS 58 5XX

[Twilight228]

Originally Posted by oldguy00

Sorry if I missed it, but why were others telling you not to buy it?

I had been away from regular riding for about a year after my son was born, By regular riding, no longer riding 3 or more times per week. The suggestion, as I remember it, was to get back into riding, and then upgrade to celebrate the successful reentry. I bought at the front end, rather than waiting.

I haven't tried to dig up the conversation, I'm sure it's on here. I could also be slightly off, I'm operating on the impression left by a discussion 10-years later.

Probably should have referenced it.

[oldguy00]

Originally Posted by Twilight228

I had been away from regular riding for about a year after my son was born, By regular riding, no longer riding 3 or more times per week. The suggestion, as I remember it, was to get back into riding, and then upgrade to celebrate the successful reentry. I bought at the front end, rather than waiting.

I haven't tried to dig up the conversation, I'm sure it's on here. I could also be slightly off, I'm operating on the impression left by a discussion 10-years later.

Probably should have referenced it.

If you like it, keep it, who cares what anyone else thinks!

[NateFrentz]

If it's your only bike, keep it. The market really undervalues these nicer rim brake bikes of that vintage anyway. And if you're still in DC, PM me! I host a regular ride here that isn't challenging and know of many other social rides here that run the gamut.

[Twilight228]

Originally Posted by NateFrentz

If it's your only bike, keep it. The market really undervalues these nicer rim brake bikes of that vintage anyway. And if you're still in DC, PM me! I host a regular ride here that isn't challenging and know of many other social rides here that run the gamut.

I would die. I actually live on the Eastern Shore now, but was working in DC at the time. Really appreciate the offer!

Not my only bike.

[texbike]

At first thought I was thinking that you should just keep it. Unfortunately, the market for older, narrow tire, rim-braked bikes has dropped dramatically over the last 4 years. They're usually more valuable to their owners than what you could get on the market for them dollar-wise.

However, given your comments, I'd say sell it. It doesn't sound like road-riding is really an interest or priority for you at this time and you have other bikes available to get out with the family. So... pass it on. I'm sure there's someone out there that would love to give it a new home.

Texbike