What really makes it better?

#1 05-22-2006, 10:08 PM

I wondering what makes a Serotta fierte (stock bike) THAT much better given such a price difference over other bikes? For instance, a bianchi vigorelli at 1700 (1400 on sale) seems great with Reynolds 631, full ultegra, and a mavic wheelset.

Assuming you fit on a fierte and (insert comparably equipped bike) the same, what would justify the price difference of building up a fierte? I only ask because I am purchasing a new road bike soon, I am on a budget, and I am trying to justify whether something like a Serotta is worth the price premium? Is it jsut the labor cost differences between Taiwan and the USA? Or is there something else to it? Any information anyone has about the Fierte steel models would be great!

SoCalSteve · #2 05-23-2006, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBAD3

I wondering what makes a Serotta fierte (stock bike) THAT much better given such a price difference over other bikes? For instance, a bianchi vigorelli at 1700 (1400 on sale) seems great with Reynolds 631, full ultegra, and a mavic wheelset.

Assuming you fit on a fierte and (insert comparably equipped bike) the same, what would justify the price difference of building up a fierte? I only ask because I am purchasing a new road bike soon, I am on a budget, and I am trying to justify whether something like a Serotta is worth the price premium? Is it jsut the labor cost differences between Taiwan and the USA? Or is there something else to it? Any information anyone has about the Fierte steel models would be great!

You'll hear this time and time again:

It's the TUBES, damnit!

Good luck,

Steve

PS: Something to be said about having a bike made "just for you".

Climb01742 · #3 05-23-2006, 05:14 AM

one factor is serotta craftsmanship and quality control. serottas are very very well made. very carefully inspected before leaving the factory. and, the company stands behind its bikes to an extent that's remarkable.

i believe that's worth something. each rider decides_how_much that's worth.

Fixed · #4 05-23-2006, 06:33 AM

it a serotta made in the usa by bros like us .
cheers

Bud · #5 05-23-2006, 07:39 AM

I asked myself these very same questions when I bought my steel Fierte last year. Budget was also a concern for me. Having ridden more than a few bikes in my quest to upgrade, I found the fit, ride and workmanship of the Fierte to be superior in every way to [insert other bikes here] imho. Aftr putting a bunch of miles on it, I still feel the same way.

Go ride a bunch of bikes (the Fierte included). If the Serotta grabs you and speaks to you as a great ride and a beautiful, quality work of art, then it's for you atmo.

Good luck- ride a lot. ymmv

eddief · #6 05-23-2006, 08:23 AM

then you are officially allowed to sign off of your submissions to this forum with the signature "atmo".

davids · #7 05-23-2006, 09:38 AM

Have you ridden a Bianchi Vigorelli and a Fierte back-to-back? When I rode Serottas back-to-back with other brands, I thought Serottas were better in every way that mattered. Didn't matter if it was a Fierte or a Legend - The Serotta character is consistent.

Anyway. It's the design, the tubes, and the fabrication. Can I get a:

Gestalt!

atmo.

djg · #8 05-23-2006, 09:40 AM

I think that you get a better tubeset and better fit and finish on the fierte and, although it's not custom, a good range of sizes. Made in the US, very well, according to a good design. The orange ones look killer.

Whether a particular fierte size or a Vigorelli would fit you better, I cannot say. At the same price, I'd go for the Serotta hands down. OTOH, I think that the Vigorelli is a pretty nice production road bike at the price. If it fits, and you like it, and that's your budget, you could do a lot worse IMO (you might also consider the LeMond Sarthe in that price range--OR, look around for a used Serotta; one sees excellent condition CIIIs and CSis going for that money and sometimes even Legends).

If they both fit, you'll go faster on the one with air in the tires.

atmo · #9 05-23-2006, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davids

Anyway. It's the design, the tubes, and the fabrication. Can I get a:

Gestalt!

atmo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddief

then you are officially allowed to sign off of your submissions to this forum with the signature "atmo".

agreed

BumpyintheBurgh · #10 05-23-2006, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalSteve

You'll hear this time and time again:

It's the TUBES, damnit!

Good luck,

Steve

PS: Something to be said about having a bike made "just for you".

It's the tubes

fiamme red · #11 05-23-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atmo

agreed

But would e-RICHIE agree? Isn't "atmo" his trademarked phrase?

Wait!!! What have you done with e-RICHIE?!?! Release him immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Hoping that many exclamation marks will bring back e-RICHIE.)

atmo · #12 05-23-2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiamme red

But would e-RICHIE agree? Isn't "atmo" his trademarked phrase?

Wait!!! What have you done with e-RICHIE?!?! Release him immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Hoping that many exclamation marks will bring back e-RICHIE.)

it's a Roy E. Munson trip and it's blowing out my mind

#13 05-23-2006, 01:05 PM

The personality twists and Roy references on this board are getting more and more abstract, ATMO, atmo.

Wow, now it's even hard to tell someone, "atmo".

I think I have a headache. It's like thinking about the beginning of time or folded space-time.

FierteTi52 · #14 05-24-2006, 07:50 AM

I don't know what size frame you ride, but there is a new 52cm fierte steel F/F on Ebay for $700.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/Serotta-Fierte-S...QQcmdZViewItem

I have several high end customs and everytime I ride my 2003 Fierte Ti, I'm amazed at how nice of a bike it is. Although, the Fierte is a non custom frame, it performs close to the Serottas higher up in the model line. The Fierte is a great value and will hold a higher resale than any Bianchi, Trek, etc. Get out and ride one, and judge for yourself.
Jeff