Serial Numbers Decoded

[oliver1850]

I didn't spend a lot of time there, but couldn't seem to get the finish options to work. You might ask in general discussion when Serotta started bead blasting logos. I didn't see any examples in the last print catalog I have (2008).

[Brian Smith]

Originally Posted by ChainNoise

Can anyone help me with this one? Just making sure it's a Classique but can't find much about it. And the serial number and orientation matches nothing here...

55 LG A0192 is the serial.

Link to pics:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmwGMoMf

Yes, that is a titanium Classique. It appears to be of the final iteration produced with that model name. The American Craftsmen affectation gives it away, as the blasted logos were a mainstay of the late 2000s Classiques and not unique to the year. The A in the serial number serves to identify it as a post-2011 model. I'm not sure what you're referring to as the orientation, but the bottom bracket location of the serial number was a Serotta mainstay for...decades. There was used a real Rube Goldberg-esque contraption, inherited from another enterprise, employed to impression the BB "shells" with the identification numbers in that location.

[oliver1850]

Thanks Brian. I think the poster was referring to the number itself, which doesn't conform to either the traditional system (ST 56 xxxx) or the one introduced in (I think) 2010 (CL X00959).

The bead blasted logos had to start some time. Do you have an idea when they were first done?

[oliver1850]

La Corsa was designated LC. I saw it on one with a full Titanium main triangle, but I'm guessing that it may have also been used for the carbon tubed version.

[oliver1850]

1996 Colorado 10th anniversary CSIs were stamped LE for Limited Edition (of 100 I think). They had special CSI decals overlaid with "Limited Edition", and a fairly large 1986/1996 commemorative decal on each side of the TT near the seat tube. Ben signed the chainstay of the one I saw.

[konaman]

Hi, I am trying to track down information and history about a Serotta I just bought. It is a MTB. The Serial number is CSP 16 083. I tried searching for it and the closest I found are road bikes and even track. It does not like a Singolo?

The paint is not original.

Any help much welcome.

thanks.

[rickbb]

Hi, Previous active member of years ago. I have a relatively modern repainted (JB) titanium Serotta of unknown provenance that, after years of storage, I'm planning to sell. I'd like to be as accurate as possible in describing it. Its serial # is TI57 LOC 348.
Can anyone help with model designation? Thanks so much!

Edit: It appears to be a 1993 Colorado Legend TI. Any validation would be welcomed. Thanks!

[oliver1850]

Originally Posted by rickbb

Hi, Previous active member of years ago. I have a relatively modern repainted (JB) titanium Serotta of unknown provenance that, after years of storage, I'm planning to sell. I'd like to be as accurate as possible in describing it. Its serial # is TI57 LOC 348.
Can anyone help with model designation? Thanks so much!

Edit: It appears to be a 1993 Colorado Legend TI. Any validation would be welcomed. Thanks!

Ti indicates Legend, 57L is the size. I'm guessing it's actually 00348, so the 348th Legend produced. Could be 1993 or 1994, I'm not sure how many were made the first year. Top tube decal for a 1993 should read "Colorado Legend Ti" but repaints often got later "Legend Ti" or "Ti" decals. See the 1993 catalog for geometry.

[oliver1850]

Originally Posted by konaman

Hi, I am trying to track down information and history about a Serotta I just bought. It is a MTB. The Serial number is CSP 16 083. I tried searching for it and the closest I found are road bikes and even track. It does not like a Singolo?

The paint is not original.

Any help much welcome.

thanks.

Just a guess but it looks a lot like the TiMax shown in the 2006 catalog. Brian Smith might be able to tell you something about it. Perhaps searching the site for TiMax would turn up another serial number. Only problem is that they made the model for a long time and you're going to have to look through a lot of posts.

[oliver1850]

Nove = NV

[konaman]

Originally Posted by oliver1850

Just a guess but it looks a lot like the TiMax shown in the 2006 catalog. Brian Smith might be able to tell you something about it. Perhaps searching the site for TiMax would turn up another serial number. Only problem is that they made the model for a long time and you're going to have to look through a lot of posts.

Thanks ! It certainly looks like it.

[ChainNoise]

Originally Posted by oliver1850

Thanks Brian. I think the poster was referring to the number itself, which doesn't conform to either the traditional system (ST 56 xxxx) or the one introduced in (I think) 2010 (CL X00959).

The bead blasted logos had to start some time. Do you have an idea when they were first done?

That is absolutely correct...the size and model stamps are opposite of what ive seen so far. Huge thank k you for all of the info guys!!!

[oliver1850]

Originally Posted by ChainNoise

That is absolutely correct...the size and model stamps are opposite of what ive seen so far. Huge thank k you for all of the info guys!!!

I wish that I had time to run down more details. Best resource is probably the classifieds. Somewhere in the listings there is probably a similar frame, sometimes posted with model year and serial number.

[roguedog]

Hello all,

Wondering what year this might be from? CTI50.5 3703. Bike has a Reynolds fork. Custom Legend Ti. What year is from and wondering if its 1in or 1.125?

Thanks!

[oliver1850]

I'm guessing 2001 based on a couple of threads. If it has holes in the 3D dropouts that are roughly 2 mm in diameter, it's a 2000. The 3D XL dropouts were introduced in 2001 and the holes were much bigger - 10 mm or so. I believe that was also the first year for 1 1/8" head tubes, but they were optional. I have a 2002 Concours that has a 1" head tube. The 2003 catalog states 1 1/8" head tubes only, but the Legend picture shows an F1 fork which was only made with a 1" steerer. See the 2001 and 2002 catalogs and this thread for a 2000 Legend (#2225) for sale:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showt...ht=2000+Legend

See also this one for a discussion about #3136:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=193502

Since it appears both of those frames are from 2000, Serotta must have been building around 1,000 Legends a year at that point. Seems likely that the one in question is a 2001.