Ben Serotta new Ti bikes

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by alancw3

correct it is aluminum plain and simple.

Well, in the world of metallurgy, not many things are plain and simple.

[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by robt57

Is 6069 is the new scandium?

Its more like 6069 is the new 6061.

6069 is a newer aluminum alloy, but contrary to the Serotta marketing blurb, it is not rare or exotic. It has been in common use by other aluminum frame makers for a number of years now.

6069 has similar properties to 6061 but a little bit stronger. Like 6061 it is inexpensive and ductile (so it can be shaped easily), and it too needs to be heat treated after welding. The equipment for heat treating frames is not economical for low volume production, so this makes me think that the Duetti is produced in a large contract bicycle frame manufacturer in Asia. I'm guessing that this design was chosen to be able to put the Serotta name on a bike with a lowish price tag.

[fiamme red]

Originally Posted by JasonF

I think Tom Kellogg, with respect to his ti frames, had a nice niche: a trip to the barn to get fit by one of the best in the business and then welded by Seven before being sent back to Tom for him to shoot paint (if that's what you wanted) was a unique offering. And if people are all about experiences these days, it was a great experience to hang with Tom, talk bikes, and know your 'forever' ti bike was going to turn out great.

Customers were fit for a Duetti or Amodomio by sending in photos of themselves on the bike and documentation from a prior fit or current bicycle measurements. If they didn't know their fit, they could book a fit session, but it wasn't included in the price of the bicycle.

Maybe Ben would get more customers if he threw in a personal bike fit for free.

https://www.serottadesignstudio.com/sizing

IF YOU'RE UNHAPPY WITH OR DON'T KNOW YOUR FIT...

We will work with you one-on-one to determine the best path to success. We can help you book a bike fit session for you with an experienced specialist near you or you can even book a fitting session with Ben Serotta.

Note: The fit consultation is not included in the price of the bicycle. If you have specific muscular/skeletal/joint issues, upon consultation, we may refer you first to an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist as well.

[fiamme red]

Originally Posted by pdmtong

Maybe we have this all wrong and his plan is just to build a few dozen frames a year. Maybe he’s not trying to compete with the same volume as the myriad of other choices.

I don't know, this sounds pretty ambitious to me:

https://serotta.com/scsp

Serotta Cycling is in the process of establishing a first-of-its-kind, peer-reviewed network of service professionals to provide bike fitting, maintenance and related support services to new, returning and current Serotta customers...

Our network will be comprised of regional 'teams' each bringing together a matrix of options including brand ambassadors, individual independent providers, private practices and select specialty retailers. Together, our network team will offer our customers an unprecedented level of excellence and consistency in service along with options to best suit their personal schedules and needs...

More information here: https://www.bicycleretailer.com/reta...g#.Xk8aEGhKi70.

[FlashUNC]

Second verse, same as the first....

[SoCalSteve]

And same customer service...I wrote to them through the website when it first came live...crickets ( still ). Not a great way to start off your new brand. I’ve pretty much lost confidence already, before they even got started...sad...

Website appears to be down...

[charliedid]

I'm okay with the way Ben is rolling this out. Were he new builder just starting out, not so much. Ben's name recognition is a thing and he is building a bit of buzz IMO. I'd still name the bikes something other than Serotta. I recall suggesting "Saratoga Frameworks" here years ago :-)

Not sure about the cadre of experts to sell and market them but it may just work. I really have no idea. I'd start with a bike in the hands of RKP and the Radavist as a start.

[terry]

I haven’t commented yet but as an avowed Serotta fan I must say-it’s so funny to me to hear people criticizing Ben from people who have to bring their bikes into an LBS to have their brake cable changed!! Whatever he does he should be respected for what he has done for the cycling community since 1972. No less than a cycling giant than R Sacks has wished him well and I do also.

[echappist]

Originally Posted by robt57

Unless more good than bad can come of it, which I solidly expect to be the case here.

Buzz created et al etc etc....

And with Kellogg retired now... Ben may well be in the cat birds seat...


Great pic too: [link, due to such a big pic]
https://serotta.com/wp-content/uploa...coorslight.jpg

Do you know who that rider is?

Tried a google image search, and saw that it was discussed here

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by echappist

Do you know who that rider is?

Tried a google image search, and saw that it was discussed here

I'm guessing Greg Oravetz, but that's a shot in the dark.

[fiamme red]

Originally Posted by echappist

Do you know who that rider is?

Tried a google image search, and saw that it was discussed here

I guess it's Ron "Wookie" Kiefel. That is some impressive chest hair!

[robt57]

Originally Posted by fiamme red

I guess it's Ron "Wookie" Kiefel. That is some impressive chest hair!

Cigar! I'd say...

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by echappist

Do you know who that rider is?

Tried a google image search, and saw that it was discussed here

Ron Keifel..

[echappist]

Thank you.

[victoryfactory]

I agree with Mr. Fattic above. As I stroll through Central Park today on weekend mornings it’s all carbon. It’s still about what the pros ride for most serious cyclists. When I rode there in the early ‘70’s it was all Italian steel. My ride was a Zeus (Spanish) Maybe Ben is just happy to have his name back and looking for a way to use it? His path of high priced custom Ti isn’t clear to me, but I wish him well. My 20 year old custom Legend Ti is still going strong, fits me and is all the bike I need. Hmmm. A new custom Serotta with clearance for gravel? BTW I remember visiting the Serotta factory open house and being very impressed with the tooling. Whoever has that is fortunate.

VF