How I ended up with a Serotta Fierte.

weisan · #1 01-04-2019, 02:32 PM

Serotta Fierte

Over the last week or so, we got two or three threads started by folks asking about or looking to buy a Serotta Fierte. I was definitely not in the market looking for another bike. But because of these threads, I was looking it up to find out more about the Fierte model in the Serotta lineup, hoping that perhaps I can render some help to these posters. But I ended up hitting on one of the ebay listings and the day that I survived a near-death experience plus eBay was offering 15% blanket discount. I looked at the listing and the pictures, and maybe give it a thought for like 30 seconds and knew almost immediately that not only does the bike fit but it's also a great deal - so I did what every mature male bike lover would do: I hit the "But it Now!" button.

Three days later, it came. (yesterday)

A day later, it was built. (today)

Tomorrow it gets ridden at the group ride.

I felt kinda bad for my pals who are still out looking for their Fiertes. Good luck with your search.

Sometimes, you don't go looking for a bike but the bike simply found you.

Hawker · #2 01-04-2019, 02:44 PM

Nice condition and nice build! And a group ride to sort it out and "feel" it....can't do better than that. And if you get dropped....you can always blame "loose crank", "slipping cassette" or similar.

Matthew · #3 01-04-2019, 03:25 PM

Looking forward to a ride report! Especially compared to the 34 other bikes in your stable!!!! Nice score for sure. Matthew

sokyroadie · #4 01-04-2019, 04:10 PM

Where's the dent, crack etc etc

I had been watching that one for a while, it really came down in price from where they started (over $1K). I decided I didn't need another bike, with a custom incoming. Great price and looks nice - that model should have around a 17 cm HT, they listed it at 19 cm, what is it?

rallizes · #5 01-04-2019, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sokyroadie

Where's the dent, crack etc etc

I had been watching that one for a while, it really came down in price from where they started (over $1K). I decided I didn't need another bike, with a custom incoming. Great price and looks nice - that model should have around a 17 cm HT, they listed it at 19 cm, what is it?

I am also curious about the headtube length and the geometry in general.

To the OP, do you generally ride in the drops or on the hoods?

Tony T · #6 01-04-2019, 04:26 PM

Nice bike!

Tickdoc · #7 01-04-2019, 05:32 PM

I Like it. My wife has a steel fierte and it rides really nice. Totally different layup than this one.

Did they make any fierte models with a level top tube?

weisan · #8 01-04-2019, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawker

And if you get dropped....you can always blame "loose crank", "slipping cassette" or similar.

normally it's my chain that breaks coz I am a cheapskate and like to re-use the pins.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew

Looking forward to a ride report! Especially compared to the 34 other bikes in your stable!!!!

Ahem...that number was greatly exaggerated. It's actually 24.
It was never about the numbers. Some people like handbags, some like jewelry or golf clubs...mine happens to be bikes. Honestly I don't even know how many I have, but since you throw out a number I have to go verify. Yikes...that's a lot of bikes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sokyroadie

Where's the dent, crack etc etc

HT, what is it?

Oh, funny you should say that. As I was going over the bike, I can see quite a number of places on the carbon tubes that folks here might take issue with. To me, it's all overblown and cosmetic.

I just measured, the HT is 17 cm, not 19 as advertised.

No, I am not returning the frame because of the mistake. It works for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rallizes

To the OP, do you generally ride in the drops or on the hoods?

Ah! The customary fit question. 50/50. With the current setup, I can stay on the drop theoretically....forever. I use the hoods and the tops mainly for warm-ups, easy spin and climbing. When there's a tailwind or the speed get up to >26 mph in the paceline, I will get in the drops.

Thanks for all your interest and for humoring me.

monkeybanana86 · #9 01-04-2019, 06:37 PM

Ouch. I hope you don't break a chain while out of the saddle. I did that when I was a kid and landed on my jaw. Couldn't close my mouth all the way for a couple of weeks. Can I send you some pins?

Beautiful bike!

weisan · #10 01-04-2019, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeybanana86

Can I send you some pins?

No, thank you. It's sort of a rite of passage for every new bike that I built.

FlashUNC · #11 01-04-2019, 07:47 PM

I hope you enjoy it more than I did with my Fierte experiment.

Ken Robb · #12 01-04-2019, 07:53 PM

Sometimes, you don't go looking for a bike but the bike simply found you.[/QUOTE]

This is how we got adopted by our two dogs.

ChainNoise · #13 01-04-2019, 07:54 PM

I really hope I can find one soon! Looks great!

Bradford · #14 01-04-2019, 08:07 PM

I hope you enjoy it.

I picked up an all ti Fierte a few years ago. I use mine as a travel bike and my main commuting bike and it has been wonderful. Not as fast as nimble as my Legend, and not as comfortable as my Club Racer, but perfect for my commute. I ended up committing a lot more because I enjoyed the ride so much. The shorter top tube and higher front end is better suited for commuting and I don't mind leaving it locked up in our building garage all day.

93KgBike · #15 01-04-2019, 09:17 PM

Just followed the backstory link; glad you are unhurt. Those experiences don't get less harrowing as time goes on... Too bad you didn't stop and get the plates. That SOB is gunning for somebody and needs to be on the local PD's radar.

The bike looks nice, a setback seatpost might be better suited to it.