What makes a CSi a CSi?

[BigDaddySmooth]

Well,
I have been riding a mid 90's CSi after finally landing one on eBay. Steel fork, tapered seat tube, tapered seat stays, and wishbone chain stays. What is it that makes it ride like it rides? What is the mystique of the legendary CSi?

[Pete Serotta]

They work well but also Bedford, Kirk, Kellogg, Ellis Sachs and others work well today.

Whichever puts a smile on your face is wonderful


Enjoy


Pete

[Ahneida Ride]

It was built by some of the BEST guys out there.

Bedford, Kirk, Wages.

I rode the very last one ever built.
Amazing bike.

[timto]

bigdaddysmooth - congrats on the serotta. You need to post a pic! I scored a CRL and it's stuck in the mail because of the canadapost strike. I hope it gets here quick cause i want to give it a whir. Pretty stoked as I've wanted a steel serotta for ever. I hope it lives up to the hype!

[victoryfactory]

The culmination of Mr Serotta's design and experience
in lugged steel at the time, executed by one
of those artisans mentioned above. That's what.

I would love to try one built today of the very latest
tubing.

Take a number, though

VF

[Jeff N.]

The oft used quote, "It's The Tubing, Dammit!", pretty much sums it up. A little JB paint doesn't hurt either. Jeff N.

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[fourflys]

you what would be awesome? a list of all the different models and the general differences... I've heard of CSi, CSL, Atlanta, etc... just not sure what the differences are and with the robust second-hand market of Serottas, that would be a useful list... I know that sounds like a daunting task though...

just a thought...

[SoCalSteve]

Originally Posted by Jeff N.

The oft used quote, "It's The Tubing, Dammit!", pretty much sums it up. A little JB paint doesn't hurt either. Jeff N.

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Wait, I know that bike!!! But, when I owned it, it looked very different. But, still a very stable bike. Steel is real, damnit!

[Jeff N.]

Yep-yep! Good eye, Steve. What do you think CSI stands for? I'm guessing...and this is only a wild guess..."Columbus Steel, Italian". Jeff N.

[oliver1850]

Originally Posted by fourflys

you what would be awesome? a list of all the different models and the general differences... I've heard of CSi, CSL, Atlanta, etc... just not sure what the differences are and with the robust second-hand market of Serottas, that would be a useful list... I know that sounds like a daunting task though...

just a thought...

This needs to be done, and put where people can find it when they need it. It would probably take several knowledgeable people's input to get all the details right.

[John M]

My two cents is that the rock solid flex-free aluminum and carbon frames that everyone seems to prefer over the past several years don't ride nearly as nicely as a springy steel frame.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by oliver1850

This needs to be done, and put where people can find it when they need it. It would probably take several knowledgeable people's input to get all the details right.

I wish I had the knowledge to do it...

[Mike748]

club sport improved?

[Ken Robb]

While we are taking SWAGs I think the "C" might refer to "Colorado" for the tubing used.

[dgauthier]

Originally Posted by BigDaddySmooth

Well,
I have been riding a mid 90's CSi after finally landing one on eBay. Steel fork, tapered seat tube, tapered seat stays, and wishbone chain stays. What is it that makes it ride like it rides? What is the mystique of the legendary CSi?

Just curious: what ride qualities are you referring to? (I'm a steel fan myself, so I know about the smoothness, the stability, and the way a good steel frame seems to store the energy from each pedal stroke and feed it back into the next.) What qualities about your CSi do you find especially impressive?