-I just got back from hanging out at the Serotta Bike facility. I wouldn’t call it a factory because each bike is so carefully and uniquely crafted I feel like the label would take something away from it. I got the unique opportunity to take a tour of the facility and talk with a machinist named Alex. I now understand why the Serotta name commands such a premium price.
The best part was I got a few minutes to talk with Ben Serotta. He is just a very laid back guy that loves to build beautiful bicycles. I also found out that they have a race program that for $250 or so with your purchase they cover any repair/replacement if you crash racing. For us Crit racers $250 is worth it.
If anyone is thinking of going custom, check out Serotta. Also if anyone knows how to post pictures from a Mac, PM me. The picture button doesn’t come up on my Mac.
Interesting Serotta story - was walking in downtown Kingston, Ont and noticed a beautiful ti Serotta w/Record parked at an outdoor cafe where a couple of roadies were having lunch. Stopped to admire the bike and soon started talking to the owner. It was custom and had the best of everything on it. He went direct to the facility and even had Ben measure him. My initial thought was “you rich bastard” but turns out this guy was just an ordinary working stiff who had spent many years riding crappy old bikes and dreaming of the day when he could afford his dream ride. Finally, the mortgage is paid and the kids are thru college so he treats himself to the bike of his dreams.
Good for him. He deserved it.
email them to me. I’ll post them when I get to the store tomorrow.
ahhh. found the bars and brake levers for you too.
It’s a great, great place. After I bought my Serotta, I had the opportunity to do take several trips up there. I gave some feedback as a both a triathlete and engineer. I can’t say enough good things about the people or the processes that go into making a Serotta – from the first measurement to the final cosmetics.
My mother’s bike, unfortunately, was stolen over the winter. I told her she should get a Serotta to replace it. Probably the most expensive thing she’s ever bought. And certainly the most expensive thing she’s ever gotten for herself. She said it has been one of the finest purchases she’s made and was well worth the money. I feel great knowing she’s on a bike that fits her and was built just for her.
Josh,
It was good meeting you yesterday and showing you around. Visitors like yourself make the job that much better, knowing that what you are working on all day will soon be the source of enjoyment for a fellow cyclist. Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the rest of your season.
-Alex(is)
Alex let me touch some finished steel and titanium dropouts, but wouldn’t let me operate the machine. In hindsight I wouldn’t have let me either. It was an awesome tour and the highlight of my trip to Upstate New York. Stop by if you get the chance. Just try and get there before 6p or you end up keeping people there late. Thanks again Alex(is)!
How do you get a tour? I live a mile from the “factory” but I have never checked it out. I am seriously considering getting a Serotta as my next bike, if Cervelo doesn’t bring back the Super Prodigy.
How do you get a tour? I live a mile from the “factory” but I have never checked it out. I am seriously considering getting a Serotta as my next bike, if Cervelo doesn’t bring back the Super Prodigy.
I’m sure it starts with a credit check. 
“Only those who act, triumph!” I just drove up to the factory on Geyser Rd. and walked in. They were very friendly and helpful. I talked with a couple of people that I worked with up here and you will probably have to get measured on a Serotta fit bike at a shop, but the tour is open to just about anyone. Ben said the best time to get there to see everyone work is during the week before 2P. Best of luck.
Like Josh said, before 2, is the best time to see everything in action. No credit check required, but it’s never a bad idea to call. We do make a tri/TT specific frame with an aero downtube, the CXII, but keep in mind that any of our bikes can be tri bikes. Every bike is custom. Being in a position that optimizes your body’s power, aerodynamics and comfort will trump tube shaping every time.
If you have questions about different our frames and fit, please contact Dan Mancini at Serotta. (daniel@serotta.com) He knows a lot about frame drafting and a whole lot about fit, in addition to being an avid racer. The shop in town, Blue Sky Bicycles, is a great Serotta dealer. Jeff handles most of the Serotta customers, and having seen him in action, I can attest to the fact that he is an excellent fitter.
Time to go make the donuts,
Alexis
My awesome wife got me a CX II CS for my 40th b-day in June. I am a real bike-porn junkie and this Serotta in sunset (burnt orange) w/slate (liquid gray) eliptical panels looks as good as any bike I have lusted after. Best of all, the custom fit makes for an incredibly comfortable and powerful ride. Especially the way I am built (6’3", 210lbs.), this bike lacks the aero-flair of a Cervelo or the like, but the fit is so spot-on that I spend 99% of my rides in the aero position-could never do more than 75% on other fits.Thus far, my rides have been measurably faster and I am fresher when I get off to run. The steel w/carbon stay soaks up road vibrations even better than my extremely smooth ti Moots. While I used to think Serotta’s were a little stodgy and overpriced, I am now completely sold. For my 50th, maybe my wife will get me an Ottrot.
WHen I get a few more miles on the new rig, I will post a full review.
BTW-I got the bike at Sports Garage in Boulder. Great shop. Tim Troha did a great job w/the fit and follow-up.
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