View Full Version : name this frameset...


marc180
02-11-2008, 03:04 PM
will someone tell me which model this is? thank you

PJ352
02-11-2008, 03:53 PM
My guess is it's Serotta's first Titanium, the Legend Ti. Started production in 1993 with a quoted frame weight of 3 lbs. To my knowledge they never offered Reynolds forks. Also, I'm guessing a repaint somewhere along the way. Not sure about the inline cable adjusters at the head tube either.

What size frame is it?

marc180
02-11-2008, 03:55 PM
he says it's a 50cm. but then claims the TT is 21.5 inches and ST is 20 inches. that's not a 50cm unless he's measuring incorrectly

PJ352
02-11-2008, 04:00 PM
It looks like it might be a 50. I have a geo chart, so if you can measure (preferably in metric) the TT and ST (c to c) we can make a guess.

PJ352
02-11-2008, 04:03 PM
Scratch that. They didn't come in 50's, so it's most likely a 51. The TT should measure 53.

Is it yours or is someone selling it?

marc180
02-11-2008, 04:19 PM
someone is selling it locally. i think i'm going to have a look at it sometime this week. he claims it isn't repainted and that isn't the original fork.

PJ352
02-11-2008, 04:25 PM
The reason I mentioned the possibility of a repaint is because it just says Ti on the TT, not Legend Ti. Serotta's a stickler for details like that, but I couldn't tell you for sure it was a repaint. And, you may not care.

Just a FYI, steel or aluminum were the only fork options.

DaveT
02-12-2008, 06:40 AM
Serottas first Ti bikes were labeled "Ti" not "Legend Ti". It became the "Legend Ti" a year after it was introduced. Judging by the rear dropouts, it appears that the bike is from the mid-90s. The fork is a current model Reynolds which is a replacement for the original.

The serial number on the bottom bracket should tell you what size it is; XX51-XXXX is the usual Serotta methodology for their seiral numbers. If you e-mail Serotta with the serial number, they may be able to tell you the production date.

marc180
02-12-2008, 06:51 AM
I just sent the seller an email asking for the serial #. In your example, does the 51 refer to a size 51?

marc180
02-12-2008, 06:56 AM
found out the answer to my Q is yes.

PJ352
02-12-2008, 09:31 AM
Serottas first Ti bikes were labeled "Ti" not "Legend Ti". It became the "Legend Ti" a year after it was introduced.
Ah, gotcha. I scrounged up a catalog from '93 and from a pic, couldn't make out the writing on the TT.

marc180
02-12-2008, 12:49 PM
the serial # is CC-50-1448. This suggests the frame is a 50cm, but what is CC? And, does this tell me anything about what year it was made? I emailed Serotta.

DaveT
02-12-2008, 01:43 PM
the serial # is CC-50-1448. This suggests the frame is a 50cm, but what is CC? And, does this tell me anything about what year it was made? I emailed Serotta.
CC is Serotta's designation of the model, 50 the size and 1448 is number made, starting with number 1.

marc180
02-12-2008, 01:44 PM
what model is CC? does it tell me anything about the material (steel vs Ti)?

PJ352
02-12-2008, 03:40 PM
CC = Colorado Concept design. Directionally shaped and ovalized tubing.

marc180
02-13-2008, 06:27 AM
PJ,

Can you infer anything about ride quality based on knowing it's colorado concept Ti tubing? Probably not, but it's worth asking. My guess is that the frame will be fairly stiff, but not knock my teeth out. Keep in mind, I currently ride a Cannondale CAAD8. However, my fixie is Tange prestige, which is noticably more plush, w/o giving up any stiffness...granted that frame has track geometry, so it's not comparing apples to apples when comparing the CAAD8 w/ the Tange track frame.

I called Serotta, gave them the serial #, but they claim it pre-dates their database and therefore, they couldn't tell me much...too bad. I'll see how much the original owner weighs, etc to try and infer how the bike will perform under my 150 lbs.

Hopefully, I'll get to see the frameset tonight. A 51 ST x 53 TT would be ideal. I'm a little concerned that the HT will be so short that I'll have too much saddle to bar drop, but I think I'll be able to determine this by quickly throwing some wheels, stem/bars, and saddle on the frame.

PJ352
02-13-2008, 06:54 AM
First off, let me apologize for misinforming about the CC designation. When I looked through the catalog and saw the description, I offered the opinion.

Second, I can probably help you in a different way than you ask by offering some of my background. I'm 138 lbs., and own a 1990 Colorado with Columbus Nivachrom steel (and colorado concept tubing). I think even if the frameset isn't specifically Ti, being a Serotta built frame using similar methods, there are some parallels we can make.

It's a great bike, albeit rusting, but because I still feel so positive about it, finding a replacement has taken the better part of two years. The ride is stereotypical of steel. Smooth, resposive, lively, stiff (at least stiff enough for me) and it has essentially ruined me for most other frame materials. I think you're going to find a big difference from the CAAD8 bike, and probably even the Tange track bike, but maybe less so with that one.

Serotta makes great bikes (at least they did back then) and I read in your other post that the seller wants $600. IMO with an item like this, it's hard to place a real value on it. It becomes more a perceptive value - what it's worth to you. Speaking for myself, if the bike is in good to very good condition, I'd go for it. Maybe bring it somewhere you trust to have the alignment checked (even nice bikes bend when dropped), but in general Serotta's bikes are very durable, as I can attest to. Six months ago a dog ran out in front of me and stopped me dead from 19 MPH to 0. The front fork had that 'Pinarello look' to it, and I had a broken collarbone, but the frame and welds were fine.

Regarding fit, I looked in my catalog and (granted, it's a '93 catalog) there isn't a 51 listed (it runs in even sizes) and they don't list HT lengths, but the 50 has a TT length of 53. My bike is a 51 with a HT length of 11 and TT of 53, so I think the Ti will be near your ideal fit. As far as bar drop goes, from top of saddle to bars my drop is about 4.5, but FYI, I use a quill stem. If that is in line with your drop (or greater), then you'd be fine with a more modern set up if you choose to go that route. Also, don't forget you'll be using a non-integrated headset, thus gaining some upper stack height. One last thing. My catalog lists rake as 4.5 on 50's and above, so you may want to check what the rake is on the Reynolds.

I'll stop here, but if there are any gaps in what I've offered (or you just plain didn't follow me) let me know and I'll try to clear things up. And good luck checking out the bike!!

marc180
02-13-2008, 08:38 AM
I appreciate all your help. Will update when I see the frame

handsomerob
02-15-2008, 08:31 AM
CC = Colorado Concept design. Directionally shaped and ovalized tubing.

I am not certain about this but I was under the impression that Serotta used a "C" in the first two letters to designate a Custom Geometry and a "S" to designate a Stock Geometry.

I would not go by a "stock" 50 geometry. I think the serial number could be designating a Colorado Custom and not Colorado Concept (although the tubing could in fact be Colorado Concept).

I have an Atlanta and its serial code begins with AS, as in Atlanta Stock (Geometry)... if it were a custom geometry I would assume the serial would have started with AC.

DaveT
02-15-2008, 08:51 AM
I am not certain about this but I was under the impression that Serotta used a "C" in the first two letters to designate a Custom Geometry and a "S" to designate a Stock Geometry.

I would not go by a "stock" 50 geometry. I think the serial number could be designating a Colorado Custom and not Colorado Concept (although the tubing could in fact be Colorado Concept).

I have an Atlanta and its serial code begins with AS, as in Atlanta Stock (Geometry)... if it were a custom geometry I would assume the serial would have started with AC.
The "AS" is Serotta's designation for the Atlanta. If it was a custom, it would be a "CAS".

PJ352
02-15-2008, 12:11 PM
I am not certain about this but I was under the impression that Serotta used a "C" in the first two letters to designate a Custom Geometry and a "S" to designate a Stock Geometry.

I would not go by a "stock" 50 geometry. I think the serial number could be designating a Colorado Custom and not Colorado Concept (although the tubing could in fact be Colorado Concept).

I have an Atlanta and its serial code begins with AS, as in Atlanta Stock (Geometry)... if it were a custom geometry I would assume the serial would have started with AC.
You are correct. We found out after I posted that the CC designation was Custom Colorado (or Colorado Custom, I can't remember now). In retrospect, I should have prefaced that post with IMO.

djg21
06-10-2008, 07:34 PM
My guess is it's Serotta's first Titanium, the Legend Ti. Started production in 1993 with a quoted frame weight of 3 lbs. To my knowledge they never offered Reynolds forks. Also, I'm guessing a repaint somewhere along the way. Not sure about the inline cable adjusters at the head tube either.

What size frame is it?

That fork is a Reynold UL that came to market last year. The one in the picture, with the grey cosmetic, has actually been recalled by Reynolds. See http://www.reynoldscycling.com/index.php?p_matter=recall (http://www.reynoldscycling.com/index.php?p_matter=recall)