Saturday, February 28, 2009

NAHBS Opening Day 2009

Opening day at 2009 NAHBS - read what VeloNews had to say....
http://www.velonews.com/article/88657/nahbs-comes-to-indianapolis

Just some of Serotta's one-of-a-kind models on display at NAHBS 2009. Enjoy theshow!


Charles Manantan (Pez Cycling News) dreamed of a carbon frame (MeiVic SE) that combined the perfect
stiffness/comfort quotient. We achieved this with our extensive selection of carbon Serotta tubes and lugs. Then we finished the frame and parts to his exacting aesthetic specs.





The fully custom, 100% carbon aero MeiVici AE (avail. as road or TT) is Serotta's newest edition. The paint
scheme is inspired by our local history, commemorating the Battle of Saratoga which took place a few miles from the factory. On October 7th 1777 the American troops defeated British forces, securing the Hudson River and Lake Champlain region. This decisive victory led Spain and France to declare war on Britain thus
allowing our forces to win the Revolution.





This mountain bike uses the technology of our carbon tubing mated with the sublime ride of a titanium rear triangle. The lugs are hand cut and etched in a feather pattern. The head set and head tube were provided by
Chris King and the fork is from Shimano.





This is a prototype cross frame that combines the best technology of the Meivici and Ottrott. The concept is to have the supple ride of titanium combined with the light weight and torsional stiffness of carbon fiber.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tour of California

My name is Sam Camens and for the purpose of this Blog, I’m best described as Ben Serotta’s future son-in-law. I know I’m one lucky guy… although it does come with some downsides. For instance, it seems impossible for my fellow cycling buddies to stop calling me Sam Serotta since the engagement. I have to admit though; it does have a nice ring (no pun intended).

The reason I’m Blogging here today is because Ben recently asked me to join him at this year’s Tour of California, and of course I said yes. Who passes up the opportunity to ride in beautiful sunny So Cal, especially when you live in Brooklyn, where we are having a bitterly cold winter? So, I brushed away the normal “fitness” anxiety (brought on by the bad weather, of course) and hoped that my pasty white legs would find their rhythm quickly.

Day 1, Thursday, February 19 Brooklyn-JFK-LAX-SolvangAt 5AM the alarm rattles the apartment awake, and our journey to California begins.
Once at JFK, the standard procedure ensues, check-in and security. In my 6AM daze, I barley notice the security attendant behind the x-ray machine examining my carry-on intently. At first, I think there’s nothing in my bag, but then I suddenly remember packing my pedal wrench late last night. Lesson #1 of the trip; don’t try to bring a 12-inch pedal wrench on a plane. Oops.

We arrive at LAX and pick-up a rental car for the weekend. Ben being a master of design and lover of fine engineering chooses the white Mercury Grand Marquis (a.k.a. the cop car). We are quite hysterical cruising down the freeway in our rental sofa. In Ben’s defense, it was the only car available that could actually fit two bikes in the trunk, but I like to think he full-filled some childhood dream renting the Grand Marquis that day.

Our first stop is at Sundance Cycles in Agoura Hills. Ashton, the owner and a great guy, kindly serves us a fine espresso. The caffeine is well received after the early flight. If you live in Ashton’s area, his shop is definitely worth a visit – for one of his tasty espressos at the very least! Ben was impressed to see Ashton’s completely mobilized fit studio (everything on wheels), which includes a size cycle, two motion-capture cameras, two flat screens, all the necessary fitting tools and a laptop. This is a fine engineering feat. Bravo, Ashton!

After Sundance, we head north to our final destination of the day, a Marriot in Buellton, where a Chris Carmichael training camp has set-up shop for the week. Chris’s camps are the real deal. The entire staff is extremely professional and amazing to watch in action. Chris also hires the SRAM neutral support team (led by a great charismatic mechanic named Butch) to keep everything working properly throughout the week. We find our bike boxes in an expo room that has been converted into a make-shit bicycle shop. Here the SRAM guys are cleaning and fine-tuning the bikes for tomorrow’s ride. The room is filled with over fifty top end bikes outfitted with the latest and greatest gear. This includes a whole host of gorgeous Serottas. As some may know, Serotta is a sponsor of Carmichael Training Systems, and provides a fleet of bikes for the coaches and for those who want to test ride a Serotta while at a camp. Not a bad deal!

The SRAM crew kindly offers to help us build up the bikes. As Ben pulls the Meivici AE (Serotta’s new flagship carbon aero bike) out of the box the room suddenly goes silent. Each of the SRAM mechanics (including myself) begins to drool uncontrollably. In all seriousness, the new bike is a showstopper. Ben and the crew at Serotta really outdid themselves this time. The frame has beautiful aerodynamically swooping curves that make the bike seem to be moving while just standing still. In its all stealth black look, the images just don’t do it justice.




And from what I understand, the bike rides even better than it looks (I still don’t understand how this is possible). After the drool-fest concludes, the camp cleans up and heads to dinner. A local restaurant prepares a fine meal and we enjoy a few glasses of red for good measure.

Day 2, Friday, February 19 Solvang-Stage 6 ITTWe awake early and head out on an early morning ride of the TT course, before the pros begin. Luckily for Ben and I, the camp goers had a hard day of hill climb repeats the day before, so today’s journey to Solvang is going to be nice and easy. In a group of around 30 people, we cruise through downtown Solvang and head out onto the course, which is filled with fellow cyclists. The turnout was really something.

The course begins with an immediate climb out of town, so being properly warmed up in the gate is essential. Down the first hill there’s a few sweeping turns that bring you out to a straight away towards the back of the course. Once around the back side, you begin the main climb that has several switchbacks and is very fun. As we’re gearing down for the climb, Ben gets a flat. We continue as the SRAM guys help him out. Once at the top, I’m told Ben is with another group and we should continue on. So, I do. Lesson #2; don’t leave your future father-in-law behind on a ride.

At the top of the climb, there’s a gorgeous valley filled with rolling hills and grape vines…it’s an amazing view. Feeling good, we power down the homestretch into Solvang, feeling every bit “pro,” and leaving Ben to chase solo. I notice after we finish our second loop that I have four missed calls on the cell phone. When Ben and I finally meet back at the CTS camp, I receive a gentle pat on the back from Ben and we laugh it out.








The afternoon is filled with sun-shine, food and crazy cycling fans as we enjoy watching our favorite pros race towards the finish. Levi looked so calm and in control that it was almost was scary!





Our day finished with a drive back down highway 101 along the coast for the next stage. Unfortunately, we found one negative of living in California, THE TRAFFIC!!!

Day 3, Saturday, February 20 Acton, San Gabriel Mountains, Millcreek SummitThe group joins together at Bicycles John’s in Acton, CA. The mood is clearly a bit different from the day before as it’s overcast and a bit cooler. I have a feeling the quietness of the group has more to do with the 5000ft summit over the horizon, than the weather. Don Pitts, an employee of Bicycles John’s, shows up with an awesome Serotta CSI with harlequin paint and purple bar tape – clearly the only one who came truly prepared for the ride!

In the first 30 miles the terrain is quite hilly, and by time we’re at the base of Millcreek Summit we’ve already done 1500ft. Needless to say, I’m feeling pretty good and ready to take on the monster. Now, I need to introduce a man who I’ll call Mr. Lance Schwarzenegger. I nick-name him Mr. Lance Schwarzenegger because the man has the largest legs I’ve ever seen on a bike. Not only that, but he was an incredibly smooth cadence and seems to be dancing right up all the climbs. So, as Mr. LS begins to set the pace up Millcreek, I decide it’s time for some pain. I sprint up to Mr. LS and pull the, “I’m just gonna sit on your wheel till I can’t anymore” move. Very uncool – I know. But, hey, it’s my second ride of the year, cut me some slack.

He continues to mash along as I breath heavily and stare straight into his bottom bracket (if you’ve ever been in a race before, and you’re trying to hang on, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about here). I’m making it through feed zone (2K from the top) when suddenly I pop. I begin to slowly turn the crank and stare off into the distance aimlessly (I’ve hit the wall). I’m proud of my effort, but feeling very unhappy I still have 2K to go (which is also the steepest part of the climb). A kind friend from our group, Steve, helps me along by keeping up a good conversation and providing me with a gel shot. With his effort I peak the summit with a great big grin on my face and a great sense of accomplishment. Thanks Steve, I owe you one!

Ben deserves a great deal of credit for making it up the climb that day, as he began fighting a bad case of bronchitis the night before. He too overcame adversity and joined in the festivities at the top.

Bicycle John’s provided free lunch to anyone in attendance with pulled pork sandwiches, coke and chocolate chip cookies. It was delicious. The cookies were the first thing displayed, and three pans were demolished in about 2 mins. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one in need of some calories. Thanks, Bicycle John!

After a few hours of hanging out, the lead group came blazing through the summit. Their speed is thoroughly impressive and in my opinion superhuman. The peloton did the same thing, and we descend back to the bike shop.

At the end of the day we managed just less than 50 miles and 6500ft of climbing. Not to shabby!




Day 4, Sunday, February 21 Escondido, Stage 8 of the Tour of CaliforniaAfter a tough day in the saddle, Ben and I are happy to take a break for the final stage. We spend the day in downtown Escondido at the Lifestyle Festival with our friends at HI-TECH Bicycles. Hank, the owner of the store, was nice enough to let us display the road geometry Meivici AE in his stand while spectators meander around.

With Ben hanging around the booth, Mike Lopez and I decided to walk the time trail Meivici (see picture below) through the festival, getting many “ooos” and “awws” from the crowd. It was great to see many of the locals who weren’t familiar with cycling to be intrigued by the bike – lifting it, commenting on the shape and position. This was definitely a highlight of the trip!

It was great to see the finishing stage and Levi on top of the podium again.




Day 5, Monday, February 22 Solano Beach – Poway (Serotta Composites Factory)For the last day of the trip, we have a great event planned. For the first time, the Serotta Composite Factory in Poway, CA is to be opened to the public. The morning starts out in Solano Beach at B&L Bicycles. A group gathers (including my old roommate from college, Michael Chauner), and we head out on a beautiful 75 degree day. The people, weather and riding couldn’t have been better. We cruise along the water and up a few hills over to the Poway facility.

At the factory, Lupe and crew are cooking Carne Asada, which is to die for! These guys really know how to cook Mexican. After some amazing food we began the official tour of the place.



The tour starts with some history from Ben and how Serotta became business partners with Mike Lopez and his highly skilled crew. If you know Ben, you know he has to do things right. And to him, that means having the best people – period. This is really the origin of how Serotta ended up with a factory in California, rather then building another closer to home in the Northeast.



After Ben’s history of their pairing, Mike tells his long history in the bicycle business, from hand-built shows to Specialized to creating the Ouzo Pro Fork for Reynolds. His breadth of knowledge is profound and his attitude nothing but humble. He tells us why he chose Serotta – which is to build the best carbon fiber bikes
in the world. No small feat – but I believe he’s done it.



After a brief history lesson, we move to the Serotta lab testing zone. The bottom bracket testing video below (more to come!) will give you the same impression I received, which is WOW – I didn’t know my carbon bike was that strong! All the things I thought about carbon were completely myths, and as Mike explains, carbon isn’t safe when companies start making pieces too light, too cheap, and ultimately unsafe. However, the material itself – when used appropriately – and designed correctly - can be pretty darn tough. Tougher than any other metal material used to build a bike (steel, ti, you name it).

After the lab testing zone, we begin to see what goes behind the manufacturing of each part in a carbon bike. We feel the material, we watch the process and we enjoy every second. Mike, Lupe and the rest of the team at Serotta Composites are truly exceptional craftsman.

I believe Ben sums the carbon process up very nicely with an analogy to a box of crayons. He describes your normal metal materials (steel, ti, etc) as a box of 8 or so crayons. You only have the ability to mix and match tubes so much (alloying, shaping, heat treatments) resulting in say 24 possible ‘colors’ of the metal to work with. However, with carbon, you get the mega box of 150 crayons. Carbon differs depending on the modulus, the size of the strands, the weave pattern, the lay-up pattern, how many layers you apply, etc., providing for an almost infinite number of ‘colors’ yielding an extraordinary range of performance properties. What’s even more complex is the process at which you duplicate the production of a carbon bicycle. Unlike other brands, Ben professes that their process in Poway is perfectly replicable, thus providing for the same type of ride feel with each identically sized bike.

After the crayon analogy, we learn that the Meivici AE was developed and is now produced, assembled and distributed out of the Poway, California facility. Note, the frame is fully customizable, as there are over 80 lay-ups to produce the bicycle that best fits you. The new frame is truly a culmination of Serotta’s investment in composites and the California factory. So, if you’re a California resident looking not only for a custom Made in USA, but rather a custom Made in California frame, the Meivici AE has to be at the top of your list.

After the impressive show of carbon strength and Serotta’s manufacturing ingenuity, we close up shop and hit the road one last time…I want to thank B&L for all their hospitality during the day, it’s truly appreciated.

So, that’s my story of Serotta and the 2009 Tour of California. I want to quickly thank Ben for the invitation (I had a truly great time), and all the wonderful friends of the Serotta family I met along the way. Here’s to meeting again soon…

Cheers,
Sam

Monday, February 23, 2009

Classique Ti - spring trainer, high-speed tourer, everyday workhorse

An interview with Serotta's Dave Powers on the new Classique Ti model range
Tell me about the new Classique models. Who did Serotta have in mind when designing them?The Classique is designed for cyclists seeking Serotta performance, Serotta Titanium, but in a no-frills platform. The ultimate choice in conditions and terrain that test your willpower—rain, sleet, snow and mud! A no whining, no crying, hose it down and take it out again bike that will extend your miles and your season. All of our bikes do this, but the Classique excels in the most adverse (and memorable) conditions.

How many Classique models are you offering? We’re building it in road, light touring (Classique GTL), fully blown touring (Classique GTX) and cross' versions. Features include rear rack mounts, pump pegs and fender mounts. The touring versions are spec’d for long reach caliper (Classique GTL) or cantilever or v-brakes (Classique GTX).

What’s all the buzz about “Big Boy” tubing?It’s a stout tubing option that is designed for larger riders and bikes 60 cm and above. Big Boy tubing (35 mm top and seat tubes and 1.64" down tube) stiffens up the frame significantly and lets bigger riders get the most from the bike. The Seatpost is 30.9 –a bigger post for a bigger seat tube. The bike comes with a shim so one can run a 27.2 post as well, but aesthetically the 30.9 post is ideal for the larger diameter tubeset. My bike pictured here is built on the “Big Boy” tubing platform – I love the look of it, the ride is phenomenal and weight as pictured, sans pedals, is 16.7 lbs! Not bad for a 62 cm bike!

How does the Classique differ from the immortal Legend Ti?The main difference from the Legend is in material choices and tubing selection. We’re using our exceptional 3Al/2.5V Ti except it is non-butted, non-Colorado Concept tubing. The Legend GS gets double butted tubes. The Legend SE is the only triple butted Ti frameset and is coupled with the ST rear end for the lightest, smoothest, ti ride.

Is the Classique only available as a custom build? No, the Classique is available in both “Ready Custom” (stock) and Custom geometry through your local Serotta dealer. Finish options are matte or polished Ti with your choice of decals. I chose the Matte finish and "Big Boy" tubing options. The Fantasy Belgium Classique rider in me thinks that’s the way to go! Perfect bike for spring training in Saratoga, Solvang, Mallorca, Lanzarote or wherever your travels take you. If its really ugly out, throw some fenders on and abuse your riding buddies!

Are they available now? Yes, through your local Serotta dealer.


In closing, what makes Serotta's titanium bikes different from others on the market? Our Ti bikes offer a range of rider options, tuneability in both design, rider/ride compatability, tubing etc. When spec’d with a Serotta Composites fork you get the ultimate Ti dreamride. Tubing is ultra important to understand - Serotta manipulates, swages and butts the Legends in-house at our Saratoga Springs Factory. Essentially, everyone else has a premier Ti frame that ends where the Classique begins - the Legend GS and SE elevate Ti to an otherworldy level.

Thanks Dave!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Greetings from Serotta Composites

As members of the extended Serotta “family” we’d like to welcome you all to the Blog and look forward to hearing from you and perhaps even meeting some of you at our upcoming open house in Poway on 2/23/09.

After starting this division over 2 years ago this will be our first public event where visitors will get to tour the shop, meet the staff, and learn more about composites and how the team uses our 100+ years of combined experience to provide you with finest composite products available.

We first met Ben and the Saratoga gang 8 years ago while we were members of a leading composite fork company. I had just returned from an afternoon ride and got a call from my partner telling me to expect a visit from Ben and that I needed to convince him on the safety & durability of composite steerer tubes in forks.

And he’d be there in 15 minutes….!!!

What transpired over the next several hours was the beginning of a new business relationship as well as a friendship with Ben based on mutual respect, experience in our fields, and similar philosophies regarding people, products, and manufacturing.

Over the course of the next several years the relationships with Ben and the Saratoga staff continued to grow and we began to wonder “what if….” During this period it became apparent my time with the R company would be coming to an end and Ben and I started to plot a course of action. We closed our deal with a handshake in Ottrott France during Le Tour and about 6 months later Serotta Composites officially opened it’s doors.

Since then we’ve moved into a new 5500 square foot facility where we design, test, and manufacture all of Serotta’s composite products as well as providing contract services on a limited basis. (Our primary mission is serving our loyal Serotta customers!)

This facility is a composites “one stop shopping” emporium. We have numerous capabilities including product & tooling design, rapid prototyping for verification, CNC tooling shop, mechanical testing lab and of course composite manufacturing using multiple processes.

A facility of this sort has been my dream over the years and I feel like I’m a combination of Geppetto the toymaker and the conductor of a symphony orchestra. One of the philosophies Ben and I agreed to early on is that we’re only as good as our people and between the East & West Coast divisions we’ve got the best!

Thanks for your time & support and we’ll continue to do our best to provide you with the finest cycling experience available.

Mike, Ron, Lupe, Javier, Gil, and Celestino

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Serotta Skiing



Serotta is now a proud new supporter of the New England Nordic Ski Assocation (NENSA), often regarded as the nation’s most effective regional Nordic program. I know, I know; Serotta is a bike company . . . what are we doing on skis? Well, endurance athletes are all-season athletes. And in Ben Serotta’s neck of the woods (Saratoga Springs, NY) winter means snow on the roads and skiers on the trails. Serotta’s involvement with NENSA is simply a reminder that the warm season is coming (eventually), and cycling is the perfect complement to a Nordic skier’s training.

We’re honored to have the opportunity to introduce this tight-knit New England ski community to Serotta’s top regional dealers while educating NENSA members about the importance of professional bicycle fit. For many skiers, off-season training includes serious mileage on the bike. Serotta wants to make sure it’s the right bike!

In partnership with NENSA, Serotta has also created a new “Spirit of Skiing Award” to be presented at the end of the season to the person who best embodies the spirit of skiing.

And, sometimes, Serotta employees even get into the act . . .

I participated in a NENSA event this weekend, the Craftsbury Marathon in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. As fate would have it, the first skiers I encountered were Trina and Dave Hosmer, Serotta owners and happy Fit Werx (Waitsfield, Vt.) cusomters. Trina’s Serotta was a wedding anniversary gift from her husband; she skied away exclaiming, “I don’t deserve it!” . . . this from a woman who routinely crushes well-conditioned, finely-tuned collegiate and ski academy athletes.

I headed to the starting line, the sun barely above the horizon of Craftsbury Common’s high, wind-swept plateau. 8 degress - perfect conditions for a classic race. After a few kilometers I settled in alongside a clump of skiers with whom I would complete the entire race. Looking for energy-saving efficiency, we eyed each other’s technique and searched for the fastest lines. We exchanged encouragement and stepped politely aside at feed stations, never farther than arms-reach from emergency gulps of warm energy drink.

My closet company was 14 year-old Heidi Halvorsen——a New England J3 standout——and her mother Diane who was skiing the full 50K. Heidi strode effortlessly up the climbs, glided expertly on the flats and tucked like a bullet on technical descents. Ah, youth . . . her calves were no bigger than my forearms, her lungs and heart clearly devoid of pain receptors. “What can she do on a bike,” I thought as I glided along in her pint-sized draft.

Serotta will be found at many of NENSA’s stops on the New England nordic circuit this winter. This weekend is the famous Lake Placid Loppet held on the 1980 Olympic course——right in High Peaks Cyclery’s back yard. Two weeks later (February 22), look for Serotta banners at the Stowe Derby where Ian Buchanan and the FitWerx crew will be contemplating just how much skiers and cyclists share in common!

See you on the trails!!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

One to One


Installment #1


Whoa. First Blog entry.


This is like standing backstage in a theatre and you don’t know if when the curtains go up the house will be packed or empty. Then the curtain rises and it is pitch dark. I still have no idea if the house is full or empty, so here I am, mike in hand and it’s time to talk…or blog…I’m most comfortable pretending that it’s just you in the audience, so it’s me and you, one to one, OK? I’ll put the mike down…..

Blogging, like many new ideas is something that has taken me a while to warm to. I am not old-fashioned, resistant to new ideas or to change. In fact I love change…I just need to believe that whatever shape change takes, that it is worth doing. And that, in a nutshell, explains a lot about our company ideals. It doesn’t matter so much whether we are first or late so long as what we do has merit beyond sales or marketing potential. It’s great to be first, it’s better to be the best. (Lift-off, I’m off and running….).
The challenge of a ‘first installment’ is like the challenge of a first date, a first presentation, a first meeting….you know you want to make a great impression…and in my case, I can think of way too many things that explain our reason of being…so what are the few words that I can say that you will remember this time we share by….and be glad you did?

It’s hard to be heard these days….every bike company, large and small, is saying pretty much the same things: Fast, Stiff & Comfortable! Space-age, Lightweight, State-of-the-Art, Perfect Fit, AnatomicalBodyGeomspecificCooler-than-Cool, What the Pros Use, Crafted, Sculpted, Sweated, Engineered, Assembled, actuallyThoughtofbyrealAmericansintheUSA blah, blah, blah….everyone is singing the same song so how do you know what the differences might be…or if there are actually differences that mean anything of value at all? Where’s the TRUTH & VALUE?

Especially now in these times of uncertainty, I think that truth and value matter more than at any other time in the last 36 years that I’ve been in the business of building bicycles. We’ve set many milestones, many firsts, (or modern era firsts) that other companies lay claim to (you can check out our timeline if you want), but as I said before, being first doesn’t matter as much as being the best. And to me being the best isn’t about how it sells….itis, what is the product really WORTH?

I tell you without hesitation or shame of immodesty, that one to one, we are the best. That’s a claim that is based in truth and value and worth.

You ask, how so?

We are not the best because we led (and lead) the way in personalized fitting technology.

We are not the best because dealers, technicians, coaches, podiatrists, physical therapists and doctors come from all over the world to participate in SICI programs.

We are not the best because we offer an absolutely insane number of finish choices.

We are not the best because instead of paying to support marketing you are paying for more product, American labor and a business principle based on value.

We are not the best because on average our frames take hours longer to produce.

We are not the best because our material costs are higher than our competitors, because we demand the highest quality in carbon, titanium and steel.

We are not the best because our bicycles are straighter than any other.

We are not the best because we’ve designed, engineered and crafted more custom frames, one at a time, over thirty-six years than any other US builder.

We are not the best because our staff is so experienced and talented and caring…and in sports talk, we have a very deep bench of all-stars.

We are not the best because we are more vertically integrated in manufacturing and engineering than any other US company, large or small, resulting in unparalleled engineering design, process and quality control.

We are not the best because in 1986 we launched a new area in materials design and engineering.

We are not the best because we exhaustively test (in the lab and the real world) any new model entry for performance, durability and longevity.

We are not the best because we are more selective in choosing our dealer representatives than any other company.

We are not the best because our bicycles have been raced in every major national, international, amateur & professional cycling event in Road, Time-Trial, Triathlon, Cross and MTB.

And We are not the best just because I said so…..



We ARE all these things….but we are the best because more, far more than any other company, we know how to take all of these assets and apply them when we are set to the task of creating a one-to-one relationship with you….not the stereotype of a cyclist…you.

So what is the best bicycle in the world? It’s the bike that makes you want to ride more, the one that makes you a better cyclist, the one that speaks to you when you are in another inane, insane, redundant meeting, the one that you’ll still be riding fast ten (or twenty) years from now, the one that delivers the opportunity for you to achieve your personal best…performance you can count on! The bike that understands, no defines WHY YOU RIDE.
So now, one on one…tell me what you’d like to know….and I’ll pick it up in the next installment.