Strengths: Easy on your lower back, tough on the competition, and all with classic looks.
Weaknesses: You’re not born with one. Need to worry about RUST.
Bottom Line:
Steel is the real deal. This is a HOT bike. Don’t count grams, count who is around you at the finish! If you’re a strong rider, this is the frame you want under you. Great geometry, you’ll cut up the hills in the saddle. Really stiff BB, so you be able to stand on it at the finish. If that is not enough, it is a real comfortable ride. Stop looking around, buy this frame now, start training hard, and win races.
I generally weigh over 170, and often over 175 at the start of the season. This frame felt just right under me, whether standing or in the saddle.
If like to ride really hard, and you can afford one, buy one. If you have one, ride it with pride. Serotta - The Real Deal.
Similar Products Used: Serotta Colorado Al - good deal, but not a CSI. Specialized M2 Stumpjumper, Computrainer
Bike Setup: I fitted mine with Dura Ace, ti speedplays, sew-ups, carbon F1 fork, and my beefy legs. While I don’t know what it weights, and don’t care, this combo never failed me.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Squishy
a Recreational Rider
from Atl
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001
Strengths: Steel is so smooth and strong. Beautiful lugs and polished seat/chain stays and fork. Funky Huffy graphics and slick retro Campy gruppo get looks.
Weaknesses: I worry about it being stolen. Hopefully a thief will only think it really is a Huffy.
Bottom Line:
This bike is 13 years old and I bought it from my step-dad. It is badged as a Huffy and is indeed a Team 7-Eleven frame from the late 80s. Ben Serotta said it was made for a junior named Ventura. Good thing he was my size. As old as it is, it still feels fantastic - very smooth over the rough stuff. Being an inline speed skater, I'm looking forward to becoming a stronger biker - I can't get enough saddle time!
Bike Setup: Steel Serotta fork, late 80s Campy gruppo (with triangle-shaped brakes that are amazingly strong), M
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
deanodotcom
a Recreational Rider
from Tampa, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001
Strengths: very stable ride, awesome handling, incredible acceleration
Weaknesses: none for me - the price is high, but, hey,
you only live once
Bottom Line:
This is just an update to my Serotta CSI review that I posted earlier this year.
I now have about 3,000 miles on the bike, and it is awesome. I took
it to the Cndn rockies this summer and got in the granny gear and
up some pretty nice hills - kept up with my mtn bike friends on a couple
of not-too-bumpy trails even!! This bike was super stable even going
downhill at 45 mph - I thought I might get a bit scared, but it is super
stable, and tracks dead on with no vibrations or anything weird - just
wonderful. I had to adjust the rear derailleur cable tension a couple
of times, but that was no big deal, once I figured out what the problem
was. Thank you Ben - an incredible product
Similar Products Used: my 30 year old Pogliagi with assorted
Campy parts
Bike Setup: Serotta CSI, lugged steel frame, carbon
fiber fork, Ultegra 9 speed with triple
chainring, Cane Cr
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Recreational Rider
from Carson, CA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Strengths: amazing confidence
Weaknesses: a bit heavy (I have the classic steel fork)
Bottom Line:
I honestly believe that Serotta has hit upon alchemic magic with the CSI. In other words, they turned steel into gold. This is true to the point where I can pass riders on a Legend Ti and simply smile at them because I have the better bike and $1300 more in my wallet. I am a smaller guy (5'8"/130lb) and ride a 52 frame. After lengthy research into upgrading my 1996 Cannondale, I narrowed it down to a Felt F1(immediately dismissed when I squeezed the rear triangle - I have strong legs and don't need the brake rub), a Look 271 (I couldn't get a solid price for one), and a Serotta CSI. I found a closeout CSI frame in 52cm and have never regretted it. It is the most comfortable and confident frameset that I have ever ridden. The old bumps that used to slam my jaw shut, simply make my grin grow larger. My Cannondale (while great for going vertical) never inspired me to descend at greater than 40mph. It felt squirrelly and shaky, especially when cars are passing. In fact, until I tried the CSI, I was convinced that it was my riding technique. I now descend the same hills at 55+ mph in a tuck position and I can assure you that my technique has not improved. I stink and I know it. But I will never be able to blame it on my equipment. Yes, the frameset is heavy when compared to new models. I have considered swapping the steel classic fork for a Time or Look carbon which would easily drop the frameset weight by 1 1/4Lb. But after careful consideration, I decided that it was cheaper and healthier to drop a couple of pounds from MY frameset. In short, this is a bike for people in the know. A lifetime ride.
Bike Setup: Full Dura-Ace 8spd setup with Spinergy Spox (alternating with Spinergy Rev-X), Continental Grand Prix 3000 tires, Modolo 110 stem, and Modolo bars.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bruno
a Recreational Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001
Strengths: FAST
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I had this bike in black for about 5 years and rode it thousands of miles. I love it, nothing rides like it. Oe dark day it was stolen. I replaced my CSI with a Legend Ti. Don't be fooled. The CSI is a better bike - period. I want my CSI back. If the price was equal, I'd still take the CSI over the Legend. Its that good.
Sorry Ben. If I'd know, I would have ordered another CSI.
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