Serotta Sports Inc. Fierte Ti

Price Paid:  $3300.00 at Lutherville, MD

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
rolling hills of Baltimore County

Bike Setup:
Kestrel EMS carbon fork
Chris King headset
ITM stem, Ritchey bars, Thompson post
Full Ultegra compact double
Mavic Ksyrium Equipe
Michelin Carbons
Speedplay Zeros
Selle Italia Flite

Summary:
The Fierte Ti is only my second road bike, but it is a huge step up from my first, a Specialized Allez Elite. It is everything I hoped it would be. Light, responsive, comfortable over the bumps... and beautiful to look at. My average distance has gone up noticeably, mainly due the comfort factor.

Nicely equipped with Ultegra (compact), Ksyrium Equipes, Ritchey bars, Thompson post. Only upgrade after original purchase was Chris King headset.

Originally was shopping for steel, but one ride on the Ti convinced me. I haven't regretted the extra expense once.

Strengths:
Build quality/fit and finish
Smooth but responsive ride

Weaknesses:
None to speak of.

Similar Products Used:
2004 Specialized Allez Elite

Price Paid:  $4000.00 at Cronometro

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
New Glarus via the O hill

Bike Setup:
Kestrel EMS Pro fork
Ultegra
Ultegra hubs with Velocity rims, Megamium2 training tires
Keo pedals

Summary:
Somewhere out there there might be a cheaper bike that I would like as much. Possibly.

I never ever wonder if I could find a bike I like more.

There you have it- that's why I spent all that money- confidence that the fit is right, and the ride is comparable to anything made. My mom gives me cookies when I ride. The dog was jumping into the sunlight at just the precise moment.

What is amazing to me is that somehow everything seems better than my old racing bike, even comfort. The Fierte (Kestrel EMS Pro fork) is FAR stiffer in the bottom bracket than I expected, yet I can do a century ride without feeling buzzy or have any bike induced pain, it's agile without being twitchy, light but not fragile feeling- how do they do all that?

Bottom line-confidence. You can obvously spend more, there is a chance you can spend less. I'd rather ride than fuss with my bike.

Strengths:
Ride and construction quality

Weaknesses:
The graphics are a little clunky, in my opinion. Just ride it.

Price Paid:  $3100.00 at Spin Bike Shop

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Cuyahoga Valley Ntl. Park

Bike Setup:
Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork
Campy Veloce Group
Cinelli stem and carbon bar
Fizik Arione saddle with Real Design carbon seatpost
Inexpensive Mavic Cosmos, fitted with expensive Continental Attack-Force Tires.

Summary:
Bought the Fierte Ti as a comfortable alternative to a Cannondale CAAD 4. I've gotten a lot of use out of the C-Dale, but wanted something more comfortable and more stable. The Fierte Ti fills the bill splendidly, and at a relatively affordable price. I went through the rather complicated Serotta fitting process only to learn that I didn't really need a custom frame. The 60 cm stock frame works just fine. I'm confident that my dealer set it up as nearly perfectly as possible, based on my customary riding style. I chose Campy Veloce 10 speed components, and so far they are more precise than the Dura Ace 9-speed that I have on my Cannondale. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my choice of frame and components. I plan to keep this bike for quite a while.
Just wish it came with pickles. Mmmm, crunchy pickles. Isn't there a bike out there that comes with pickles?

Strengths:
Comfort and stability. Excellent vibration damping by the frame itself and the carbon stays and Ouzo Pro fork. Vertical compliance is outstanding.

Weaknesses:
No real weaknesses. The vinyl graphics are a bit gauche, but I'm not about to spend another $1000 for a custom paint job, at least yet...

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale CAAD 4,
Calfee Tetra Carbon
Litespeed Veneto

Price Paid:  $3500.00 at PK Racing, Fairfax C

Favorite Ride:
Marin Cyclist's Century

Bike Setup:
Serotta Fierte Ti 56 cm. Kestrel EMS Pro Carbon fork. Ultegra Group. King headset. Deda bar and stem. Bontrager Race Lite wheels.

Summary:
This bike is beautiful. It rides like butter. The Ti frame does a great job of absorbing road noise while still providing a "lively," active feel. The stiffness of the frame is great and coupled with the feel inspires confidence. A wonderful ride! I often take it off of some sweet jumps with the local kids and don't mind curb hopping even if the wheels get a little knocked around. I just wish I could somehow attach a cooler to the bike so I could carry more beer.

Strengths:
Stiffness for sprints. Lively feel. Excellent, smooth, Ti ride.

Weaknesses:
None.