Serotta Ottrott Vs modern frame?

Hi all,

Out of the blue a lovely Serotta Ottrott was offered to me in mint condition and more importantly in my exact size. I've always wanted a comfortable Ti bike and this seems like a great frame; however it's 15 years old and I'm intrigued in how it rides compared to a Defy or similar sportive bike.

For previous/current owners; does it compare and is it worth around £400 for the frameset in excellent condition? I have parts ready to pull from my winter bike which would complete the bike. I'm always intrigued by older quality, bespoke frames Vs new technology available to the mass market. I won't be racing it, but using it for commuting and longer simmer rides

however it's 15 years old and I'm intrigued in how it rides compared to a Defy or similar sportive bike.

It wont, if you want the bike to be an efficient tool to go fast/race get a modern mass produced bike.
If you want it to be an extension of your personality get Serotta.

£400 sounds very reasonable for this.

Efficiency? Who cares about efficiency when it's meant for commuting or long rides?

I'm just intrigued how comfy bikes 10+ years are against modern standards. I think I'll go for it as it's something different and I have a spare 105 groupset that'll go nicely with it too

If you want to go faster, train smart.

If you want comfort, get a bike fit and spend monies on the right contact points.

I'm aware of that; my fit is dialed in on my Dolan prefissio and giant contend. The first though has a hideous ride quality so that's the frame I want to replace here.

dude £400...just buy it and sell here for lfgss prices of around £250

It’s only 15 years, it’s not vintage. Geometry and sizing hasn’t changed that much in 15 years.

The biggest difference will be in the ride quality. Alu frames tend to be harsh, whereas ti Is more akin to a very high quality steel frame. Put some nice kit on it, get the position right and you’ll love it.
Go for it.

Sod it, it's an impulse so I'll grab it.

Old bikes look nice but ride crap compared to modern. I wouldn't bother.

If it’s the one I’m thinking about, dibs you ever wanna part with it!

Ride quality isn't related to age. It depends on frame design and the materials used.

Serotta excels with both of those.

It depends on frame design and the materials used.

Yes. Carbon rides better because of that.

Let's see it then

100% Serotta FTW over the other options. You're going to love it.

Frame design and materials is only part of the puzzle. For one material technology has only got better with time, e.g. a modern aluminium frame is significantly better than a late 90s aluminium frame. Also things like internal headsets, tapered head tubes, modern bb standards, etc all add up to a bike with is stiff where needed, more compliant where needed and all those stereotypes. Not to mention the modern parts which fit those modern frames.

I hear what you're saying. However, I'm firmly of the view that the two most critical factors that influence the way that a bike rides and handles are frame geometry and choice of frame materials. Those two, beyond anything else, have the most significant bearing on how a bike performs.

Nah it's tires. Frame composition is overrated

I have a steel bike, a carbon and an aluminium bike. The biggest difference I can feel between them is geometry and set up, handlebar height etc.

If you not racing you don't need low weight .best ride i prefer is my steel built with quality parts.

I agree. My steel frames ride much better than my aluminium ones.

There should be plenty of adjustment that you can make seatposts comes in different materials set back in line etc , length and angles .headset spacers etc.you will find the right sweet spot.