Serotta has been a line of bicycles that I have have admired for a some time now. Their racing heritage and choice to stay “Made in the USA” made them the top choice for the shop’s custom line of bicycles.
I feel privileged to have studied fit under my past mentors; it’s a part of the cycling industry that I’ve always had a strong interest in. So, when the opportunity presented itself to travel to upstate New York and study at the Serotta International Cycling Institute, I jumped at the chance. It would be another tool in my arson to help my clients get the most out of their cycling.
The town of Saratoga Springs presented me with a nice welcome. The air was cold and crisp and, being my first time on the East Coast, I went out to hang out with the locals. I just had to go out and experience all the life that the town had to offer.
The people were friendly and the streets were filled with smiles. I called it a night somewhat early knowing I had to get up for class early the next morning and meet all my wonderful classmates.
Class was from sun-up until sun-down for the next three days. It was intense yet very fun and energetic. Everyone in the class seemed to be soaking up everything the instructors had to share. There was plenty to learn and plenty of “hands-on” lessons as well. With so many people enrolled in the class it was easy to get a good feel for the different situations that clients may present us with when asking for a fit or if they’re interested in purchasing a new custom or stock geometry bike.
One of the most interesting parts of the voyage out to Saratoga was the opportunity to visit the Serotta Factory where all their bikes are custom built “in house” from start to finish. It was amazing to walk through the factory and see everyone hard at work creating the bikes that end up on our showroom floors. It gave me a new sense of pride in the words “Made in the USA.” I was also amazed by the number of 20+ year old frames that were sent there to get refurbished by their original owners! With owners keeping their bikes for that long, it’s easy to see how Ben Serotta has distinguished himself as the premier frame-builder in the United States.
Over the years I have told customers an infinite number of times that “fit is dynamic” it is ever-changing as your needs are indefinitely variable as you continue to grow as a cyclist. My last evening at the Serotta International Fit Institute was spent working with one of my instructors, Paraic McGlynn, in finding my optimal position for my first custom bike. The physiological change I underwent in the next 4 hours as we found my optimal position on the fit cycle was by far one of my best experiences that I’ve ever had.
By the end of the fit I felt more relaxed and, most importantly, more powerful than I had ever felt on a bicycle in my short life. My very own custom Serotta will soon be on it’s way!
