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Submitted by
Tony Edwards
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding my Serotta ATi for about two years now. My previous MTBs were steel, a Bridgestone MB-3 and an MB-0.My ATi is built up with a '97 Bomber Z2, a very ordinary blend of XTR and XT, and ti bar, stem, and saddle. In my 20.5 size, with the tanky Bomber, it weighs about 24 lb.Serotta is known primarily for its road bikes. The ATi is (or was) their top-of-the-line, oversized, butted/tapered 3/2.5 ti mountain bike. A mid-sized frame weighs under 3 lbs., putting it firmly in Ibis/ XLM territory, weight-wise.I think that when most people think of a short list of superexotic ti MTBs, the names Merlin, Ibis, Seven, and Moots are probably the first out of their lips (and probably appropriately so, because these are all great bikes).The ATi should be considered of this caliber as well, and indeed it has certain design properties that, IMHO, trounce nearly all of the competition.The ATi is made using a rather oversized tubeset, with Serotta's proprietary Clorado Concept tubing design. The downtube and seat tube are fairly conventional in diameter toward the top, and they flare out as they get closer to the bottom bracket. At their contact points with the BB, they are massively oversized, nearly like a Klein in diameter. The idea was supposedly inspired by old-growth redwoods, which have a huge, stable base, but become increasingly flexible as they grow upwards.The Colorado Concept gives the bike an amazing ride; the rear wheel sticks to the grund like glue, and the BB is incredibly stiff. At the same time, the ride is very forgiving and comfortable (even more than my relatively whippy MB-0).The Ati is the most neutral, reassuring handler I have ever ridden on descents (my Bomber helps considerably with this), but it also climbs like a scared cat (I wish I could hold up my end of the deal). It is also very comfy and stable in low-speed woodsy riding.Construction and finish couldn't be much better; the welds are impeccable, and the frame has a lovely brushed finish.The ATi is very expensive (I think they now go for around $2800/frame; I got mine new secondhand for much less), but I can honestly say I am not aware of a better mountain bike in the world (I am NOT implying it is better than a Merlin, Seven, or whatever, but I can't see how they are any better than the ATi either). I must admit, I enjoy the exclusivity; I have never seen another ATi in person. More importantly, though, I love the feeling that I will very likely never want a new hardtail. | Overall Rating: |
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