Dexter Henschel is a local Albert Lea guy, but I really first got to know him when I bought a nice wheelset with early Phil Wood hubs from him for a pittance. The wheels are now on the green Chris Kvale which I bought from Tom Sanders, then sold to Jon Guinea. He also gave me a Brooks saddle which I then passed on to the Z-man for one of his trips across America. I guess Dex gives me things and I pass them on. I received this email from him this morning and he graciously gave me permission to post it. (I would kinda like to swap out the tires.)
Had a thought while looking around your blog. I used to own an interesting bike. Serrotta built for road racing and criteriums. I bought used as frame only -- I was the 3rd owner, built aproximately 1970 by Ben Serrotta. I rode it for 20+ years and approximately 20,000 miles. Sold it back to the fellow I bought it from via an agreement that when I was done with it, he had first chance to buy it. He sold it to a co-worker who restored it completely and fitted it with vintage Campagnolo parts. It is now painted to match his vintage Jaguar sedan. He asked at a bicycle site if anyone had a lower serial number, no one else had knowledge of a lower number. He plans on moving from the Seattle area to La Crosse, and promised me he would stop by some time. Attached find low-res pix in the present condition.
Regards - Dex
That is sick! And way cool.
ReplyDeleteDon't cha love the way the leathers all match?
ReplyDeleteYep. what got me were the seat stay caps. Very Dave Moulton. that is most likely the oldest Serrotta I have ever seen. I love the head badge also.
ReplyDeleteI have never really liked the look of wrapped stays. I understand it's more surface contact, but to my eye they aren't as graceful as a straight flute. Strange our biases - I only like fastbacks on fillet brazed frames. No logic at all.
ReplyDeleteThe wrapped stays and long point lugs give the bike a French look. The matching leathers do look nice!
ReplyDeleteA flat plate wrapped looks okay. Fluted and wrapped looks like a young man trying shit out.
ReplyDeleteIt kinda sucks that a "vintage" Jaguar is a car that doesn't look all that old. (I think "vintage" should be reserved for cars that are older than me!!)
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would paint the Jaguar to match the Serotta. A guy has to keep his priorities straight.
ReplyDeleteAgreed on the fast back stays. It just looks clean.
ReplyDeleteI do like the matching understated honey leather, and the elegant grey.