I was finally able to get the Serum out for its maiden voyage. I always like to take new bikes out for their initial test run on a course that I use regularly in my training. This course is a 16 mile loop that is made up of single track and dirt roads. Consuming 3000 feet of climbing with some 20+ degree slopes. Today, I made that happen and man I was impressed as usual with the bikes that Sette puts out. They have really dialed in a stellar geometry and blend that responds most splendidly. On the ride, I had to make a few adjustments that are the norm such as cable tension, brake lever rotation, seat height that comes along with newness. I like to keep things simple as I tend to gauge performance using animal classifications. In other words, I will rate the performance aspects that I feel are important for a mountain bike to possess by giving it an animal name. Simple enough. Here goes the performance aspects:
Climbing- Effortlessly like an IBEX
Stability- Stiff when it needs to be on the climbs and enveloping when in the groove like a PANTHER
Agility- Light and nimble like a CHEETAH
Chatter Effect- Soaks it up like a racing HORSE
Holding the Line or Groove- Follows the bead like a BAT
Hop Effect- All I can say is GAZELLE
This bike comes in at just under 20lbs, something like 19.8lbs. It is a smooth operator. It is what a hardtail machine should be. This bike will be comfortable for XC,XXC and Endurance Races without a doubt. It is sharp looking, but most importantly it delivers where it needs to deliver. Check out the pictures below from the maiden voyage and peruse the spec sheet on how I stitched it all together. After you do all of this, get on over to Price Point and purchase you one of these machines for your 2011 racing and riding needs. I will be posting more as I ride it more, but my initial feel is SUPER COSMIC!
SPEC SHEET
- Sette Serum Elite Carbon Mountain Bike Frame- Medium (17”)
- Shimano XTR FC M-970 Crankset- 44/32 T
- Shimano XTR FD M-971 Front Derailleur- 34.9mm- Top Pull
- Shimano XTR RD M-971 Rear Derailleur w/Yumeya Carbon Cage
- Shimano XTR CS M-970 Cassette- 11-32 T
- Crank Brothers Titanium Egg Beater Pedals
- Shimano XTR SL M-970 Shift Levers
- Jagwire Ripcord Derailleur Cable/Housing Set- Red
- KMC X-9 SL Superlight Chain- 108 Links
- Shimano XTR WH M-975 Wheelset- 26 inch
- Kenda Small Block 8 Tires- 1.95”
- Price Point Light Tubes
- Shimano XTR BR M-975 Brakes/Levers
- Shimano XTR SM- RT97 Center Loc Disc Rotors- 160mm
- Cane Creek 110 ZS Headset- 1 1/8” Threadless- Red
- Sette Evo Stem 110mm- 31.8mm
- Sette F/X 2 OS Carbon Rise Handlebar- 31.8mm
- ESI Racer’s Edge Grips- Red
- Fox 32 F-Series FIT RLC Fork- 100mm
- Alien Aluminum Seat Post- 31.6mm
- Woodman Deathgrip SL Ti Seat Clamp 34.9mm- Red
- SDG Ti Fly Rail Saddle
- Sette Ion Carbon Bottle Cage
- Sette Carbon Fiber Frame Patch Protectors
- Sette Kevlar/Neoprene Chainstay Protector
Endurance Mountain Bike Racing 
Looks like an amazing machine! Keep your eyes open for some pics of my new Rotwild that came in this weekend. Tuning almost ready, meaning from a complete bike I kept the frame and the headset……
enjoy the ride!
ard
Rockin’! Can’t wait to see it brother. The Sette is a smooth and graceful powerhouse.
Cheers
Just came across the review and your blog! I ordered a Sette Serum Elite frame from Pricepoint today and it doesn’t look like I’m going to be dissappointed! I’m looking for a good, durable bike to race xc and xxc next season and I think I found it! How is the durability? I’ve never ridden a carbon mountain bike, and that’s my only concern. Otherwise I’m stoked to build this thing up!
Cheers,
Dave
Dave,
You want be disappointed. Sette has a solid carbon frame. Technology has made these things solid. I took a fall on pavement and nearly 30mph on the precursor to the Serum, the Phantom. The fall didn’t effect the integrity of the frame at all. That being said, the Serum has been solid and holds up extremely well. It is a climbing machine. All the best and good luck in 2011.
Cheers
Markley