getting a fix!!

gkerr4
gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
edited August 2007 in Workshop
No - not class A drugs - a fixed wheel bike - specifically a Specialized Langster.

I saw a guy riding one at the Manc - Blackpool ride last month and have been trying to get them out of my head since, but I really fancy seeing what all the fuss is about fixed wheels.

I like the langster, it looks nice and understated in the 07 'rust' colour and it seems well priced as an "out of the box" fixie - compared to the genesis flyer and the like anyway. I know some on here see it as a marketing wet dream, but I'm not really interested in that sort of opinion.. (sorry)

anyway - some questions I have about it

does anyone have one? and do they also have other (geared) bikes? I'm not sure if I'd use it a lot I just really like the idea and to try it. Second hand values seem strong (ebay) so I guess I could get a fair bit of money back if I decide I don't like it
If you have other bikes - how often do you use the fixed? and for what sort of rides? I'm guessing it is a good steed for urban misbehaving etc?
I wonder if I will like it or have i just got a 'thing' in my head for them and it'll go away if I ignore it?

also - they retail at £399, but some people have the 07, rust model for £349 - anyone seen any cheaper? are they reasonable value at that price?

oh - so many questions - thanks in advance for any tips, advice or opinons..

ta

graham

Comments

  • Lagavulin
    Lagavulin Posts: 1,688
    I'd be interested in any responses to this thread as everytime I pop into my local Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op I find myself drawn to the Langster.

    Before I decided to go way over my budget at the time (£350-£400), 12 months ago when I was getting my first roadbike I was considering it along with the basic '06 Allez Double - before finally opting for the £700 '06 Allez Sport Double.

    How often would one find the need to swap between fixed and freewheel?
    2010 Cannondale CAAD 9
    2008 Wilier Izoard
  • star_rover
    star_rover Posts: 318
    Not a bad wee bike for the money. I had one for a while. With 10% off at Evans I got it for £360. Sold it after a few months for not much less than that. For sure, there are better fixed wheel bikes but for under 400 quid it must be worth a punt if you've got that itch that needs scratching.
    I have a geared bike as well and like you just wanted to try fixed riding. I loved it but not the Langster, so sold it and got a better fixie.
    Worth buying to see if you get the bug I'd say.

    Lagavulin: not sure you would ever swap between fixed and free. Too much hassle for me anyway - once you've ridden it fixed, what's the point in swapping it back? If you're nervous of riding fixed, try it for a few weeks on the free side, get used to just the one gear and then try out fixed riding gradually, in the park or quiet roads.

    Without dredging up any comments about the wheels, the integrated headset, etc, etc, I would say you really do need to put new tyres on it at a bare minimum.
  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    thanks for that

    what did you get when you changed it?

    what's up with the wheels etc? - are they actually bad? or just what you would expect for a sub-£400 bike?

    thanks
    graham
  • star_rover
    star_rover Posts: 318
    Got a Surly Steamroller. Geared bike was a Surly cross-check, so . . .
    Built it myself, cost 3 times the price of the langster (got a bit carried away).

    A lot of folk comment on the wheels being crap which is why I mentioned it. You're right, they are what you expect on a sub-£400 bike. Tyres are pish though (unless you like punctures).

    I think the shop sold me a too small a bike (the langster). Didn't take into account the compact geometry. Hence, I always felt I was riding around on a kids bike! Maybe that's why I was never too keen on it.

    I say go for it. As you mentioned, the resale market is good so you won't lose much if it turns out you don't like it.
  • domtyler
    domtyler Posts: 2,648
    edited March 2011
    This is my fix:

    Dolan1.jpg

    It is my main commuter bike and the one I look forward to riding most even though I use it twice a day.
    ________
    Ferrari 550 Specifications
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Porridge not Petrol
  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    oh thats nice!

    I like that!

    I take it that doesn't fit in the £350 - £400 budget?

    very nice though!
  • domtyler
    domtyler Posts: 2,648
    edited March 2011
    Well you may be surprised, it was only about ??650 including hand made Harry Rowland wheels and the Selle Italia SLR gel flow leather saddle, so just above your ??400 but only by a couple of good nights out.
    ________
    Think Mill
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Porridge not Petrol
  • star_rover
    star_rover Posts: 318
    Agreed. It's beaut.
  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    Hmm - not as much as I thought - but still over budget - especially in the wifes eyes!
  • fluff.
    fluff. Posts: 771
    Oddly similar to mine! http://www.flickr.com/photos/7920230@N03/467677712/ Was 200 something off t'bay. I'd prefer those wheels though, the ones I have on at the mo have too few spokes for a fixed really. On the other hand, not sure I fancy the bmx style brake you have, and no hoods, wouldn't know that to do with my hands :)
  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    OK - so I think I am going to get one!

    I know my frame size is 54 (although I could live with a 52) from the allez geometry (they are the same) - I have no relationship with an LBS and none of them sell specialized anyway - so the next question is where to get it from.

    there are a few places that have the 07 model in 'rust' colour on offer at the moment, reduced to £349 from £399. - I have no experience of them so if anyone does, i'd appreciate the feedback!

    Cyclesurgery
    JE James
    Leisurewheels
    Primera (although it can't be ordered online!)

    anyone bought a bike from any of these? or any experience of them for other mail order parts?

    anyone know any cheaper places??

    thanks.
    Graham

    edited for spelling
  • domtyler
    domtyler Posts: 2,648
    edited March 2011
    Fluff,

    I have seen your bike before and complimented you on it once before back in the good old days on C+. I think your wheels look pretty good with the frame actually. I know what you mean about the brake and not having hoods but that was how it came and I have learned to adapt now although have toyed with the idea of sticking normal brakes on.
    ________
    No2 vaporizer
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Porridge not Petrol
  • 2Smart
    2Smart Posts: 105
    I've just got a London Ltd edition Langster, beautiful white it is, well it is beautiful now that I have ditched the daft keirin bars and bar top levers and replaced them with proper ones. Wheels are a touch on the heavy size but don't half look the part with the red hubs and rims.
  • fluff.
    fluff. Posts: 771
    domtyler wrote:
    I have seen your bike before and complimented you on it once before back in the good old days on C+. I think your wheels look pretty good with the frame actually. I know what you mean about the brake and not having hoods but that was how it came and I have learned to adapt now although have toyed with the idea of sticking normal brakes on.

    Oh yep remember now :) The wheels look good, but they need constant tweaking with a spoke key or they start making pinging noises and going out of true.

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