Fancying a single speed..spesh or Pinnacle

ashtons99
ashtons99 Posts: 110
edited August 2017 in Road buying advice
I'm getting an itch for the simplicity of one gear again. I've had a pearson touché in the past. Looking currently at a Specialized Langster or a Pinnacle Dolomite. Similar priced, the spesh comes with tektro conventional brakes, the other with discs and the benefit of mudguard mounts.

Any thoughts, experiences or advice on choice...or other options.

Comments

  • bristolpete
    bristolpete Posts: 2,255
    Bikes come and go, but I have had a Langster in its various guises in my bike room since 2008 and have seen the bike get better and better. Love them such a great training / commute / brilliant bike once shod with regular bars.
  • mpatts
    mpatts Posts: 1,010
    I have a genesis flyer, love it - comes out of the box in full commuter guise
    Insert bike here:
  • graeme_s-2
    graeme_s-2 Posts: 3,382
    Which Pinnacle is it? I can't see a singlespeed Dolomite on the Evans website at the moment
  • ashtons99
    ashtons99 Posts: 110
    Graeme_S wrote:
    Which Pinnacle is it? I can't see a singlespeed Dolomite on the Evans website at the moment

    It's just called the dolomite ss. They are Evans at £475. Some reviews on YouTube
  • N0bodyOfTheGoat
    N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,053
    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-do ... e-EV264164

    If you fit a small frame (it doesn't look that small to me, stack 561mm; reach 379mm; ETT 540mm), or it could be stretched out to your requirements with a longer stem (swap the 80mm for say a 110mm if you are ~5'8"-5'11") and perhaps a larger offset setpost, the Arkose Singlespeed is reduced to £765.
    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ar ... e-EV244116

    Singlespeeds with hydraulic brakes do still seem as rare as hens teeth, my old 2009 Tricross Singlecross would have been the perfect commuter with them and I may well have had a nicer Xmas 2013 plus still have a full compliment of teeth.;)
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • buckmulligan
    buckmulligan Posts: 1,031
    The Langster geometry is somewhat aggressive, so worth trying one out for fit, especially if you're used to riding a relaxed "sportive" geometry frame such as the Specialized Roubaix. Not so long ago someone started a thread bemoaning the fact that it wasn't the "singlespeed version of an Allez" that everyone proclaims it to be; if you look at the frame measurements, it does a lower stack height than most road bikes out there, seeing as it's designed for the track.

    Having said that, it's a great bike; light, nippy and absolutely bomb-proof.
  • ashtons99
    ashtons99 Posts: 110
    NitrousOxide wrote:
    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-dolomite-singlespeed-2017-road-bike-EV264164

    If you fit a small frame (it doesn't look that small to me, stack 561mm; reach 379mm; ETT 540mm), or it could be stretched out to your requirements with a longer stem (swap the 80mm for say a 110mm if you are ~5'8"-5'11") and perhaps a larger offset setpost, the Arkose Singlespeed is reduced to £765.
    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ar ... e-EV244116

    Singlespeeds with hydraulic brakes do still seem as rare as hens teeth, my old 2009 Tricross Singlecross would have been the perfect commuter with them and I may well have had a nicer Xmas 2013 plus still have a full compliment of teeth.;)
    Cracking piece :D:D:D:D
  • ashtons99
    ashtons99 Posts: 110
    BuckMulligan wrote:
    The Langster geometry is somewhat aggressive, so worth trying one out for fit, especially if you're used to riding a relaxed "sportive" geometry frame such as the Specialized Roubaix. Not so long ago someone started a thread bemoaning the fact that it wasn't the "singlespeed version of an Allez" that everyone proclaims it to be; if you look at the frame measurements, it does a lower stack height than most road bikes out there, seeing as it's designed for the track.

    Having said that, it's a great bike; light, nippy and absolutely bomb-proof.
    I ride a giant TCR so I'm quite used to a bit tighter geometry. It's hard to find one anywhere to try though. I've found a dealer down south who will sell me a "street" model with the bull type bars fir £375. At that I can afford to spend on some drop bars and brake levers.
  • JesseD
    JesseD Posts: 1,961
    The Pinnacle with hydraulics looks interesting, something very simple about it which i like.

    I had a langster for years and am gutted i sold it now, was a great bike. I only ever used it in fixed gear mode and found it brilliant for training on, did loads of club runs etc on it too and it brought on my fitness and leg speed really quickly.

    The geo of the langster is more akin to a track bike, it has a higher BB and is quite low, that said, a shorter stem and spme spacers and you can get your position on it easily. I loved the Langster and am considering another fixed gear bike for this winter.
    Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    That Arcose looks very good, is there a way to convert it to fixed or is a new rear wheel required? I've been searching for a fixie with disc brakes for a good while now
  • N0bodyOfTheGoat
    N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,053
    mamil314 wrote:
    That Arcose looks very good, is there a way to convert it to fixed or is a new rear wheel required? I've been searching for a fixie with disc brakes for a good while now

    Yes, flip hub, remove rear disc rotor and replace with 6-bolt sprocket (according to Jameso on stw forum).
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • mamil314
    mamil314 Posts: 1,103
    Wouldn't this mean no rear brake?
  • N0bodyOfTheGoat
    N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,053
    mamil314 wrote:
    Wouldn't this mean no rear brake?

    It would indeed, unless you can find a disc rotor that can be fixed in place on a freehub.;)
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,310
    I suspect you'll get more for your money with a Dolan

    https://www.dolan-bikes.com/dolan-track ... gloss.html
    left the forum March 2023
  • luv2ride
    luv2ride Posts: 2,367
    I notice that Norco have just released a swathe of new Threshold cx bikes, including a single speed with an Apex 1 crankset and Hylex hydro brakes. Looks the business. Being an owner off the Arkose singlespeedbi can certainly vouch for the Hylex's - great brakes and very comfortable lever hoods, longer than most so almost like riding on bull bars. I think Evans have exclusive UK rights for Norco so maybe worth giving them a shout re: prices....?
    Titus Silk Road Ti rigid 29er - Scott Solace 10 disc - Kinesis Crosslight Pro6 disc - Scott CR1 SL - Pinnacle Arkose X 650b - Pinnacle Arkose singlespeed - Specialized Singlecross...& an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 4 string...
  • ashtons99
    ashtons99 Posts: 110
    A few for me to consider there. I must say I hadn't really noticed the quite aero geometry of the langster
  • Broon4
    Broon4 Posts: 1
    I've been lurking on the forum for a while but decided to join as I am in the same position as you looking for a single speed/fixed for the winter. I have considered both the Genesis Flyer and the Langster, but am swaying toward the Genesis Flyer. have you considered the Holdsworth from PX? the frame seems very cheap at £99 quid!? Can only assume it will be rather heavy?

    I'd like to hear if anyone has any contenders anything other than those listed above?

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