Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Just another which bike thread. Langster vs The Hour

Ok so I can get a 2006 Langster from my LBS for $500 out the door...or as I am sure everyone knows I can get the Windsor The Hour for $299 plus I will add brakes (say what you will but I am running brakes).

I figure I will have a decent entry level bike either way but other than the steel vs al and traditional vs compact issues is there a significant reason to get one bike over the other? I currently have like $50 credit at my LBS so that money will cover the brakes/levers with no issue...or take that $50 off the cost of the langster and say, out of pocket, the Langster will run me $450 and the 'Hour' will run me $299. Is the Langster $150 better?

Is the Langster $150 better?

Probably not, but based on what others have said about the Windsor, if you want the wheels to last you will need to get them trued/tensioned. That and any other unanticipated mechanical issues are going to cost you if you can't do it yourself. On the other hand, if you get the Langster from the LBS, they will most likely make sure that its assembled properly and will fix any problems you have with it probably at no charge. You may end up spending more on the Windsor.

The Langster has a carbon fork, you're supporting local business, probably has slightly better components (I can't verify since I can't find their 06 stuff on the site), etc.

Go with the LBS if the money is not that big of a deal. Also, with the winsdor you will want it checked out to ensure it is properly assembled.

windsor frame will last forever

Oh yea I guess I should have stated that I can do all my own bike work...I have built several geared roadies and have a truing stand and tension meter so the assembly and wheels are a non issue.

And the 2006 Langster has a AL fork with CroMo steerer...the CF fork is new for 07.

I do like to support the local guy though, but I have already bought a Specialized Roubaix and a Cannondale Rush from them this year...they don't NEED more of my money...but if there is a compelling reason I certainly will give it to them. :D

windsor frame will last forever

+1
windsor is steel. steel = awesome. just get it and repaint it and itll be a hell of a bike.

langsters should be called uglysters.

Oh yea I guess I should have stated that I can do all my own bike work...I have built several geared roadies and have a truing stand and tension meter so the assembly and wheels are a non issue.

And the 2006 Langster has a AL fork with CroMo steerer...the CF fork is new for 07.

I do like to support the local guy though, but I have already bought a Specialized Roubaix and a Cannondale Rush from them this year...they don't NEED more of my money...but if there is a compelling reason I certainly will give it to them. :D


In that case go with the Windsor. If you know how to do it, assembling and fine tuning the bike yourself makes riding it that much sweeter. And you'll be saving $.

get the windsor if you are just starting out and you are a smart man for running brakes there I said it unless you live in a flat spot you should run brakes unless you are a star

get the windsor if you are just starting out and you are a smart man for running brakes there I said it unless you live in a flat spot you should run brakes unless you are a star
Well for sure it isn't flat here.

Ok so I think you guys and in looking more have clinched it for the Hour. I just saw in an eBay ad linked in another thread that they have added a couple of colors and the gunmetal grey looks very nicely understated (LOL a lot like the Langster). So I will order the brakes form the LBS and buy the Hour.

Now I just need someone to buy my Roubaix frame or crankset so I can pay for the thing. :D

++Windsor...put the extra leftover $$$$ into
some gears and a brake.
There are DAWES on E-Bay for 235.00 right now
that have brakes.
Theres nothing on a Langster that make it worth 500.00.

What's the story with the Dawes bikes. I've seen them on ebay before, and they just seem too good to be true for the money. Are they at all decent?

What's the story with the Dawes bikes. I've seen them on ebay before, and they just seem too good to be true for the money. Are they at all decent?

use the search function there is an extensive review

Ok so I am bringing this back up....I am going with the Hour and a 54cm size....now do I buy it from eBay or through the BD site? Does it matter?

And should I go with Grey or Silver? To me they both look pretty good.
http://i10.ebayimg.com/06/i/08/dd/da/0f_3.JPG
http://i24.ebayimg.com/04/i/08/db/ef/b2_3.JPG

I am going with the Hour and a 54cm size....now do I buy it from eBay or through the BD site? Does it matter?
Well, with the BD you get free shipping. But Ebay costs $40 (or whatever) less... surprise surprise, it's a wash! They come from the same place.

For color, match it to your car.

I like the silver. It's got that 'if I think happy thoughts, I'll be Titanium' look to it. :D

Whats the deal with BD photographing their bikes in front of doors, closets, cabinets and other unappealing backgrounds. Is the ****ty background supposed to make the bike look better?

The question is not which is better but how much better the langster is.

The langster is better, much better, especially the new ones.
Buying bikes from the local is better, much better.

Please buy the langster.

if you havbe questions feel free to call me and I can tell you all the reasons.
years as a mechanic, years doing sales.
years in the saddle.

-Ben
202-491-4707

^
that's awkward.








langsters should be called uglysters.

and oh snap!

Check the components, the langster may come out on top. Buying a cheap fixie built up almost always entails as much (or more) buying in the end as you decide upgrade the rims, bars, brakes, hubs etc. The Langster's a good distance from the standard track bike though, in materials and the compact geometry, though, so if you want a classic feel/look, the hour might be a good deal.

I must also voice my support for specialized...I seldom endourse big companies, but I've had exceedingly good luck with the few that I've owned...I have a roubaix as well (2004 comp) and it's pretty much the sweetest bike I've ever had anything to do with....even if it does have dorky compact geometry.

Check the components, the langster may come out on top. Buying a cheap fixie built up almost always entails as much (or more) buying in the end as you decide upgrade the rims, bars, brakes, hubs etc. The Langster's a good distance from the standard track bike though, in materials and the compact geometry, though, so if you want a classic feel/look, the hour might be a good deal.

I must also voice my support for specialized...I seldom endourse big companies, but I've had exceedingly good luck with the few that I've owned...I have a roubaix as well (2004 comp) and it's pretty much the sweetest bike I've ever had anything to do with....even if it does have dorky compact geometry.
The bottom of the line Langster's components seem to be pretty much on par with the Hour from what I can tell. I could care less if it has track geometry but actually I think the Langster is closer (pretty sure it is steeper) than the Hour. The one thing that I don't like about the Hour is that it doesn't appear to have cable stops for a rear brake so it will be a full housing and zip ties or some other makeshift housing holder...I wish the Moto Messenger came in other colors and with different brake levers (I like the tektros that have the Campy Ergo lever shape since I run Campy on my geared bikes).

Hmm lots of late votes for the Langster.....but $200 more?