Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Do Specialized Langster wheels really suck this badly or is it just me?

Before I wanted to plop down a grand I wanted to make absolutely sure that I enjoyed fixed gear riding before buying a customized job. So when I returned to the LBS tonight and tried the Langster with a 17 cog and the bars raised a bit I fell in love. I wanted to order wheels and a new seat per everyones advice but decided to wait. I think I want a Selle Italia SLR or a Brooks B17 but there are so many types of these seats I decided I will do more research. The wheels I thought - "eh, if they break, I'll order some new ones anyway." The only thing I added were 28cm Armadillo 'turbo' tires.

So I brought the bike home and rode it around the block for about 20 minutes. I am in LUST! I love this bike so much I am going to sell the Navigator even at a loss just to park this as my numero UNO. The problem is on the way back I noticed some rubbing happening in the front. I brought the bike in and noticed that while turning the front tire only a certain part of the tire is rubbing against the top part of the bike. The brakes seem fine and there should be enough clearance. I think the front brake bracked might have loosened up but it is definately not the problem. Did I put this tire out of true already?

Granted, I am 280lbs... What else could be the problem? I am kind of bummed but sort of happy because I love this bike. Over the last week I kept trying to put the ultimate bike together and in only 20 minutes this little $400 wonder could make me care less about having the latest and greatest track bike.

If it is the wheels what would be a super strong wheel to replace it without adding too much weight? Mavic MA3 36 spoke?

The problem is on the way back I noticed some rubbing happening in the front. I brought the bike in and noticed that while turning the front tire only a certain part of the tire is rubbing against the top part of the bike.

In others words, are you saying that the front rim is not true? If that's the case, have your LBS take a look at the front rim and have them true it and check spoke tension, including the rear.

In others words, are you saying that the front rim is not true? If that's the case, have your LBS take a look at the front rim and have them true it and check spoke tension, including the rear.

I'm saying that when I pick up the bike and roll the front wheel it rubs against the upper part of the fork only on a certain part of the tire. I'll have to take the bike back Friday or Saturday...

I'm okay though - I've got a fixed AND a hard on. I love this bike to bits!!

I'm saying that when I pick up the bike and roll the front wheel it rubs against the upper part of the fork only on a certain part of the tire. I'll have to take the bike back Friday or Saturday...

I'm okay though - I've got a fixed AND a hard on. I love this bike to bits!!

Its been a while since I was that happy. Good on you!

congrats..nice first step forward.
take the whel in and have the shop run it round and round in the stand. there may be a hop in the rim (did you hit a pothole or curb at speed already!?!). if the rim is dented, they should replace it HANDS DOWN. If not, let us know...we shall exact justice.
At what shop did you buy the Langster?
Cheers and welcome aboard.

']congrats..nice first step forward.
take the whel in and have the shop run it round and round in the stand. there may be a hop in the rim (did you hit a pothole or curb at speed already!?!). if the rim is dented, they should replace it HANDS DOWN. If not, let us know...we shall exact justice.
At what shop did you buy the Langster?
Cheers and welcome aboard.

I didn't hit any potholes or curbs. I was just put in paranoia mode because of my weight and every person here that I've read who has bought a Langster upgraded their wheels on day 1 leading me to believe that they are crap. I didn't notice any dents but I am also a newbie so I might not know what to look for.

I purchased the Langster at George Garner Cyclery in Lake Zurich. They brought it in from their North Brook store. When I initially spoke to them it sounded like they could get one in every size.

Out of curiosity if the wheel needs truing how long does that take typically?

If the wheel rubs on the SIDE of the forks or stays or whatever, then you've whanged it and it will need truing. If it rubs on the UNDERSIDE of the fork, then you have an oval wheel or an egg in the tire - none of which you should have at this point in time.

Either way, factory wheels always suck, so your LBS should fix it no probs. They should do it on the spot if you don't come in when it's super busy.

Should take them a matter of a few minutes to get you back on the street.

Congrats on the new ride. The bug has found its new victim. :)

Dave

Before I wanted to plop down a grand I wanted to make absolutely sure that I enjoyed fixed gear riding before buying a customized job. So when I returned to the LBS tonight and tried the Langster with a 17 cog and the bars raised a bit I fell in love. I wanted to order wheels and a new seat per everyones advice but decided to wait. I think I want a Selle Italia SLR or a Brooks B17 but there are so many types of these seats I decided I will do more research. The wheels I thought - "eh, if they break, I'll order some new ones anyway." The only thing I added were 28cm Armadillo 'turbo' tires.

So I brought the bike home and rode it around the block for about 20 minutes. I am in LUST! I love this bike so much I am going to sell the Navigator even at a loss just to park this as my numero UNO. The problem is on the way back I noticed some rubbing happening in the front. I brought the bike in and noticed that while turning the front tire only a certain part of the tire is rubbing against the top part of the bike. The brakes seem fine and there should be enough clearance. I think the front brake bracked might have loosened up but it is definately not the problem. Did I put this tire out of true already?

Granted, I am 280lbs... What else could be the problem? I am kind of bummed but sort of happy because I love this bike. Over the last week I kept trying to put the ultimate bike together and in only 20 minutes this little $400 wonder could make me care less about having the latest and greatest track bike.

If it is the wheels what would be a super strong wheel to replace it without adding too much weight? Mavic MA3 36 spoke?


At that weight range, I would suggest 36 spokes and Ma-3 rims. Or even Sun Rhino rims which are made for heavy touring. 32 hole for you is just too light. If you want to buy one set of hubs and forget them for the rest of you life on the bike, get some Phil Wood 36 hole in either fixed/fixed or just single sided. The fixed/fixed will allow you to run a freewheel on the off side if you desire or a fixed cog.
Your choice. The higher spoke count will make up a stronger wheel that is less likely to go out of round. the wheels on the bike now were probably machine built and as such are a compromise at best.



Fixedgearhead