Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Langster: Steel or Aluminum?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.




View Full Version : Langster: Steel or Aluminum?


derek.fulmer
04-12-11, 08:23 PM
So, I had to sell my road bike to fund my wedding in June, but this summer I'll be graduating from College and want to treat myself (as long as I have a job, that is). I loved my Allez, it fit me like a glove and really want another bike that fits that well. However, I want something that's super simple and stripped down for riding around the park and paved paths.

So, being that I'm a Specialized fan, I'm looking at their Langsters, steel and aluminum in size 58cm. I want something comfortable, rugged, durable, and simple. Now the geo on the aluminum seems more in line with the Allez (head tube, top tube, etc). So, I feel like I would feel a bit more at home almost instantly on that one.

However, I really like the ride of steel, but, the steel langster has a more "classic track geo." Smaller head tube seems to be the major difference.

Both are the same price, so what should I be thinking here? Would you guys care to lend me some advice?


Squirrelli
04-12-11, 08:33 PM
Pro Ltd.

hamish5178
04-12-11, 08:34 PM
If you're not riding really far, the track geo may be more "fun" to you, I know it is to me and a lot of others here.


Leukybear
04-12-11, 08:41 PM
Steel with threaded headset, quill stem, drops, and box section rims. :D

derek.fulmer
04-12-11, 08:49 PM
I'd be riding 10 miles max around a bike route locally. Laps around the park, etc. When I move to Chicago next year I'll be riding the MUPs out there, too, so I need to keep that in mind as well.

I'm physically able to handle the "aggressive" geo of a road frame with a flipped down stem, etc. But, I don't want anything too extreme.

Steev
04-13-11, 04:35 AM
If you really liked the Allez and want to have a similar feel, go with the Al.

rmdame
04-21-11, 06:19 PM
You should go with the cro-mo. I used to think aluminum was amazing to ride...then i got a steel single speed...then sold all my aluminum geared bikes to buy more steel single speeds! I currently own no bikes with gears or aluminum! Best choice I've ever made.

jellow
04-22-11, 09:16 PM
If you have the chance I would test ride them both and see what you like. You may prefer an aluminum frame with carbon fork over a steel bike, or vise versa. It really comes down to personal preference. I would say a saddle and nice tires will make the biggest difference, so pick whichever bike you will enjoy riding more.

vw addict
04-24-11, 06:20 AM
Langsters, aluminum in size 58cm.

I am selling my 2007 Langster frame and fork in 58cm possibly....

chas58
04-25-11, 07:00 AM
its a personal preference thing.

both of the Langsters have road geometry, not track geo (you would have to look at the S-works to see track geo). I have the AL Langster, and it is light, fast, responsive, smooth. Just about perfect for a road bike. I have a steel track bike which I also love, but it is not as responsive as the AL. On the other hand the track geometry makes the bike handle more like a sports car.

But neither of the langsters are track bikes, the steel is just going to be a little duller and less responsive than the AL (espeically when putting power down). Its all marketing and looks, so pick the bike you think looks better.