New "Boston" Langster, Need Mod recommendations
 

Finally pulled the trigger on A SS/FG. I purchased the Langster Boston because my LBS had a 61cm on hand and I got it for just over $500 new. I have it parked at my office to use to get around town for my frequent trips for items and lunch. He also threw in a TimBuk2 messenger bag. Will upload pics tomorrow.

I am looking for recommendations on some mods or changes on the bike. I have already flipped the wheel and riding it as a FG. Spent a couple of hours on the MBP getting used to the FG ride, now I love it.

Couple of items that I don't like.
The pedals...would like to change but don't want to go to clip less in case I ride it to a meeting.
Removing the back brake...seems redundant
I already have fenders installed
I am removing some of the stickers...especially the one that proudly says...manufactured in Taiwan

Any other Mod recommendations are welcomed.

If you don't like the pedals and you will be riding on a casual basis, I recommend the MKS GR9 pedals with toe clips. They only cost $20 + $13 for clips + $10 for toe straps. Those pedals have a more platform feel so you can ride with any shoes and it will feel comfortable. Also those pedals wont eat up the soles of your shoes. The GR9 pedals are somewhat narrow to help on avoiding pedal strike. The next suggestion I would say is to replace the saddle. I personally have a Brooks B17 that I found online for $55 shipped. Its nice but takes a little time to break in to be really comfortable. After replacing those two things, you should be set for a little while. That should hold you over till spring when I would suggest a better set of wheels and hubs. Oh yeah, its your preference but you may or may not want to change the bars. I don't know much about the bars that come on the Boston Langster. Hope you like your bike and will use it a lot.

he threw in a Timbuk 2 bag for free?

you got screwed!

edit: simply because timuk2 bags suck, nothing to do with the bike)

Just ride the bike.

Having been a Boston resident, I don't understand the decals on the Boston edition. I never got a close look but what makes them Boston specific?

What shop sold it for just over $500? That sounds like a good deal.

Not a lot of people qualify for a 61cm bike.

just ride it. change out anything that brakes or is uncomfortable.

start with the contact points: handlebar tape, pedals, saddle. any changes there will be the most noticable and the best bang for your buck.

if the saddle is uncomfortable change it out.

add water bottle cages.

right.

Cool!..I purchased the 08 Specialized London Langster. Nice bike, although the pedals and saddle must go.
Wheels are'nt bad, alot of ping ping when climbing with it.
Typical specialized quality and very nice component spec. Nice CF fork.
You got an excellent deal at $500. I paid $700 for mine in a 58cm

Stress relieve spokes and check true + tension. Most likely wheels weren't retensioned out of the box. Machine built.

I had never seen this version:
http://yamashige.blog.ocn.ne.jp/phot...200761_039.jpg

congrats on the buy I think I like it best out of the langsters.

My list of upgrades personally would be:

the aforementioned gr9's (i love mine)
new saddle, maybe a white turbo
some oury's on the tops of the drops if you're doing a lot of city riding
risers for fun
white deep v's
maybe a black thompson stem

my chain stretched a ton

i don't see how getting a "sub-par" bag for free is getting screwed but ok, man.


and hey don't these all come with alias saddles?? that's way better than most stock saddles..

get rid of that skinhead looking eagle.

replace the frame :)
jk, congrats on the new ride.

Congrats on the bike, however I would have gone with the Portland? Or is it Seattle. Whichever one is behind it with the wooden fender and cup holder ;)

I rode the Seattle first...Too Geeky Sheik. The coffee cup holder shrieked Star bucks. The simulated wooden fenders reminded me of the wood decals that used to be on the side of ever station wagon from the 70s.

Living in MA and the style of the Boston...PLUS the fact that he had this 61 sitting around made my decision.

Thats for all the tips...Update tomorrow with Pics.

What kind of fenders did you put on?

greg is 180 your weight
?

Was until racing ended but will be again by April. Currently 190 at 76 inches. When I joined the Bike forums I was 240.

180 stands more for the direction change my life has taken.

congrats ^

Keep your rear brake.

whats wrong with taiwan

Yeah, their 13 year olds are really good welders.

you're confusing taiwan with china i think. taiwan is a developed nation with sufficient child labor laws

plus i would imagine most taiwanese frames are welded by machines