Specialized Langster vs. Bianchi Pista?
 

Well, I found a nice bianchi pista on craigslist for 500 bucks...and I also found this Langster on there for 350: http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bik/1144992027.html
What do you think would be the best bet?
I think the geometry with the slanted top tube is really awkward, I like when it is parallel to the ground. What are your opinions of the two?

>I think the geometry with the slanted top tube is really awkward, I like when it is parallel to the ground.<

Haven't you answered your own question?

I saw a Specialized Langster London a lot and really liked the way it looked, only to find out my friend knew whos it was and said the guy hated it to death and was looking to sell it. He said the sloping top tube really bugged him, everything about it was just crap...but Ive never ridden one so I dont know. Everyone says good things about pistas though!

I like both. Langster more as a single speed around town cruiser, whereas the Pista is a tad more aggressive and to me a little more tarck-ish.

I own a Pista, so I am a tad biased.

Yeah, I was leaning towards the pista...it just seemed like the Langster was a steal of a deal so I had to get the consensus of the bike community lol. It was just one of those things...needed to hear it from someone else for reassurance.

Sheesh, the sloping top tube thing again. It really really has no bearing on, well, anything, really, unless you MUST have a top tube that parallels the ground, and you hate it when your bike is easier to step over.

Obvious aesthetic issues aside, the Langster in that ad is half MSRP, while the Pista is about $150 under. I hope its in stellar condition; what's the pistadex up to these days?

WOW! has nobody noticed the description of the langster!!!???
"put an emergency brake on it, where the lever is on the seatpost so you still have the look of a brakeless fixie."

the brake lever is on the seatpost and it is a rear brake only! this is as good as that Kilo with the caliper and no lever


seriously though, a pista currently goes for over 800 at a bike shop. I bought one for 400 and it has been nothing but fantastic (though i am starting to replace EVERYTHING on it (BB crapped out the other day and "required" a bb AND crank change)

I'd get the langster for sure but ask if he will throw in the original drop-bars that came with it. You should check out the Langster thread, they are nice bikes all around.

I have owned a Langster and a Pista.

The Langster is a lot stiffer, I found the fork of the Pista was a bit flexy. The ride of the Pista is a bit smoother and it does have more traditional track styling.

The Langster is fine fixed, saying it is more of a SS bike is bogus.

The only reason people don't like the sloping top tube is the style of the bike. The decision is up to you.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/...e89a8610_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/...dd922824_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/4...a61c78ae_b.jpg

+1. I have a Langster as well as more traditional track geometry bikes, and the choice is an aesthetic one.

What is the fork on the black Langster above? Sweet!

+1 for the Langster. Considering the price, if you don't love it you can quickly sell it and get something else.

That being said, I think it's a comfortable and solid city bike. I built one up for my wife and she loves it.

If you have no issues with an aluminum frame and sloping top tube, the langster is a good package. It's light and the ride shouldn't be too bad due to the carbon fork so it really comes down to preference. One person might like what the langster offers and they'd be totally justified in picking it, the same could be said for the Pista.

Personally I prefer steel for a city bike. I'd only rock something out of aluminum that can't take a dent if I wasn't ever going to have to leave it locked up to a post somewhere. Your preference may vary

^ i agree. the question should be more an issue of frame material then what angle the top tube sits at. the angle of the TT doesn't mean **** in geometry. all it does is hold your seat tube and head tube together. the angle of those two can change independently, regardless of top tube placement. it's totally an aesthetic thing, but if you think it's ugly then you think it's ugly. get the bike you are going to love.

I think the Pista does look better, but not 43% better, cost wise.

I say go with the Langster (I own one).... if the idiot selling the langster is dumb enough to put a brake on the post and only run a rear brake,.... they he/she may be dumb enough to take $250 which makes the Langster a no-brainer.

As for preference, I have had traditional horizontal top tubes on my road bikes for 15 years and have no issue with the sloping top tube of the Langster. Langsters get ZERO love from the FG crowd, but if your intent is to actually ride the bike you may appreciate that the Langster is stiffer and about 1-1.5 pounds lighter than the pista.

I own a Langster too. I'd say try to ride both and see what feels best. My langster has over 4500 miles and it's been a great bike (rear wheel exploded at 4300 and hoods finally shredded). I also have a SS CrossxCheck and the weight difference is noticeable. I really enjoy riding both bikes. The CrossxCheck only has about 1200 miles on it so the Langster feels like an old friend.

If sloping top tubes bugs you don't get the Langster. The Pista is a popular bike so if that matters then I'd say go with what you want, but I think the feel of the bike is more important. My Langster and CrossxCheck feel very different. I've set the xCheck up as a commuter so it's slow and comfy. The Langster is a little rocket (bone stock). I can only imagine a upgraded one. So I guess how you're going to use it matters too. I've never ridden a Pista, but I bet it's fast too. The Langster probably weighs less stock (I'm only guessing).

+1 on the langster. I love mine.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/...a9e8915f59.jpg

The question should be which one fits better, and how much do you plan on riding? Sloping toptube=more comfy riding position on longer rides.

Jet sanchez, is that top photo you posted of the bike with all the decals a langster? Cause that thing looks sick. Yellow bikes with brand names tattered all over it kinda turn me away, and the fixie crowd seems to trust steel with all their souls...so I am just split. I guess I'll just keep looking, it just seems like buying such an already custom bike would be a waste. I guess I will keep looking.

There was a Cannondale Capo for sale local to me for ~$400. Look for those, too. Nice bikes.

What does anyone have to say about this model of Langster? http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=389262

Um, fit.

Get the one that fits you best. If they are both available to check it, take a ride on each then decide.

Personally I had a Pista and didn't get on with it. Something about the geometry didn't really work for me even though I have ridden bikes with the same length tubes which did.

Also steel vs aluminum- some people prefer the ride of one over another.

Yeah I was just looking at different steel frames and came across this one in my local Craigslist search. I know ultimately it's based on the riders preference, but getting some outside opinions never hurt.