spaceballs

I recently swapped out my older steel road bike for a new Cannondale CAAD9. I had never ridden a nice aluminum bike before, and I really appreciate the stiffness. When I ride my IRO Angus now, it feels like I am pedaling a noodle. The bike is to be used for commuting and training rides; it needs to have both front and rear brakes.

Since the Angus doesn't quite fit me right [59 is too large and the 56 looks too small], and I think I have a buyer lined up for the frame, I am trying to consider some different frame options. I would like something that is stiff like the cannondale, with similar road geometry, but with FGSS details like forked track ends.

After spending a bit of time reading and searching, two bikes I am looking at are the Specialized Langster and maybe a Leader 720tr. I considered a Capo, but the seatpost looks a little too far forward for comfort on long rides.

The Langster looks like it fits the bill pretty perfectly, but I wanted to hear about its stiffness.

I haven't read a lot of good things about Leader bikes, but if someone could tell me a little more about how the leader rides, I would appreciate it. The price is definitely right, but not if I hate the bike - it isn't like I can test ride one.

I would lean more towards the Langster because I can probably find one used, and because the sizing on the Leaders is a little different than what would fit me.

One thing I did like about the IRO is that it was a heavy duty steel frame. I could lock it up and leave it outside and not really worry about it getting damaged from the lock or from someone just bumping into it. Could I do this with an aluminum bike?

The thread about the CAAD9 got me thinking about just finding a CAAD9 frame and converting, but the frame is too perfect as a road frame.

Does anyone have any additional frames or complete bikes to suggest? I guess I am asking for a stiff, smooth riding aluminum bike that I can beat on and not worry about - does this exist?

zerosiah

The langster is a good choice. Also, people seem to like the felt curbside. You can search the forums to see what people have to say about these two bicycles.

PedallingATX

Check out the Dolan Pre Cursa track bike at www.probikekit.com IMO, it is the best deal for an aluminum complete bike. THey do free shipping to the U.S. Decent components, good frame, sharp looking, etc. I would go for it.

xB_Nutt

The Capo is sweet, but I doubt you would want to beat up on it/lock it up.

spaceballs

Is no aluminum frame going to be as "resilient" as a steel frame?

das_pyrate

they're about the same in resiliency

conor

why not just get a setback seatpost for the capo?

xB_Nutt

When you say resilient, I assume you mean prone to damage? I said you probably would not want a Capo for a beater/locker because the paint finish is very nice and glossy and it would make me cringe to see it get banged up. I however think it would hold up fine. I have a 90s Cannondale mountain bike that has been run through the ringer and while the paint is chipped and scuffed in places, it still shines. You know what I mean I'm sure since you have Cannondale too. They do very a good paint job.

Just out of curiousity why do you think the Capo geometry would be uncomfortable on long rides? I had mine set up like my road bike (same bars and saddle) and it was very plush for rides up to 30 miles.

happytruck

sometimes there're old Fuji Track Pros on EBay for the same price range

adriano 

i disagree.

spaceballs

Cannondales look good, but they are by no means extremely unique. If I could find a slightly older Capo, a used one, I wouldn't feel bad at all about a couple of paint chips or scuffs. In fact, last week I dropped a bag and it got caught in my front spokes and I went over the handlebars on my CAAD9. Couple of scuffs on the bars but the bike still rides. I just want to know if I can lock this thing up with a u-lock on a bike rack without damaging the bike [has this ever really happened to anyone??].

I guess a setback seatpost on a Capo would work, but I want this to be my commuter and trainer and I get in plenty of miles [>50 miles from time to time]. The seat tube just looks a bit more forward than on the CAAD9. I just wish I could ride one for 75 miles or so before dropping the cash down on one. Anyone around Dallas have a Capo in size 56 that I could ride?

If you don't mind me asking, why did you get rid of yours?

xB_Nutt

I still have it. I am trying to sell it as we speak. I just need cash right now and the Capo is the most "frivolous" bike in my stable. I scored a Steamroller frame set for a good deal right after I bought the Capo. Just can't justify owning 2 similar bikes.

Steev

Check the fine print. Something like a frame will incur excess shipping charges. The site shows CAD$55 shipping for that frame.

LupinIII

i've ridden my friend's langster. was hard to get a totally appropriate feel for it since he's running a stupid gear ratio (48/14) but the frame feels pretty stiff (stiffer than my trek conversion and my friend's clockwork), feels aluminum i guess. they usually sell used for a good price too since the sloping tt seems to devalue it a bit more vs something like a kilo.