RGNY

so, i'm new. coming from ss cruisers (currently a Giant Simple Single)

my first foray into fixed gear was this summer with an '11 Jamis Sputnik in 57cm (as fitted at my LBS). i've had it all apart and back together again. rode it to every chance i got. changed bars/pedals/seat/etc..

now, a little extra cash and i pick up one of the '09 Fuji League's in 56cm from Nashbar because i liked the components and the lugged frame. and the coupon was too good. the red/black looks better in person than in pictures, but i figured i could always get it powdercoated (buddy works at a shop, would shoot it for a bottle of port) if it was too much.

finally got the Fuji together tonight and went for a quick spin. total epiphany! felt like i was riding -nothing-. made the Jamis feel heavy/sluggish by comparison. Fuji had no resistance, no delay. cockpit fits like a glove and i didn't want to get off. considering that i'm 6' / #200, you'd think the 57cm Jamis would fit better, ah well.

so i've got a lot to learn about what works (for me), but will use the geometry of the Fuji as a baseline.

currently considering stripping the Jamis and donating the frameset to a local charity that takes parts and teaches kids to build bikes.

just a anecdote from a first timer. thanks for listening.

carleton

Understand that you could be feeling the effects of different wheels, tires, or cranks.

RGNY

i'm sure there are more variables.

but, the first thing i noticed was that my nose was just forward of the headset, rather than having to splay out to reach the flats of the bars (short arms).

GeoKrpan

57cm top tube on 57cm 2011 Jamis Sputnik, 55.5cm top tube on 2009 56cm Fuji League.
The League is a great looking bike but so is the Sputnik.

markaitch

GeoKrapan is right...the sputnik is a fine bike, & my own bike that i mostly ride now is made from the same maxway lugged frame they used in the league & i love that thing dearly. it is just that it is an all-around smaller, quicker frame than the jamis, they are meant for different kinds of riding.

but RGNY, i gotta ask you...didn't i see a post you put in the "what i bought" thread a short while ago saying you just got a new leader frameset too? in only about 2 months you have bought 3 new bikes? man...you got it bad.

anyway, you should post a pic of your fuji in adriano's bike critique, i really would like to see what she has to say about that flashy paint job.

RGNY

yeah, i'm hooked. with most interests, when i get focused i dive right in, then slowly find a niche.

had a friend try the Jamis, he's got about 2" on me and wants the frame if i part it. so someone will be riding it...

heh, the Fuji is pretty intense looking. the only things that really annoy me on it are the two tone chain and centerstripe tires, but those are minor. i know i'm going to 28's anyway, so the tires aren't an issue. the chain i may just run. funny thing is i just read that Major Taylor's Iver Johnson bikes were black enamel w/ red headtube and rims for his first France trip.