I guess I fall into the minority, but I think that the Langsters are a good idea.

I have been into bikes for a while and had been attracted to SS by friends and seeing cool bikes around Tokyo. But those cool bikes cost loads, and I wanted something a bit more modern (I had the choice between a compact geometry alu/carbon mix road bike or a Langster or Giant FCR SS (Japan only)).

I wanted the comfort and geometry of a modern bike, but also something a little bit different. I got the Chicago because I have been interested in a bullhorn for a while and I like black, also the design isn't over the top.

If is were not for the Langster, I probably would have got a road bike, but now I have a Langster, I feel that i really am starting to love SS (although have not tried fixed yet, too scared on all the steep downhill sections near me). But i think in the future i might end up getting a nice track frame and build a bike.

If it were not for the Langster, I would not have reached this point, this probably applies to loads of other Langster owners.

But I can understand you guys like to vent about such things! Just don't go putting newbs off too much, or they might be scared away from the whole ss/fixed world.