Originally Posted by
ADSR
BF: "The Langster is ugly, has a sloping top tube, and is made of aluminum. We prefer the classic look of steel with a horizontal top tube."
Specialized: "Here is a track bike made of steel with a horizontal top tube in classic paint jobs. It also has a quill stem for extra classic flare!"
BF: "...Well, um... It looks like a Madison! Yeah! So therefore, fail! And the other Langsters are still stupid! And... Specialized SUCKS! Ha!"
No pleasing you people, is there? People are going for the modern look now? When did this massive shift come about? If I'm not mistaken, Pista Concepts have existed harmoniously with steel for a while now. I figured it would be *****s on parade for the new steel langsters, but people just seem determined to hate Specialized. I still want one of those steel Allez models they came out with this year.
Well it's the fact that none of this is very original. When they came out w/ the Langster they just stuck track ends on a type of frame which they know how to make very well (aluminum w/ CF fork very similar to Allez) and then added some extremely UNcool decals in an attempt to make it look cool. Then, when they realize that people don't like this look, they copy the same bike that has been built by like 20 other companies. I mean, seriously, there is nothing that makes that steel langster stand out at all. It is completely unoriginal. I'm not saying it's ugly, b/c it's not, but you would think that a company as large as Specialized could do some R&D and come up w/ something of their own.
Also, there is no way that bike is NJS certified w/ that geometry.
Disclaimer: I generally don't like specialized bikes at all. Recently, however, I acquired a 1991 Specialized Sirrus road bike (for free), and I have to admit that it's a good bike. It has held up very well for the past 20 years, and I have fitted it w/ a rear rack and it makes a great commuter. Still don't think I would every buy one, though.