Ok, so this topic has probably come up quite a few times before, but its always good to have fresh ideas right?

So, a week ago, I had my heart set on an IRO Mark V, but I found out that they didn't have my size in stock and wouldn't have it for another month and a half. Thats when I began searching for alternatives..

So I came up with the Specialized Langster at Larry and Jeff's in NYC (by the way, how are they as an LBS? If anyone happens to know.) This looks like a decent deal as well, as it has 2 brakes already, which is probably a good idea for riding in the streets of NYC. I also prefer the aesthetics of the Langster. I also like the fact that the LBS will give me 5 years of free maintainence.

I do, however, like the idea of supporting Tony and IRO. Such a dilemma! So in terms of value, which bike is better?

most people around here are almost certain to recommend the IRO.

supporting tony is good, but supporting your lbs is also good. it's a win/win.

for the record, i like both bikes and i don't think you could go wrong with either. the 5 years of maintenance sounds like a pretty good deal, but you also have to realize that there isn't really a ton of maintenance on a fixed. keep the greasy parts greased and the threaded parts tight and you're pretty much good to go.

this doesn't really help you much either way, so i guess i'm just saying that you can't really lose either way. if you want it now, get the langster. if you want it later, get the mark V. up to you.

If you can wait, I'd support IRO. I don't have any beef with Specialized (I ride one), but it's always nice to support "the little guy."

That being said, if you prefer the look of the Langster, I've read that it's a decent bike. I'm sure the IRO wheelset is nicer, but I've heard that their cranks aren't anything to get excited about.

And I wouldn't worry too much about that extra brake. You'll have your legs and a front brake, which is all you really need.

edit: That's a good point about the LBS, which I hadn't considered.

I did a search and came up with the information that the components on the Langster aren't sound enough for brakeless riding, is this true? Specifically the hubs and wheelset.

Since you live in a city with lots of bikes, I would lurk craigslist for a while. You may be able to get ahold of a used bike with a nicer frame or better components for the same price as those or less.

Go for the Langster if you dont want to wait. They might not be the coolest around here but its a decent bike.

they are quite different bikes. Langster is Aluminum, and the Mark V is steel. Mark V has better wheels. I wouldn't say 1 is better than the other, but if you have a preference for steel or Al, or like threadless headsets better than headed for instance, that might tip the balance in favor of 1 bike or t'other.

If you like the looks of the Langster better, I'm thinking you should get the Langster.

Well, another thing is price. The Langster is the 2006 model, which I'd buy for $650. Does this price seem fair? I know that a couple years ago, the Langster was only $400 or so. Why the price increase? Did Specialized really do something to warrant the $250 increase or were they just jacking up the price because of popularity?

Even so, is there ANYTHING about the Langster that is better than the Mark V, anything that would make it deserve the higher price tag?

I can't comment on either bike, but which Larry & Jeff's did you go to, the one on 3rd & 79th or 2nd & 87th? There's a guy that rides fixed at the 3rd & 79th that works on weekends. I think his name is Justin. He might be able to sort you out.

I went to the one on 3rd and 79th, talked to a guy named Abraham I think. He was nice, but seemed really eager to sell me the Langster (well, I guess thats obvious...) I just want to know how good these guys are on following up on their 5 year free maintainence garauntee.

Why does everyone hate on the Langster so much! Why does it suck, in comparison to IRO? Why will I die if I try riding brakelesson it?

You're not going to die so long as you don't remove your brakes.

$60 for the Langster seems expensive. I regularly see them on CL for much less than that. That doesn't seem worth it for a sub-par bike.

IRO... official ride of Italian Steel


http://www.leehotti.com/images/originals/1/theone.jpg


Jersey Reprazent!

Jesus, I've done about 75 miles of city riding thusfar this week and I haven't touched my brake once. It's there if I need it. Furthermore, this on a 15 year old conversion with 1-3/32" drivetrain, 170mm road cranks from 1986 and "****ty" Suzue Jr. hubs.

Can you say "death trap?!!

jesus christ.

My personal opinion is that the Langster looks like crap.
That top tube sloping upwards is hideous. The Mark V is
so much more pleasing to the eye.

The fit/geometry is really different. I rode a 58 which felt small, but the next size up was a 62 and the top tube was way out there. After several poor sizing purchases on my part, I say, get the one that fits.

Gee, a 58 what... Langster, not IRO.

As far as price goes.... I work at an bike shop with specialized bikes and I can't really explain the price jump to 650, but it seems like SS/FG bikes that have been on the market for a while from a major brand are seeing some price jumps lately.

For example, the langster has gone up about 150-ish in two years and the Kona Unit (ss mtb) has skyrocketed from about 650 and change to about 940 now. Inflation is a possibility I suppose, but seems a little extreme to me.


That said, 650 is a lot for anyone to be paying for on the mainland. Our Langster is about that much and we have crazy overhead from being in the middle of the ocean and from hawaii being just a friggin expensive place to live. I expect any bike purchase done on the mainland to be at least 50 bucks cheaper, and usually it is.

I would check around on craigslist, hope some of that helped out.

support both your LBS and IRO! buy the langster, get the 5 years of free service (if you need it, that is).

then, get an IRO wheelset, because you'll find yourself riding the langster hard and wanting a nicer, but still affordable, set of wheels.

booya.

ALL i can say is **** YOU! obviously from Staten Island

DO I want an aluminum fixie?

Wind tunnel testers?

Striped shirt testers???

They're the kind of white boys that white boys like to beat up.

Oh yeah, I saw the same Langster the OP saw at the same shop. I didn't like the high pressure sales pitch the kid hit me with nor the price so I ordered an IRO instead. I like that it's being built according to what I asked for by a guy who cares about doing a good job cuz it's his business. Plus, it's steel and I like steel.

I had a Langster for about a year then sold it and got a Mark V. It's the best deision I ever made. The steel frame really is much much smoother to ride. The wheels are miles better than the stock Langster whels as well. Dealing directly with Tony was also a pretty cool experience. The guy honestly cares about his customers. Oh yeah, I also had to wait for about a moth to get my bike. It was well worth it.

Good luck.