thats badass. the most ive ridden was like 15miles

I rode 30 miles on friday when i got mine. It wasn't all at once, but I was still really sore the next day. I only had the energy to work on trackstands the rest of the weekend. As far as the weight goes, it's so much lighter than my ten speed. Even with the stock 82 GI I can take on most hills just fine, because i am not weighed down. I love this thing

Has anyone attached a computer or been able to verify how fast they are on these? I'm thinking of getting one, but I'd like to make sure it's both A.) much lighter than my Coda and B.) able to reach decent (road-capable) speeds.

Could anyone with a 54-56 cm frame tell me how much the entire bike weighs, and how fast you can go without a ridiculous amount (120+) of spinning? If you have a road bike already, how does it feel in comparison?

You can figure this out with the gearing primer post. The stock gearing is 48/16.

Thanks. That gives me the theoretical speed, but I'm also looking for practical experiences getting up to speed. Also, no one seems to know how much the bike weighs. My Coda is allegedly 26 pounds. Ideally, I'd like something at least 5lbs lighter in a SS.

I am pretty sure it is around 20-21 lbs. I will check the next chance I get.

anyone have any trouble with their chains?

mine makes a lot of noise even if i align the chainring and cog.

i find out my chain isn't straight at all, and it actually snakes from left to right :(

It'll be lighter than your Coda.

If you buy one and don't like the stock gearing, a new cog is < $30.

Pictures?

Mine is pretty straight/quiet.

21 lbs for a 52cm. That was with reflectors and both brakes. The freewheel was not attached.

And to think I was riding a 38.5 pound 10 speed!

On a single speed, I am too old and I don't think I ever ride fix. I guess I over exited with my new bike (ever got one for very long time).

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a32...1/IMG_2105.jpg

52cm orange. Love it. All stock for now, but bars will be the first upgrade. Any suggestions? I am thinking bullhorns because I spend minimal time on the drops, even though they are good for beasting. Anyone have good deals on good bars?

I'm doing the 26 mile leg of the Smokey Mountain Wheelmen Fall Century on my Messenger this Saturday (10/11).

I've ridden that far on my fixie many times following a favorite greenway route, but I have no idea what the terrain is going to look like for this ride. I'm guessing I'll be the only fixed gear bike there. I'm supposed to be riding with a friend who has a hardtail mountain bike set up as a commuter so at least we can be slow together. :)

Looks good. Your 'taint' must be made of steel or something if you can ride that stock saddle for any length of time!

The cheapest option would be to "chop n' flip" the stock bars. This would give you a bullhorn-esque shape for free.

If you want "real" bullhorns-

I put Trans-x Pursuit bars on my bike. I only run a front brake so I used a Cane Creek TT200 areo lever and the setup has worked fine. It took some getting used to, but it allows several hand positions and is pretty comfortable.

I also have an Origin-8 "Gary Bar" [dirt drop bars] that I'm considering putting on my Messenger. I purchased this bar for my imaginary SS cyclocross bike, but once I got the bar home I remembered that that bike only exists in my head so the bars are sitting in my parts box waiting for a home.

Good luck! That sounds like a great time. I wish there were bike races/rides nearer to my location. Unfortunately Dayton (along with most of Ohio) aren't that into the bike thing, and I can't really afford to travel for rides. Tell us how it goes.

This might be a true statement. Took a 17 mile ride today (no stops).I hardly am bothered by the saddle at all, but I just raised it up a good bit as I realized how ridiculous it looks/feels. It is riding better now, but the saddle isn't as friendly. Within a week or so I should know if a saddle upgrade is in order.

yea i was about to comment on whether the bike fits you or not looking at the saddle height from the picture. nice color choice! i love my orange messenger.

i love that orange....

Well, I converted my fixed gear Messenger into a freewheel... ...while I was riding. http://www.easttnriders.com/forum/im...nsored_125.gif http://www.easttnriders.com/forum/im...milies/076.gif

When they say "check the lock ring before every ride" they mean it. Even with a brake it's scary as shxt when you go to backpedal and the pedals just spin.

I'm taking the wheel back to the LBS that installed my new cog and have them put it back on (with enough elbow grease that my legs won't take it off again.

Be safe out there. http://www.easttnriders.com/forum/im...lies/ricky.gif

Edit: I should mention that I was using a lock ring and the cog/lockring were both installed by the LBS.

Nitto rb-021. ftw

This brings up the question, "does anyone know the stock handlebar size?". I have no idea if it is 25.4 or 26. Enlighten me someone.

check the stem, it'll say so.

GENIUS. 25.4mm. That limits my options quite a good deal

get a new stem, i've actually gone up to a 31.8 stem for the new deda pista bars that are coming in.
also i went to my LBS to make sure the lockring/cog were tight...found out BD put red loctite on the lockring/cog haha, so it shouldn't be moving..at least hope not.

This leaves the question, what effin stem do I get? What kind does it take? Dangit, it looks like it might be a pricey upgrade.