Specialized Langster Steel
 

Does anyone have any info they could share - thoughts or experiences with this bike? I'm looking to buy my first single speed. I want something for street/commute type of riding. It will never see any track use.

So far I've looked at the San Jose, and I've been kicking around the bikesdirect route but by the time I buy a Kilo or similar, upgrade the chainring and cog to what I want and swap out the wheels for a bit better the overall price is pretty near a San Jose. Pretty much the same thing if I buy a frame and build it. I've found the Langster Steel for even cheaper and its got a more retro look to it which I like.

I admit, the thought of buying a frame and building always appeals, the building part is almost as fun as the riding part.

So, anyone able to offer up anything? Pearls of wisdom? Thanks.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...45784&eid=4354

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...3/100_1969.jpg
Great looking ride. It's not mine but I want it.

The Langster Steel will be a lot better if you plan on riding fixed, not SS. It doesn't have cable guides for a rear brake, so if you want something that's SS, you might be better off elsewhere. BUT, if you do want to ride FG, then the Langster is a great choice.

Other good, steel, non-track bikes are the Surly Steamroller, IRO, and Jamis Sputnik

anyone know the approximate weight of the frame and fork?

Can I ask why the Langster is better for fixed than SS? Is it just the lack of provision for a rear brake?

Well, that's the main reason. It's not a huge deal because you can always use those clip on cable guides, but I just thought I would point that out. Also, it doesn't have bosses for a water bottle cage. No mounts for rack or anything like that, either. In addition, you may find that "traditional track geometry" is a bit uncomfortable.

If you are planning on buying the frameset, I also think it's kind of expensive. The complete bike for $660 isn't a bad deal, though.

If you are completely in love w/ the look of the frame, then go for it. But there are definitely better SS frames out there.

They look super dope, but I've scratched up way too many handlebars trying to cram them into quill stems. If they offered it with a threadless fork I'd be salivating.

Yeah, I'm less than thrilled with the quill stem...I much prefer a threadless headset.

I'm seriously looking at just buying an adequate frame (Eighth inch, 183rd Street, Leader, etc.) and picking up the build kit as I need it.

I don't use a water bottle so thats of no matter but I do use a rack on my other bikes and having the ability to add one would be sort of nice.

I'm also very interested in the Surly Steamroller, especially since I found a dealer locally carrying one.

Thanks for the comments.

Either you don't drink enough, so you're dehydrated and delusional, or you need to ride longer. Water bottles are a Very Good Thing.

The paint on the steel langster and Allez is extremely easy to chip.

Not really on topic but...when you look at the enlarged version of the pic on the website, that bike is clearly missing two chainring bolts. And what's with the stock 42t chainring?

I see all 5.

For real???

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...a/langster.jpg

Yes.

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/w...langster-1.jpg

Yea they're all there. They're nice bolts.

ive seen better.

I don't think I'd ride a crank that pixelated.

Chainring bolts or the steel langster?

Perhaps your right. #1 and #5 look missing to me. In true BF fashion, we should probably fight about it for at least a couple of hours though.

:lol:

^^ agree. they aren't there.

They are there, just not that easy to spot.

hey you dummies the bolts are see-through

this bike looks real nice. hows 520 steel compared with something like cromo weight/performance wise? and how much is just the frameset?

Holy crap...really? I just looked at my own bike and you know what? YOU'RE RIGHT! Good job, Sherlock...I had no idea. But alas...they're more than just "see-through". They're hollow!

Just looks kinda weird in the pic, that's all.