I got to test rode the Lager at a local dealer, I pretty much love the style of the bike and the ride, except the brake levers could be on the end of the bull horns. I am coming from a 27 speed Fuji silhouette '05. I desire something Much simpler to run parallel, and a more fun ride every now and then. I still want to keep my Fuji the way it is.
I have been searching on these forums and according to others the SST and Lager are pretty much the same. However the SST lacks a flip flop hub and has the brakes already on the ends of the bullhorns. This makes me believe that they are NOT the same, except maybe the frame.

So the part i need help deciding... Which one?

Pros in favor of the lager 2009 ($495)
I can test ride BEFORE I buy
Local dealer will full fill warranty
free adjustments and truing for a year
free assembly (hey, why not)
has a flip flop hub, so if later I can try fixed gear.
Different styles available ( I do plan on getting it powder coated later on)

Pros in favor of the SST
almost $200 cheaper
already has brake levers on the end of the bull horns.

Either one I choose, I am willing to spend an extra $100 for levers and tires. And I am prepared to replace the crank set later on.
It also appears that bike direct is out of the black 56cm and 58cm.

The sst comes with sealed formula flipflop hubs. You can go to your lbs and get a cog and lockring installed for around 30 dollars. The components are both relatively similar as well.

Pros of Lager;
-lbs service
-test ride
-proper fit
-adjustments, tuning
-benefits local business

Pros of SST:
-200 dollars less
-brake levers you desire

To put in perspective;
TT levers will run you about 30 dollars for the lager.
A cog and lockring for the sst with set you back about 30 dollars as well.

Which lager is this? I rode the black/red version. My LBS was asking $695. Is this a different bike? I really liked the ride, but went with a Kilo TT Stripper given the enormous price difference.

the SST has a flipflop hub, it just doesn't have a fixxed cog stock...

I used to own a red/black 09 Lager.

$695 is STEEP. I got mine for under $600 CAD.

SST sounds like the better deal, add about $30 if you want to run it fixed. To convert the Lager's brakes to TT levers you're looking at $40+ if you do it yourself ($30 for the levers, $5 new cable, $5 new housing, add $10 if the bar tape can't be reused). Probably more if the shop does it since the tape will need to be rewrapped.
The Lager looks better aesthetically IMO but beyond the paint and the brake lever placement the two bikes are nearly identical. Lager has a 1cm longer top tube for the same size frame but the other angles are all the same so the should handle pretty similar.

Xkill summed it up pretty well. If the shop service is important to you get the Lager. If you're comfortable with the DIY then the SST sounds like the bike for you.

IIRC, they are the same frame.

I don't see the need to pay $200 for buying it local...

I have the SST. It comes with a flip flop. Just buy a cog/lockring if you want to run it fixed. It's a great deal. If they're the same frame, I don't see any reason not to get the SST, besides avoiding BD hateration.

This is exactly what I was thinking today.
the extra $200 isn't a big deal. $495 seems about right, if I had to guess the price (without ever being told) I'd put it in the $550 range. The SST just sounds borderline "too good to be true".
Thanks, everyone.

Without being a shill, I love my SST, great great great campus bike. The r450 wheels are with my friend, and they were great for me... and great for him.

I thought the SSt came with R500's.

I used to buy cheap used bikes for $50 and used the crap out of them. The point I am trying to make is, $$$ doesn't matter, it's how much use I get out of it. Of course I am limited with $$$.

FWIW, I tried out the Redline 925, it didn't seem as nearly as good as the Lager. Perhaps I was a little more stretched out? It also is selling at $495. The drive train did seem like it was binding. *shrug*

redline 925 is a different frame than the lager

lager, sst, and clockwork are all the same frame. clockwork has crap brake levers though, really uncomfortable to ride on. i'd switch those out if you want drops to some tektro R200s, like $25

Again, IIRC, it's just branding R500 = R450...

Update:

So I went back and asked about the cog, lockring, and TT levers.

My LBS says it already has a lockring and cog. But it will cost a total of $60 for the levers (cables, housing, installation, and the levers). He can no longer get the 2009 in the size and color scheme I want but he has offered a 2010 for $495. I have searched the interweb and everyone else has it for at least $540.

Oh man, what to do, what to do?

scwhinn madison

Get the SST. Seriously. Same frame, with the levers you want.

Seems like they still don't have the black in my size.

Oh. Well then... I don't know... sorry.

Try sportymama.

https://www.sportymamabikes.com/

I got mine from there!~

Just curious, should there be any difference in how the bike rides base on the fork? Cr-Mo Straight Leg vs Triple Butted 100 Cr-Mo.

The 2010 also has a different frame than the SST. 573mm (lager) vs 563 (sst) for the top tube (based on 58cm frame size)


I am leaning to the SST but I wouldn't mind an extra 10mm.