I tried out the Specialized Langster and Jamis Beatnik this weekend and i thought both were pretty tight, but my friend who is a very serious biker discouraged me from getting the Jamis. I need a good bike for commuting in NYC and I want to be able to upgrade on it and keep the bike for awhile. Can you recommend a bike (or two) that falls in the same price range ($500-$700)?

thanks!

I rode the Beatnik last week and felt it was a good bike, maybe the Surly Steamroller as an alternative or the KHS Flite series

Why did he discourage you? I have two Jamis bikes (Aurora and Sputnik) and love them both. I've had my Aurora for over 2 years and it's never given me any issues. In fact, I love riding it so much, it's one of the reasons I got another Jamis when I decided to get a fixed gear bike.

Have a Sputnik, considered trading it for a nicer bike, thought about it "Why leave something you're so satisfied with." They're great bikes.

Ive got a langster. Its great looking and equally as well performing. They can be pricey if your buying a new model but try and find last years or buy one right after the new models are released. Carbon fork, seatpost, sugino messenger cranks, KMC chain, 30mm Alex wheels ( worst part on the bike imo and still not bad) . Some people dont like the saddle but thats personal opinion. Also, some will rage due to its more road style geometry but that really makes for a comfortable ride if your going to commute with it.

Drop the $650 on an '09 Sputnik if you can find one. I just got one and love it!

Just because they don't spend the big money on advertising doesn't mean Jamis doesn't build some great bikes. They've been selling higher-end steel road bikes since way before it was fashionable (again), and many of their offerings are a lot of bike for the price. The pre-2010 Sputnik was easily my favorite off-the-shelf fixed gear, and I'm wishing I'd picked one up before the, er, redesign (ot doesn't seem like the new and old models would have overlapped too much in market share. It's a shame they aren't selling them side by side). I would really be smitten with the Eclipse as well if they would just level out that top tube (are you listening, Jamis?) . . .

I rode a Langster a long long time ago, and I don't think there's any magic in them that Jamis can't replicate (at least they've done away with the straight-blade aluminum fork, which was like riding a jackhammer). In short, buy whatever you like. Jamis makes great bikes.