driveblind

I've been reading things here for a few weeks, so it's finally time to post something. My new commitment to stop being lazy means that I'm spending more time on my bike (a Specialized hybrid) and of course I'm thinking of buying another. I really like the idea of having a single speed that I could turn into a fixie, once I'm comfortable with that, for riding around town. I've tried a few different models at some of my LBSs and am focusing on these models now:

2008/09 Specialized Langster (either the standard silver one or the Chicago with bullhorns)
2009 Redline 9-2-5
2009 Jamis Beatnik

I'm leaning towards bullhorn handlebars because I don't see myself using the drops much on my rides around town. Since I'll at least be starting out with this as a single-speed, does anyone have any comments about the placement of the brake levers on bullhorns? The Langster and Beatnik have them near the middle, while the 9-2-5 has them at the bar ends. Is this just a question of where I think my hands will be most comfortable, or where they'll be most of the time?

I'd like to stay under $400 - I've found all of these for that price either through an LBS or local classifieds.

I've read a lot about these models on this forum, but any comments about what you like or don't like about any of these models would be appreciated. Thanks.

FKMTB07

Assuming they all fit, I'd go with the 9-2-5. It's the most versatile, especially given what you want to do with it -- ride around town, commute, go anywhere on it. The fenders on the 9-2-5 are key.

Brake levers/placement can be changed very easily and pretty cheaply. But the buy, ride it for a while, then decide what you like/don't like and make wise changes.

driveblind

Thanks, FKMTB07. Is changing the lever placement as easy as unwrapping the bars and sliding the levers to a new position?

driveblind

I ended up going with the 925. Both that and the Beatnik were available new for about $325 from a LBS - great deals. I liked the overall feel of the 925 better, including the fenders, metal toe clips, and the slightly-lower gearing. I did prefer the Beatnik's bullhorns with a slight drop, so I'm looking to replace the bars and probably experiment with some different bar tape color.

Anyhow, for now, here it is.



And from the other side...much the same as the first...