OK, which Langster?

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

Get the normal model. You'll save a few bucks and can use that money to
buy better fenders and other accessories.

\\paul

"Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ®" <[email hidden]> wrote
in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

I haven't bought a complete bike from a bike shop in years, but a friend
of mine can get me one at cost from his shop and I am very tempted. I'm
in NY, but the NY version is my least favorite. Gaudy taxi yellow is
cheesy, IMO. Plus flat bar, nah... I test rode the Seattle version (with
faux-wood plastic fenders), which I like the best, but I would probably
switch out the semi-North Road type bar with a drop bar. But it was very
comfortable. My buddy tells me the London version - all white, dropbars,
cross levers - are selling like hotcakes, in NYC. But can't see myself
riding a white bike. I'll probably end up getting the Boston version -
black, dropbars, cross levers - or just the regular Langster - green,
drops, road levers. And add a rack and panniers. What ya think?

I think if you're going to do that, you'd be better off to buy the 2008
Raleigh One Way.

Gooserider said:

"Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ®" <[email hidden]> wrote
in messagenews:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

Quoted message said:

I haven't bought a complete bike from a bike shop in years, but a friend
of mine can get me one at cost from his shop and I am very tempted. I'm
in NY, but the NY version is my least favorite. Gaudy taxi yellow is
cheesy, IMO. Plus flat bar, nah... I test rode the Seattle version (with
faux-wood plastic fenders), which I like the best, but I would probably
switch out the semi-North Road type bar with a drop bar. But it was very
comfortable. My buddy tells me the London version - all white, dropbars,
cross levers - are selling like hotcakes, in NYC. But can't see myself
riding a white bike. I'll probably end up getting the Boston version -
black, dropbars, cross levers - or just the regular Langster - green,
drops, road levers. And add a rack and panniers. What ya think?

I think if you're going to do that, you'd be better off to buy the 2008
Raleigh One Way.

Or a Redline 925 for $500. Even comes with Freddy Fenders and nuke
proof wheels and tires. I still love mine. It's brutally strong, but
still fast and nimble.

This year's model comes with bullhorns!:
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/925.html

The Langster is overpriced by at least $150.

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829
... What ya think?

The "city" versions look kinda duded up to me.

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

I haven't bought a complete bike from a bike shop in years, but a friend of
mine can get me one at cost from his shop and I am very tempted. I'm in NY,
but the NY version is my least favorite. Gaudy taxi yellow is cheesy, IMO.
Plus flat bar, nah... I test rode the Seattle version (with faux-wood
plastic fenders), which I like the best, but I would probably switch out the
semi-North Road type bar with a drop bar. But it was very comfortable. My
buddy tells me the London version - all white, dropbars, cross levers - are
selling like hotcakes, in NYC. But can't see myself riding a white bike.
I'll probably end up getting the Boston version - black, dropbars, cross
levers - or just the regular Langster - green, drops, road levers. And add
a rack and panniers. What ya think?

I have never ridden a Langster, so this is just IMHO.

<RANT>I've only seen one of the city editions on the road in NYC, the
cab one. It was heinous, _screaming_ "newbie" and "me too!" Especially
as there has been a messenger with a homemade version off, I think, a
KHS frame, riding for at least 7 or 8 years. Seriously, these things
were made to put bikesnobnyc in business. I think the London one is
tied with NYC for worst offender. Must be the comical, 30 year old
'punk rock aura' some people associate with London. Unless you're an
authentic and proud Brit, we're talking instant buyer's remorse strong
enought that the extra $50 worth of paint will be rattlecan black
matte and/or craigslisted within a month.</RANT>

All other things being equal (cranks, wheels, etc), I'd get the
regular. If you're planning on doing longish rides on it, hands on the
hoods is a good feeling. You can throw one of those Planet Bike whale
tail rear fender on and be done with it, or get some full plastic
Zefal's for $20. You can even cover those giant, glaring logos with
some tape.

With all that said, probably a fun bike to ride. The 42T front
chainring looks like a better choice for mass production than the 48s
you find on others.

/s

"Scott Gordo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or
Seattle?http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

I haven't bought a complete bike from a bike shop in years, but a friend
of
mine can get me one at cost from his shop and I am very tempted. I'm in
NY,
but the NY version is my least favorite. Gaudy taxi yellow is cheesy,
IMO.
Plus flat bar, nah... I test rode the Seattle version (with faux-wood
plastic fenders), which I like the best, but I would probably switch out
the
semi-North Road type bar with a drop bar. But it was very comfortable.
My
buddy tells me the London version - all white, dropbars, cross levers -
are
selling like hotcakes, in NYC. But can't see myself riding a white bike.
I'll probably end up getting the Boston version - black, dropbars, cross
levers - or just the regular Langster - green, drops, road levers. And
add
a rack and panniers. What ya think?

Quoted message said:

I have never ridden a Langster, so this is just IMHO.

Quoted message said:

<RANT>I've only seen one of the city editions on the road in NYC, the
cab one. It was heinous, _screaming_ "newbie" and "me too!" Especially
as there has been a messenger with a homemade version off, I think, a
KHS frame, riding for at least 7 or 8 years. Seriously, these things
were made to put bikesnobnyc in business. I think the London one is
tied with NYC for worst offender. Must be the comical, 30 year old
'punk rock aura' some people associate with London. Unless you're an
authentic and proud Brit, we're talking instant buyer's remorse strong
enought that the extra $50 worth of paint will be rattlecan black
matte and/or craigslisted within a month.</RANT>

Quoted message said:

All other things being equal (cranks, wheels, etc), I'd get the
regular. If you're planning on doing longish rides on it, hands on the
hoods is a good feeling. You can throw one of those Planet Bike whale
tail rear fender on and be done with it, or get some full plastic
Zefal's for $20. You can even cover those giant, glaring logos with
some tape.

Quoted message said:

With all that said, probably a fun bike to ride. The 42T front
chainring looks like a better choice for mass production than the 48s
you find on others.

Quoted message said:

/s

Your rant's right on. Not a bike for street cred. But I can get it cheap,
and it's goofy, so I may just go for the Seattle green, which was pretty
damn comfy. Then again the novelty would probably wear off fast, and the
practicality in me will sure to kick my ass down the line, so yeah, the
regular one most likely.

Paul Myron Hobson said:

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

Get the normal model. You'll save a few bucks and can use that money
to buy better fenders and other accessories.

If you really want a "special edition", get
1. the normal model
2. an art student

Some of these are hard to figure. OK, the Seattle model has fenders. That I
understand. The New York model looks like a yellow cab, OK.

But when I look at the Chicago model I see nothing other than a small
skyline logo. That's the extra $50?

Even the Seattle model: " Velodrome/Fixed-Gear Road
SPEED DEMON Built for rallying city streets and lapping racers at the
velodrome,"

The picture shows fenders and flat handlebars. Have the marketing guys ever
been to a velodrome?

Mike Kruger said:

Paul Myron Hobson said:

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

Get the normal model. You'll save a few bucks and can use that money
to buy better fenders and other accessories.

If you really want a "special edition", get
1. the normal model
2. an art student

Some of these are hard to figure. OK, the Seattle model has fenders. That I
understand. The New York model looks like a yellow cab, OK.

But when I look at the Chicago model I see nothing other than a small
skyline logo. That's the extra $50?

Even the Seattle model: " Velodrome/Fixed-Gear Road
SPEED DEMON Built for rallying city streets and lapping racers at the
velodrome,"

The picture shows fenders and flat handlebars. Have the marketing guys ever
been to a velodrome?

Their target market isn't even likely to know what they're talking
about. They'll think one escaped from Jurassic Park. Velodrome are
scarce throughout North America.

It strikes me that all the cities named must have identical terrain
and ideal surfaces. Save Seattle, they're all desert cities where it
never snows or rains.

I think the designers should study their geography. Maybe the
coloured rims just kinda matched the City Flag or something,

oh well, a track stand's a track stand, wherever, I guess.
--
zk

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® said:

"Scott Gordo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...
On Oct 4, 1:13 am, "Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ®"

Quoted message said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or
Seattle?http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

Quoted message said:

I haven't bought a complete bike from a bike shop in years, but a friend
of
mine can get me one at cost from his shop and I am very tempted. I'm in
NY,
but the NY version is my least favorite. Gaudy taxi yellow is cheesy,
IMO.
Plus flat bar, nah... I test rode the Seattle version (with faux-wood
plastic fenders), which I like the best, but I would probably switch out
the
semi-North Road type bar with a drop bar. But it was very comfortable.
My
buddy tells me the London version - all white, dropbars, cross levers -
are
selling like hotcakes, in NYC. But can't see myself riding a white bike.
I'll probably end up getting the Boston version - black, dropbars, cross
levers - or just the regular Langster - green, drops, road levers. And
add
a rack and panniers. What ya think?
I have never ridden a Langster, so this is just IMHO.
<RANT>I've only seen one of the city editions on the road in NYC, the
cab one. It was heinous, _screaming_ "newbie" and "me too!" Especially
as there has been a messenger with a homemade version off, I think, a
KHS frame, riding for at least 7 or 8 years. Seriously, these things
were made to put bikesnobnyc in business. I think the London one is
tied with NYC for worst offender. Must be the comical, 30 year old
'punk rock aura' some people associate with London. Unless you're an
authentic and proud Brit, we're talking instant buyer's remorse strong
enought that the extra $50 worth of paint will be rattlecan black
matte and/or craigslisted within a month.</RANT>
All other things being equal (cranks, wheels, etc), I'd get the
regular. If you're planning on doing longish rides on it, hands on the
hoods is a good feeling. You can throw one of those Planet Bike whale
tail rear fender on and be done with it, or get some full plastic
Zefal's for $20. You can even cover those giant, glaring logos with
some tape.
With all that said, probably a fun bike to ride. The 42T front
chainring looks like a better choice for mass production than the 48s
you find on others.
/s

Your rant's right on. Not a bike for street cred. But I can get it cheap,
and it's goofy, so I may just go for the Seattle green, which was pretty
damn comfy. Then again the novelty would probably wear off fast, and the
practicality in me will sure to kick my ass down the line, so yeah, the
regular one most likely.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If she's going to be a "townie" bike, the more I look at it the more I
like the the Seattle. Fenders are a good thing, though they look like
they'll make removing a rear wheel (in event of a flat) a bit of a
pain. That seat was comfy in an upright position, huh? Those BG
saddles just dont work for me. Anyway, at the right price it's a smart
looker.

I think that for me it all comes down to comfort over certain mileage.
If you're planning on doing laps, group rides, or if you're
chronically late during your commute, I'd get the drop bars with the
hoods.

Let's say this: if you're thinking that this bike will do, on average,
under 10 miles/ride, I think the Seattle is perfect. If you're
thinking more, you're going to appreciate a more forward position and
brake hoods.

Scott
We're up to $.04

Zoot Katz said:

On Thu, 4 Oct 2007 18:54:27 -0500, "Mike Kruger"

Quoted message said:

Paul Myron Hobson said:

Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ® wrote:
> Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or Seattle?
>http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Get the normal model. You'll save a few bucks and can use that money
to buy better fenders and other accessories.

Quoted message said:

If you really want a "special edition", get
1. the normal model
2. an art student

Quoted message said:

Some of these are hard to figure. OK, the Seattle model has fenders. That I
understand. The New York model looks like a yellow cab, OK.

Quoted message said:

But when I look at the Chicago model I see nothing other than a small
skyline logo. That's the extra $50?

Quoted message said:

Even the Seattle model: " Velodrome/Fixed-Gear Road
SPEED DEMON Built for rallying city streets and lapping racers at the
velodrome,"

Quoted message said:

The picture shows fenders and flat handlebars. Have the marketing guys ever
been to a velodrome?

Their target market isn't even likely to know what they're talking
about. They'll think one escaped from Jurassic Park. Velodrome are
scarce throughout North America.

It strikes me that all the cities named must have identical terrain
and ideal surfaces. Save Seattle, they're all desert cities where it
never snows or rains.

I think the designers should study their geography. Maybe the
coloured rims just kinda matched the City Flag or something,

oh well, a track stand's a track stand, wherever, I guess.
--
zk- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Notice the Boston model doesn't have fenders? That makes sense, not
like it rains or snows in Boston.

Scott Gordo said:

On Oct 4, 3:25 pm, "Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ®"

Quoted message said:

"Scott Gordo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

news:[email hidden]...
On Oct 4, 1:13 am, "Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Global Warming Edition ®"

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Boston, Chicago, London, NY, or
Seattle?http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32829

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I haven't bought a complete bike from a bike shop in years, but a friend
of
mine can get me one at cost from his shop and I am very tempted. I'min
NY,
but the NY version is my least favorite. Gaudy taxi yellow is cheesy,
IMO.
Plus flat bar, nah... I test rode the Seattle version (with faux-wood
plastic fenders), which I like the best, but I would probably switch out
the
semi-North Road type bar with a drop bar. But it was very comfortable.
My
buddy tells me the London version - all white, dropbars, cross levers-
are
selling like hotcakes, in NYC. But can't see myself riding a white bike.
I'll probably end up getting the Boston version - black, dropbars, cross
levers - or just the regular Langster - green, drops, road levers. And
add
a rack and panniers. What ya think?
I have never ridden a Langster, so this is just IMHO.
<RANT>I've only seen one of the city editions on the road in NYC, the
cab one. It was heinous, _screaming_ "newbie" and "me too!" Especially
as there has been a messenger with a homemade version off, I think, a
KHS frame, riding for at least 7 or 8 years. Seriously, these things
were made to put bikesnobnyc in business. I think the London one is
tied with NYC for worst offender. Must be the comical, 30 year old
'punk rock aura' some people associate with London. Unless you're an
authentic and proud Brit, we're talking instant buyer's remorse strong
enought that the extra $50 worth of paint will be rattlecan black
matte and/or craigslisted within a month.</RANT>
All other things being equal (cranks, wheels, etc), I'd get the
regular. If you're planning on doing longish rides on it, hands on the
hoods is a good feeling. You can throw one of those Planet Bike whale
tail rear fender on and be done with it, or get some full plastic
Zefal's for $20. You can even cover those giant, glaring logos with
some tape.
With all that said, probably a fun bike to ride. The 42T front
chainring looks like a better choice for mass production than the 48s
you find on others.
/s

Quoted message said:

Your rant's right on. Not a bike for street cred. But I can get it cheap,
and it's goofy, so I may just go for the Seattle green, which was pretty
damn comfy. Then again the novelty would probably wear off fast, and the
practicality in me will sure to kick my ass down the line, so yeah, the
regular one most likely.- Hide quoted text -

Quoted message said:

- Show quoted text -

If she's going to be a "townie" bike, the more I look at it the more I
like the the Seattle. Fenders are a good thing, though they look like
they'll make removing a rear wheel (in event of a flat) a bit of a
pain.

No they won't. I ran my 925 all last winter with fenders. I never
flatted, but flipped the wheel a few times and just adjusted the stays
so there was enough room to pull the wheel (with an un-aired tire).

On Oct 4, 11:12 am, Scott Gordo Seriously, these things

Quoted message said:

were made to put bikesnobnyc in business.

I think BSNYC designed the Felt Curbside, the thing has got to be a
joke, right ?

http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1525&pid=8717

Scott G.

Scott G. said:

On Oct 4, 11:12 am, Scott Gordo Seriously, these things

Quoted message said:

were made to put bikesnobnyc in business.

I think BSNYC designed the Felt Curbside, the thing has got to be a
joke, right ?

http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1525&pid=8717

Thank goodness for mandatory eye wash stations! I like the rims, and
the spokes aren't bad. Burn everything else.

email hidden said:

Quoted message said:

It strikes me that all the cities named must have identical terrain
and ideal surfaces. Save Seattle, they're all desert cities where it
never snows or rains.

I think the designers should study their geography. Maybe the
coloured rims just kinda matched the City Flag or something,

oh well, a track stand's a track stand, wherever, I guess.
--
zk- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Notice the Boston model doesn't have fenders? That makes sense, not
like it rains or snows in Boston.

The designers, I'd prefer to call them "decorators", know you're not
going to get a skunk stripe doing track stands at the cafe in Boston
or Chicago. Or maybe, like Vancouver, the city magically shuts down
when it does snow. I think they missed by not making a San Francisco
model with pink rims. From what I know of the named cities 23mm tires
is asking for trouble if you did ride it on those streets

Bike Snob NYC proposes calling them "fixed-gear freestylers" since
all they ever seem to do are elementary stunts.

If the fixed gear craze can evolve into or spark some interest in
Olympic style "artistic cycling" and/or track racing among youngsters
then I'll embrace them. Right now they seem to merely be fashion
accessories for kids who've outgrown BMX.
--
zk

Scott G. said:

On Oct 4, 11:12 am, Scott Gordo Seriously, these things

Quoted message said:

were made to put bikesnobnyc in business.

I think BSNYC designed the Felt Curbside, the thing has got to be a
joke, right ?

http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1525&pid=8717

When did argyle designs and bikes get together?
Here's Taylor Phinney capturing the national elite men's individual pursuit
title:
http://www.velonews.com/race/trk/articles/13465.0.html

Mike Kruger said:

Quoted message said:

I think BSNYC designed the Felt Curbside, the thing has got to be a
joke, right ?

http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1525&pid=8717

When did argyle designs and bikes get together?
Here's Taylor Phinney capturing the national elite men's individual pursuit
title:
http://www.velonews.com/race/trk/articles/13465.0.html

<http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/2007/09/slipstream-jersey-design-contest.html>
--
zk

Zoot Katz said:

If the fixed gear craze can evolve into or spark some interest in
Olympic style "artistic cycling" and/or track racing among youngsters
then I'll embrace them. Right now they seem to merely be fashion
accessories for kids who've outgrown BMX.

My take on it is this: even if half of them keep up cycling in any
form, the craze will leave cycling coming out on top compared to if it
had never happened.

\\paul

Paul Myron Hobson said:

Zoot Katz said:

If the fixed gear craze can evolve into or spark some interest in
Olympic style "artistic cycling" and/or track racing among youngsters
then I'll embrace them. Right now they seem to merely be fashion
accessories for kids who've outgrown BMX.

My take on it is this: even if half of them keep up cycling in any
form, the craze will leave cycling coming out on top compared to if it
had never happened.

\\paul

Amen! and Again!

The bicycle is reborn to give birth to a new generation.
(190+ years running)
--
zk

"Zoot Katz" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Amen! and Again!

It's interesting to see where your religious faith lies, Zoot.

--
Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky