Specialized Langster

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Turin Bike Shop, Eva

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
All stock.

Summary:
The Langster replaced a Cannondale hybrid which was functional and solid but never made riding a pleasure. What a change. This is a fun bike to ride - fast, responsive, and low maintenance due to the lack of derailleurs. For the last year, I have used it daily for my 3 mile Chicago commute in all weather except ice and heavy snow. I've also taken it for longer spins, although nothing longer than about 30 miles at a stretch. So far it has performed like a champ. Despite many of the reviews here, I stuck with the stock Mondo tires and have had no problems with the tubes as long as I keep them at 110-125 psi. They tend to be a little sensitive, but I've found that I can top them off every week or so and that's enough. The only other thing I've done in the way of maintenance is clean the chain. Sadly, my old Pedro's Chain Machine doesn't fit over the links, however, so I have to clean it by hand.

I ride the Langster as a fixed-gear, which took a bit of getting used to after 20 years of free-wheel. I've grown to like it a lot, however, especially in the city where it's sometimes an advantage to pedal really slowly (lights, pedestrians, etc.) I have not experienced the brake issues referred to by other reviewers.

I am also using the stock handlebars. Some people have complained that they are too narrow, but I haven't had any complaints. That may be in part because I'm not an especially large person (42" chest or so). Wider shoulders may feel cramped on these bars. I have noticed that I have more control over the bike on the lower bars than the upper ones.

I don't know whether or not I would enjoy the Langster as much if I lived in a hilly area. However, on the platter-flat roads of Illinois, it's an amazing machine.

Strengths:
Low maintenance
Responsive
Quick
Light
Resilient

Weaknesses:
Expensive compared to mountain bikes, though cheap for a road bike.
Tires need frequent topping off.

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Epic bike

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
daily commute

Bike Setup:
Stock 08 with upgraded tires to all condition elites and shimano spd pedals

Summary:
This is an 08 standard Langster. I used to be a very serious roadie and spent all of my time riding tracking milage and speed. My family has grown and they deserve my attention instead of my "race" bike. After about a year of not riding I had to find a way to get some saddle time in. I bought the Langster to commute to the city bus and to work. The bike is perfect for my daily 8 mile ride. I sometimes take the long way home. This bike is very responsive and actually comfortable to ride. I did change out the handle bars to a 42cm -the stock ones are 40cm. I've added a rear rack and panniers. Changed the tires to Specialized all condition elites and put on Shimano spd 540 pedals. This bike handles great in traffic and dodges pot holes like a city maintenance crew.

Strengths:
not real heavy, geometry, short chain stays

Weaknesses:
the stock brakes are HORRIBLE they stick and tend to rub the wheels. the pads are collect metal and junk. I'm really disappointed about the stock brakes

Similar Products Used:
First single speed. Other bikes have been Giant TCR1, Specialized Tricross, and a couple mtb bikes

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Red Rock Bicycle

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Gunlock Loop

Bike Setup:
Fully stock for now, but it comes set up pretty sweet.

Summary:
Actually my Langster is a 2008, but that wasn't an option on the review. I bought the London edition of this bike and it is sick looking. Great attention to detail and a great belnd of a classic fixie mixed with newer innovations. The red hubs/rims, blue crank and white chain look awesome together.

Strengths:
Sexy bike. Great looks, responsive, comfortable and fast. Good value for the money.

Weaknesses:
Going to take me a while to get used to the old school drop bars, different angles than I'm used to. Brakes feel a bit soft compared to the Dura-Ace I usually ride.

Similar Products Used:
First time on a fixie. Hard to compare to my Orbea road bike.

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Back Bay Bicycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Around the charles

Bike Setup:
Some things I had switched out to my current set up:

*Armadillo All Purpose Tires
*flat pedal (came with clips)
*Specialized Pro-Set Multi Position Road Stem
*Profile by design aero bars with white grip tape
*Specialized Avatar Saddle (white)

My bike has to look as cool as it performs because I'm lame like that.

Summary:
A year ago I bought a 2007 Specialized Langster Brush Metal color stock. Since then I've learned a lot more about single speed bikes. What I didn't know at the time is that the bike is made so that you can change it out to a fixed gear if you really want. This is by fast the best ride ever.

Strengths:
Smooth ride, strong frame, lighter than paper, easily interchangable with many parts, can be totally "p i m p e d" out, which is what I have done.

Weaknesses:
Like all bikes, you need to maintenance it every now and then. I hate cleaning it because I'm lazy, but that's love if you want it to look nice.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sirrus.

Price Paid:  $320.00 at www.wheelies.co.uk/r

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Glentress

Bike Setup:
Stock + Hope Light (for extra sparkle!)

Summary:
The 2008 Langster is an awesome piece of bike!!! If you get one bike for under £400 this HAS to be it! The simplicity, the weight, the speed!!!

I like how the bike makes so little noise! You can creep around and blast the geared roadies it's great! There is no doubt that this is going to work your legs harder, especially if you have it fixed instead of freewheel, for me though that is a benefit! It's not unbearable and within a few weeks it will become second nature. This is a great tool, be it for fun, fitness, training or just general bike lovliness!

Fantastic bike, would not change a thing. Even the tyres aren't as bad as other people to think. They're good enough to get used to the bike, do a few skids. Then it's on to the armadillo's!

Great bike!

Strengths:
Light weight
Speed
Simplicity
ZERO noise (I mean zero, unbelievably quiet!)

Weaknesses:
Way too nice, there will be no studying done then I've got this to ride!

Similar Products Used:
Kona Paddy Wagon
Specialized Tarmac