The search for inexpensive, single-speed simplicity
After an extensive search for a new, fully constructed, inexpensive, single-speed road machine, here was the result:
Obviously there are many brands on the market, and if you're looking for something cheap, I suggest, *gulp*... brace yourself... "Made in Taiwan". After living and riding a bicycle everyday for two years in Taiwan myself, I became well acquainted with the extensive bike industry on the island. Quality built man powered machines, at a fair price.
Recently in California I found a single-speed Giant with a very decent steel frame, for 450 USD. A bit on the heavy side, but still a comfortable ride. Very generic brakes, cheep wheels, etc. but hey, after only 450, you could easily do some future upgrades if you you're on a budget. This was the best deal, money-wise I could find. I test rode this monster, and almost bought the bastard, until I had a chance to lay my hands on a 2006 Specialized Langster...
The Langster runs at 600 USD and is, in my humble opinion, the best quality single speed bike for its price range. The Langster has a very lightweight, aluminum frame. Construction quality surpasses the Giant in every way. Converts easily to a fixed gear by flipping the rear wheel (for all you fixie fanatics out there). Originally I was gearing towards the 2007 model, but if you can find it, check out the sleek matte-black frame exclusive for the 2006! This pretty much sold me. I look forward to upgrading to a carbon fiber seat, new wheels, cranks, etc., as cash flow permits.
While building a single-speed from scratch is probably the most ideal, if you decide to go for a prebuilt, I wisely suggest: LANGSTER.
4 comments:
are those shots of your actual ride? or are you planning to get one? have you tried the 'bianci pista' ? its probly one of the cheapest real track frame/rides on the market.
either way, i really like the aesthetics of the langster - i was momentarilly thinking of getting one myself - but i decided to stick to used stuff (something to do with 'saving the world' or something, i dont know), and its geometry is really intersting - like a track version of a mountain bike... i cant tell, but do the chain stays have a bit of bend to them? sort of wish-boney? i never noticed that before... if you look at sarahs profile, you can see on hers where she taped over the name & logos, so as to mask the quality and newness of the ride (aka, theft prevention). make sure to also get a decent u-lock and - if the theft climate needs this - a chain-like lock, which seem to come in two forms: chain, with a cloth covering and integrated lock; or a semi-solid, semi-flexible tube looking thing, again with integrated lock. the combination of these two are thought to deter the largest percentage of bicycle theifs. however, nothing beats the determined.
Funny you mention langsters and theft. We actually have two langsters in the house: mine is the 2007 model, all taped up, and my housemate's is the 2006 model, not taped. Guess whose got stolen from our garage a few weeks ago. I highly recommend the electric tape look.
I think mine looks even more like a mountain bike b/c of its small size...although I also blamed the toe-overlap on its size and Carlos immediately set me straight on that one.
from wiki/bike messenger :
"For further security, some messengers are known to paint their bikes ugly, clashing colors to make them less attractive to potential thieves."
Yeeuup, the langster is my new pride and joy. it's just downright sexy. the chance of getting you're bike ripped in utah is probably not as high as London or SF, but i'll still be sure to keep a leash on this dame. it's funny you mention painting one's bike. my first bike in Taiwan I promptly coated with a pink/brown/puke-green paint job. Two days later my "beast" was gone and only a broken U-lock to remember it by. so much for the theft deterring "ugly" look.
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