SE Lager vs Specialized Langster Steel

[rsp102]

Quick request for advice - currently got an SE Lager and a Specialized Langster Steel (both 2010 models, both £400) reserved for me in Evans and am struggling to choose between them.

Took them for a ride earlier, Lager was more comfortable and generally a more solid, consistent choice, but felt the Langster had a better transfer of power from my legs through to the wheels and felt it was a bit faster - however, I hated the Langster's handlebars.

As it's my first fixie, does anyone have any views on the bikes respective merits & which is a better choice? Is going to be primarily for commuting about 8 miles each way to work through London, with a few longer (20m+) rides on the odd weekend.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Links - Lager: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/se/lager-2010-single-speed-road-bike-ec020552#BVRRWidgetID
Langster: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/langster-steel-2010-road-bike-ec020012#BVRRWidgetID

 

[e-rider]

the langster looks pig ugly - I'm sure they used to look a lot better - what happened?

Surely riding fixed through heavy traffic in London isn't the smartest idea, and certainly not great for weekend rides in the country. Sounds like a typical commuting bike would suit your needs better.

 

[rsp102]

Agreed the langster is pretty ugly, but trying to not let aesthetics get in the way

and have been converted to fixed speed by a few mates - they all commute in on their fixies into central london every day, not too many problems and my route has a few cycle superhighways too

having ridden them a few times now, i think it's the whole 'purer' experience that every convert bangs on about - i've found on my test rides that riding a fixed / s/s is just more fun too

 

[mzm70]

I have a 56cm Spesh Langster 2010 for sale if you are interested, I can't seem to post it in the Classifieds, (there's a button saying I'm not allowed to post). Selling because I just don't use it.

 

[e-rider]

If you want an off-the-peg fixie I always thought the Kona Paddy Wagon looked OK. Have you tried one?

So you're following the 'fixed' trend then really.

What about a Surly Steamroller?

 

[mzm70]

I should add it is a steel

 

[colinr]

Took them for a ride earlier, Lager was more comfortable and generally a more solid, consistent choice, but felt the Langster had a better transfer of power from my legs through to the wheels and felt it was a bit faster - however, I hated the Langster's handlebars.

Sounds like you're leaning towards the Lager already! I don't know much about either other than Specialized make decent bikes, you do realise the fixie elite look down their lenseless-spectacled noses on Langsters right?

Personally, I'd choose fixed over geared every time for riding in traffic. Just because.

 

[Tynan]

see shags of fixies in the London traffic and they seem to do fine, of course they spin out when they fall in with the faster riders, ahem

most of them anyway, there's the odd bloke with what must be mental gearing for rush hour traffic