[Closed] Specialized Langster or Giant Bowery....

which one would you pick and why.

One which took proper full length mudguards. 🙂

If it's geometry you're worried about, I have the original Langster, which is considered more 'track' than later models, or so I've been told. Aesthetically, it's not 'track' looking at all.

Have you considered the Genesis Flyer? If it had been available when I bought my Langster, I would have gone for the Flyer.

Agree with CFH about the mudguards though. I used SKS Raceblades, which are merely OK.

Langster is a good bike for 400 notes I think. The hub will be the first thing to give up, but I'm happily doing 70-80 miles a week on mine. Might get some long race blades for it but its not annoying me too much riding in the wet.

There is a ribble winter bike with tiagra and guards that is 560 quid which I might have considered but its going to be 3-4lbs heavier

The hub will be the first thing to give up

I got a Dawes Mono recently. Not worth paying full price for, but there's a few knocking around with good discounts at the moment. Comes with mudguards. Had a bit of hassle with the forks on mine mind, but not everyone seems to be getting that problem...

I used a Langster for a few years of commuting through laaaandan town. Can't really add much but it was a good bike for what i wanted and seemed to ride nicely.......however my knowledge of roadies is not comprehensive. In a slight hijack if you are after a 58cm langster mine is sitting in the shed looking a bit unloved that i would sell cheaply. I believe its a 2004 vintage (black). It needs a new bottom bracket (works but very notchy), brake cables and tyres (current ones are worn) but does have a mavic open pro rear with a cartridge bearing Condor hub on it. Apart from a bit of cable rub the frame is perfect, no dents or dings. Let me know if its of interest and i can sort some pics this weekend.

Kona Paddy Waggon or Dawes Mono. Both take full guards, have sealed bearing hubs and sorted geometry (think toeclip overlap). The Langster has no chainstay bridge which makes fastening a full set of SKS's a pain.

Don't expect "light", but both are nice rides.

EDIT: and my Paddy Waggon was £230 off ebay 😆 (plus about another £200 of upgrades)

Surly Steamroller. Takes 28mm comfy tyres and mudguards (with p clips).

I'm using a steel Langster for winter riding, it's heavy, but rolls well when going. Just fitted the Crud Race Guards to it, fiddly to set up but work well, the SKS Race Guards on my other bike are way easier to fit. Only things I've changed are the pedals and the saddle to my old Brooks, rather than the god awful thing it comes with.

bit more money but will take mudguards and a rack

Pearson Hanzo
http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/product/29747/Pearson-Hanzo-19%22/

I've had a langster which was okay and a Paddy Wagon, which was much better but those Pearsons (tried the Touché) are in a different league.

I like my All City... (sorry for crap pic quality)

[IMG] [/IMG]

More here: http://photobucket.com/allcity

I'd buy whatever was cheapest if I was aiming at the langster end of the market they're all much of a muchness and would probably go for one of these;

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=12966&f_SupersetQRY=C416&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c012372c012370

I have a first generation langster,the bb lasted a couple of years commuting and was replaced with a cheap sugino one which was easy enough to get hold of and I replaced the wheels after a year or so with some decent handbuilts so never had any hub problems. Good bikes - good strong finish on the frame, however Mrs K has a touche and as mentioned that is a different class.

ive got 2 bowerys - alu framed ones

one was off ebay - as new for £165 !

nice light, fast, and when I ride to work on it sometimes quicker than my geared road bike !? cos you have to work it up the hills I guess

I think a few people buy fixed bikes, dont "get on " with them , so ebay bargains can be found

I use crud road guards on mine