SE Bikes Lager

Price Paid:  $590.00 at D&Q Cherry Hill, NJ

Favorite Ride:
work commute

Bike Setup:
Lager Matte Black Finish
FSA Cranks
46x20
Continental Gatorskin tires

Summary:
I was looking for a commuter and/or something to ride with my wife and take a break from my road bike. Bought this as a commuter this March, the Matte Black finish. I have a 9.3 mile commute each way. I switched out the rear cog to go 46x20, for a more "spinny" ride, plus I have some moderate hills on my ride. I run this bike with a light kit since commute and work 12 hr shifts. I totally love this bike, I've been riding this bike almost all the time now, I have over 400 miles on it since mid March.

Strengths:
Frame feels lively and stiff, nice geometry. FSA cranks are stiff. Bike just feels fast. Bullhorns are nice.

Weaknesses:
Brake position takes some getting used to. No set up for 2nd bottles on seat tube (most good bike shops have a kit to add for the 2nd bottle cage).

Price Paid:  $500.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Frame- Urban Single Speed Design, 100 Cr-Mo, Water Bottle & Fender Mounts

Fork- Triple Butted 100 Cr-Mo w/ Fender Mounts

Headset- Tange Alloy DX-4, 1-1/8" Threadless

Handlebars- Alloy Bullhorn, 400mm Wide

Stem- SE 3D Forged Alloy, 7 Degree Drop

Grips- SE Logo Cushion Wrap Foam

Brake Lever- Tektro RL-570, Alloy, F&R

Brake(s)- Tektro 316 Dual Pivot Caliper F&R

Seat- SE Checkerboard Super Light w/ Bottle Opener

Seat Post- SE Micro Adjust Alloy 27.2

Crankset- FSA Vero3-pc Alloy, Euro Sealed Bearing, 46T Alloy

Chain- KMC Z410 Silver

Pedal- Wellgo Alloy w/ Cage & Toe Clips

Rim- Alex R500, 32H, Double Wall w/ CNC
Sidewalls, Stainless Spokes

Front Hub- SE High Flange Alloy, 32H, Sealed Bearing, Nutted

Rear Hub- SE High Flange Fixed Free Alloy, 32H, Sealed Bearing, Nutted, 17T Freewheel & 16T Cog

Tires- Kenda K176, 700 X 28c

Extras- Checkerboard Top Tube Pad, Alloy Axle Nuts, Removable SE Brake Cable Clips
Colors Matte black

Summary:
I had been eyeing this bike for about a month before I caved and bought it.

It's the 2009 edition which, in my opinion trumps the '08 in every way.

Strengths:
Lightweight, Low maintenance, Hot Graphics/Colors, Red Rims/Components. Flip/Flop hub included on stock model, top tube guard, high gearing...

BEST FEATURE - BEER BOTTLE OPENER BUILT UNDER SEAT!!!

Weaknesses:
brake position is a little awkward (cross/in-line brakes) make for awkward grasping when hands are on bullhorns, otherwise it's a great bike. Might upgrade to TT Brake Levers, though, with short bullhorns, this too might be awkward.

Similar Products Used:
Takara Converted Fixie
Langster
Bowery
Capo

Price Paid:  $399.00 at Performance Bikes

Favorite Ride:
ms150

Bike Setup:
All standard issued components except for the full fenders.

Summary:
I took the Lager on a couple of demo rides after my wonderful KHS Flight 200 was stolen out of my car. I wanted a bike that was different than the KHS but was just as fun as I had with that bike. I spotted the bike at Performance Bike Shop and I noticed it was like the bike a lot of bike messengers use. It is a single speed bike, which I thought looked really cool and fun since I haven't ridden a single speed bike since I was in grade school.

I decided to take the bike out for a test ride and I thought it was awesome. The bike had surprising acceleration for a single speed. It had a lot of zip to it and was pleasantly smooth on the Chicago streets. I was in kind of a rush that day so I just took the bike around the block. But I liked it and knew I wanted to spend more time with the bike.

The following week I tried it again, I rode it about a mile to take it up an overpass or two and see how the bike handled inclines. Let me tell you it handled magnificently and I bought it when I got back to the shop. The Lager has a classic old school look and to top it off I added some full fenders to give it real retro feel.

Since buying the bike I took it for a couple of spins around the city and it has performed brilliantly. The breaks are really good on this bike and it is much lighter than my last commuter bike. It took me a little time to get used to not having breaks but I have learned to really like the simplicity of not dealing with gears and I think it is good for training you to use your legs a little more, which is good for when I get on my racing bike.

Strengths:
The bike is very light for a commuter bike and very smooth. The handle bars are very comfortable and because of the shape, you have many options for moving your hand positions. The simplicity of a single speed bike means less opportunity for crank problems and the need for repairs. It also looks cool.

Weaknesses:
You don't want to take this bike out to mountainous areas.

Similar Products Used:
None since my old single speed bike in grade school.