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).
Bottom Line:
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: 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.
Bottom Line:
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: 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.
Bottom Line:
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.
I haven't had a fixed gear in a few years and wanted something cheap and fun that would fit wider tires and fenders. When I saw that citygrounds had [URL="http://store.citygrounds. Read More »
I posted this in general by accident but thought people over here might have more interest. I'll update it with some pics and impressions from my first ride soon.
[url]http://f Read More »
you've heard it before: wanna pull the trigger on a ss for training, nashbar has a madison for $299, a lager for $325. i know nothing about the lager but from what i've read seems Read More »
Hi All,
I'm looking to buy an SE Lager. Does anyone have experience with these frames? Are they pretty true to the spec? I'm a little concerned about the standover height. It Read More »
