Strengths: Carbon front forks are nice. Very light (see below). Simple and well built. I like never having to take time out to adjust something. The Las Vegas edition gets a lot of looks and good conversation starter. Like a rocket... faster you go, the faster it wants to go.
Weaknesses: Very light... my biggest problem. When you are on anything other than perfectly flat pavement, you feel everything.
Bottom Line:
All around great article of equipment. Good construction, nothing is absolute garbage from the factory. Solid and not as fragile as I initially worried. Great for building muscle. Best part is I've never had to adjust or fiddle with anything on the bike. Ride, put up, ride, repeat. No maintenance, just a solid performer. Only bike I've ever owned that I didn't immediately start changing things out.
Strengths: Value - Some very nice components at a great price, especially if you can find a leftover from the previous year. Much better than the older Langsters.
Frame - It's light and stiff, if a bit relaxed compared to "track" geometry. It works though. Out of the saddle sprints, even with higher gearing, do not produce any noticeable flex.
Wheels - Tough as nails.
Weaknesses: Brakes - The standard Tektro calipers are mediocre, at best. They work well enough, but an upgrade to higher end Shimano stuff will eventually be made.
Wheels - Heavy! 5+ lbs for the set.
Gearing - I found the stock 42x16 gearing to be far too short, but a replacement 46t Messenger chainring was fairly cheap and I'm now much happier.
Frame and parts: Light and stiff aluminum frame, quite comfortable to ride. Uses the same basic geometry as the Allez, but uses horizontal dropouts and has no braze ons. Makes a fine commuter, but works well on long rides too. From the factory, this bike comes surprisingly well equipped. Carbon fork, Specialized Alias saddle, Sugino RD cranks with a Zen Messenger chainring, even a carbon wrapped seat post. Notably better equipped than some of the older models. Fresh from the factory, a 56cm weighed in at ~19.5 lbs. Much of this can be attributed to the wheels, Alex Race32s, which, without tires, tubes, or skewers, weigh in at over 5 lbs. The frame is equipped with mounting points for a rear rack or fender, and two bottle cages. The front fork is not equipped for a bolt on fender, unless specially equipped (Seattle version).
Overall Impression: This bike is FUN. It's solidly built, simple to ride and maintain, and makes short work of almost anything you can throw at it. Has worked for commuting, longer rides, and will supposedly do quite nicely at the track, even with the more road-oriented geometry. The drop bars that come with the bike are standard ergonomic road bars, but track bars can be had on some of the city models. I swapped mine for Profile Design T2 Wing base bars and levers, and am quite pleased with the change. I've had zero problems with flats with the stock Specialized Mondo tires, but I keep them at 120psi, as their recommended pressure range is 115-125psi. All in all, a great bike to just get on and ride and have fun!
Strengths: speed, I've hit up to 30 mph, very smooth and responsive, light.
Weaknesses: wheels, brakes, can't to bar spins,.
Bottom Line:
I've tested many track bikes in my day, before and after i purchased my 08 Boston Langster. Overall the ride is very smooth and responsive, much more than most I've tried. I must admit I've never tested a track bike more than 1500 dollars but the langster series is the best for your money. I've had it coming up on a year and so far nothing has gone wrong with it. I've crashed quite a few times and it still runs smooth, (I had to break it in).
I love the bike and responds well and does not beat my body up. However, I have replaced the wheels, tires and am having the brake system replaced also. If you want a basic bike then no need to up grade. If you like Ultegra or higher equipment you will likely end up spending less money to do a custom build. However, I love the bike and so no complaints as I got what I paid for.
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