Which OTP?

Hello everyone, I've read through all the threads on OTP bikes, thanks to everyone for the wealth of knowledge in the forum. Before I go out and blow my wad, I thought I'd ask for advice.

I've just become bikeless and am looking for a SS/fixed to become my new commuter bike. I've been commuting in London for 4 years and am really into it, but I'm not a bike snob or into the track, I just want a no nonsense easy to maintain solid commuter. So I'm after an off the peg cheapy bike, but which? I like the look and feel of the Charge Plug, but maybe I should just try to grab a 2nd hand Langster off of ebay.

I know this topic has gone around and around, I'm sorry, but any advice much appreciated.

Charge plug.

It's reasonably priced, pretty solid, and even the looks are agreeable.

+1 Charge Plug. heavy, but comfortable to ride and looks better than a langster.

Pop down to evans (or wherever) and try a few. Langster, plug, flyer, etc all ride differently. See what suits.

genesis flyer/skyline

pinnacle bachelor

(not really, I just like the name)

+1 plug, mine is solid as fuck, but hard to get hold of at the moment I think??
flyers are also great.

If i was looking for a SS/FG OTP to comute on at the moment i would go for a Lemond Filmore

http://www.hardie-bikes.com/products.php?plid=m1b3s150p1344&rs=gb

or a Felt Dispatch

http://www.feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1525&pid=8718

Plug looks great but is too heavy.

If your willing to look at something slightly different, i had a go on the SS Specialized Tri-Cross the other day and have to say that if i needed a practical SS/FG bike to commute into town with every day it would fit the bill perfectly. Tough enough to take a lot of abuse and tackle off road shortcuts, cross brakes that work well in all weather, all the lugs you need for racks/guards etc, fun to ride and not at all bad looking in the flesh:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b&minisite=10028&spid=32208&language=US

Does anyone have any experience of the Fuji Track 2008, I've seen a few posts about it here, at 300 quid it makes my wallet happy (http://biddlebikes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=162) but is it any good?

Obviously you still need to factor in the cost of some brakes too.

and avoid the langsters on bay, much cheaper to get a new one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150244710066

OR
Second hand from someone here... There's loads of bikes going all the time. You can get more bang for your buck here. Go and see Jos, or buy dogsballs' On One that's on ebay... or post a wanted with what size you want...

my 2p

Lemond Fillmore!

(no bias whatsoever of course)

Does anyone have any experience of the Fuji Track 2008, I've seen a few posts about it here, at 300 quid it makes my wallet happy (http://biddlebikes.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=162) but is it any good?

Obviously you still need to factor in the cost of some brakes too.

I've got one. Asked a boat-load of questions about it before and after I bought it. Love it. Mainy others have one and love them too. Don't buy the biddle brake kit. There was a topic a while back where I asked about brakes and you can find a lot of info in there.

Also. Just go fixed. Don't set it up SS with a view to going fixed. Doing that will just make you crawl back to SS when you don't like fixed for the first time. If you don't even have a freewheel it's hard to put it back on.

+1 to rusty ^

See here http://www.londonfgss.com/thread5755.html

I couldn't believe how light it is compared to the clunker I had before. I bought mine through biddle, very easy, very straightforward. You'll get a decent entry level bike that you get to put your own bits on (brake/lever/whatever). Do it!

Thanks for the advice guys.

VanUden: What made you pick the Fuji over the SE Lager?

@Peej - Aesthetics, I like the battleship grey of the Track '08. Plus practicality I needed a 61cm being tall and I couldn't find anywhere that would do a Lager in a larger size. Price, the Track is cheaper even if you have to find a few extra quid for brake/lever/cable.

HTH

and avoid the langsters on bay, much cheaper to get a new one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150244710066

shocked !!

I had a fuji and then a langster. The fuji was so much nicer ride feel to it. It also felt a lot lighter. not sure if that was technically correct but it certainly rode that way. I would pick the fuji over langster any day.

I had a fuji and then a langster. The fuji was so much nicer ride feel to it. It also felt a lot lighter. not sure if that was technically correct but it certainly rode that way. I would pick the fuji over langster any day.

That's your brain seeing fat tubing and THINKING it equals heavy.
The Fuji is about 1lb/500g heavier than the Lancaster, ie. quite a bit heavier.

Don't wanna start another thread, so I thought I would follow on here.

I am gonna get a new Bike in the states when I move over there.

I am thinking either the Surly Steamroller for ~$650
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI310L00-Surly+Steamroller+Complete+Bicycle.aspx?sc=FRGL

or a Bianchi Pista for $580
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI305L00-Bianchi+Pista+Frame+W+Free+Kit+07.aspx
Firstly is the OTP Steamroller better than the Pista, and if so how? Also, if it was, would it warrent the difference in price?

Thanks

The steamroller frame is bombproof.

surly a surly!

How about something a little flasher?

http://www.speedgoat.com/productB.asp?part=134285&cat=19&brand=216

Nice, so very nice....

A surly it is!
Looks like it comes with better components, especially as the difference is only $70.

I think this is a better decision than building up one of these with deep v's on formula hubs.
http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1084

Does anyone know how easy it is to remove the decals on the Surly?

How about something a little flasher?

http://www.speedgoat.com/productB.asp?part=134285&cat=19&brand=216

Nice, so very nice....

Just slightly too expensive

Ridiculously easy. They're transfers on top opf the clearcoat. Took me about an hour all told.