Studying all the options available to me for a stock fixed gear frameset, I realized something: size does matter to me. I'm referring to the head tube size, 1" versus more current 1 1/8". I'm somewhat surprised that most manufacturers making fixed gear framesets are still sticking to 1" steer tube designs, while the rest of the cycling industry has been building frames for 1 1/8" steer tubes since the late 90's. Infact, many manufacturers such as Specialized with their steel Langster, take us back even further into the Dark Ages, spec'ing bikes with THREADED STEER TUBES! My only guess as to why anybody would do such a thing, would be to appeal to a marginal segment of the cycling community: wannabe hipsters. By offering a steel frame, with a 1" threaded steer tube fork, their 2010 model Steel Langster imitates a classic road bike frame converted to fixed gear.
I myself must admit I am attracted to classic steel road bikes. My road bike is a sparkle red over chrome painted Daccordi fabricated from Columbus SLX tubing in the mid-90's. But if i'm going to buy a new bike, damnit, I want a 1 1/8" threadless steer tube with all the weight savings, carbon fork compatability, and stiff handling that comes along with it! Fashion can not trump functionality.
This brings my search for a fixed gear frameset down to two options: The 2010 Specialized Langster base model, or the 2010 Cannondale Capo 2. Both offer 1 1/8" threadless steer tube forks. Both come in low profile black finishes. Both are aluminum frames.
The biggest difference in design, are the Langster's compact style frame versus the Capo's more traditional frame with a horizontal top tube. Although more asthetically drawn to the Capo's straight lines and tight angles, after riding the Langster a few times, I can see the wisdom in the compact frame design, especially in the larger sizes. At 6'4" , I need a 60cm top tube to stretch me out comfortably. The Capo comes in a 63cm seat tube length that offers a 60cm top tube, while the Langster's "virtual" seat tube height is 60cm. And at sizes such as these, in a traditional frame design, looong seat stays are required, creating more leverage to flex the rear wheel when "givin' 'er".
With a compact frame design, the seat stays stay shorter, making for a stiffer rear end and also transferring the vibration picked up from the rear wheel to a lower point below the saddle, giving more distance for the vibrations to be dissipated in before reaching the rider's tender ass.
Add that up with a carbon bladed fork spec'ed on the Langster -vs- the punishing straight bladed aluminum fork on the Capo, and it soon becomes clear that for a strictly street machine, the Langster, with it's goofy sloping top tube and all, wins out in the end. But the proof will be in the pudding. I'll be headed out for a few hours on the Langster in a few moments. This will be the first longer ride on aluminum frame I've ever done. Wish me luck....
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