The rise, fall, and comeback? of Leader Bikes

For lightweight, top-tier steel bikes, check out Wabi Cycles:


Fixie Famous Shoutout:

StanStrong108 Anthony Deza

Ryan Witt

Patreon Singlespeed Shoutout:
Carlos Flores
nicodache
@ffnivas
Barak S
Pat Bateman
Simon Newton
Gregory Tomlinson

Attribution:

63Fixed. Dan Locke Leader 725 Bike Check. YouTube. May 3, 2012.

Leader Bikes. Building your Leader Bike: Kagero/Renovatio. YouTube. Mar 4, 2014.

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[nefariousstylo]

Meanwhile in the steel world where everyone is happy with creak-free seatposts and uncracked frames...

[blank]

I would definately watch other brand history videos!

[jamalwaterford]

Being from San Diego and riding during all of this a can say that this video was spot on. I will saying they did always try to take care of the community in SD. I never dealt with shitty customer service and if I ever had an issue they would usually have me come straight to the warehouse to swap something out. There was a cool kids club of inner circle riders that were given special treatment. I remember when Retro moved to SD and completely cleaned up the scene. They were a huge Leader backer but when Leader went to shit Retro stood by their customers. I do miss mobbing at critical on my 725 with all my friends. Leader did create something special down in SD and that can’t be denied. Great video Zach.

[devianb]

I have a Leader LD515 which is a mtb frame. Had it for 11 years and pretty happy with it. Also loved the Leader sponsored videos.

[isGood]

As a newcomer to the fixie world, this history is super nice :)

[nikostergren]

You should do a brand history for Cinelli / Mash, would love to see it!

[TTsmashers]

Going on 10 years with my 722ts. Steel with teardrop tubing and integrated chain tensioners. Haven’t seen anything comparable on the market.

[asamusicdude]

I got my prolite trentino around 2013 and just built around it. Still have it and I love it. I STILL havent seen anyone else riding a prolite

[eligarcia]

That Mint 725 with the Prolly Is Not Probably x Charge Bucket saddle is such a flex. Back in 2011-2012 the 725 was sick. I always wanted a Milwaukee Bruiser but couldn’t afford it so went with a leader. It wasn’t the greatest but it was a fun build. Good times.

[glassassoc]

Great program Zach, I never rode a fixed gear but I own and ride a "leader Hammer" from 2000-monique all carbon frame (I guess China made for them)with dura ace road setup. 18 years with this bike has been outstanding. I own 15 other bikes and come from a bike shop family, selling 200-300 myself for years. I don't plan parting with my Leader. I never understood why they dropped their carbon line? The owner didn't talk to me either. I most appreciate your video having answered so many of my questions. Many thanks!

[jerryloya]

It was around this time that I was riding a Bikes Direct Kilo TT and so badly wanted a Leader, Cinelli, or Fuji Track Pro. I eventually moved onto a chrome Bianchi Pista and that was my everything. Freaking loved that bike. That was around 2011/2012. I now have a gang green Bianchi Pista, never letting go of this one. Steel is real.

[KoolKidsSquad]

I bought a Fuji feather based on your recommendation and now I ride a specialized Allez. Your videos got me into cycling and I remember you saying you don’t like the maintenance, but maintenance isn’t really a issue with my road bike imo. You should do a video on road bikes against fixed gears to show what you can benefit from either style.

[dukelorenzmorales]

My first fixed gear was a leader 721 and I loved it :)

[somesituation]

I just picked up a kit leader frame which is a leader LD 510H and its kitted out pretty nicely and its USA made, honestly the best aluminum frame I have seen quality wise. It was $45 and had Mavic Crossmax wheels

[galenkehler]

This is my favorite video you've done, love the history lesson.

[TheBallsthewalls]

I have a old leader steel frame from the 80s or 90s as my fixie frame. It's a beater but for Montreal pothole city, it's great!

[angelflores]

Ngl I’ve owned 3 Leader frames. And still have all 3, no creaks, super solid and have never had a problem. The customer service is not that bad, I contacted them when I had bought the 2021 721 frame and need more info on the other parts, they helped it took a while for a response but not as long as they make it seem.

[DJHARTLSS]

I remember wanting one of these bikes so bad. Now I’m happy just riding my steel bike tank with decent components :)

[juliohernandez]

Thank you so much for this video, this information is very difficult to find online, so I know putting it all together wasn't easy!

[climberman]

Great video, I love my Leader 727 bike!