The rise, fall, and comeback? of Leader Bikes

For lightweight, top-tier steel bikes, check out Wabi Cycles:
wabicycles.com/
Be Fixie Famous and get your name shout out at the end of each video by supporting the channel on Patreon: / zachgallardo Leader Bikes used to be the most popular, go-to, default aluminum fixed gear frameset for street riding. What made Leader Bikes so popular? What did they do right? What did they do wrong that caused them to eventually go under, and can Leader Bike recapture the magic that made them so successful in the first place? This is the rise, fall, and comeback? of Leader Bikes.
Fixie Famous Shoutout:
StanStrong108 Anthony Deza
Ryan Witt
Patreon Singlespeed Shoutout:
Carlos Flores
nicodache
@ffnivas
Barak S
Pat Bateman
Simon Newton
Gregory Tomlinson
Attribution:
Gallagher, Justin. MACAFRAMA | MASSAN EPIC HILL BOMB. KZbin. Dec 15, 2012. • MACAFRAMA | MASSAN EPI...
63Fixed. Dan Locke Leader 725 Bike Check. KZbin. May 3, 2012.
• Dan Locke Leader 725 -...
BROTURES. Emi Brown Tokyo Cruisin' by Brotures. KZbin. Oct 22, 2015. • Emi Brown Tokyo Cruisi...
Leader Bikes. Building your Leader Bike: 735. KZbin. Feb 1, 2014. • Building your Leader B...
Leader Bikes. Building your Leader Bike: Kagero/Renovatio. KZbin. Mar 4, 2014.
• Building Your Leader B...
Connect with me:
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/ strava
/ zachygallardo

[@nefariousstylo9943]

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

[@BushidoMusicOfficial]

Bryce Dueck true brother

[@DRMatt-zd4rh]

ehh i cracked a cinelli gazzetta clamp but i just removed it and brazed another one 🤷

[@obliviondio]

You won't find cracked aluminum and carbon frames with 'good' road bikes unless you overtorque. Whole different type of riders than fixie.

[@jauxed]

Would these things crack if it ever falls, I've never driven a carbon bike.

[@Marcus538]

Yep I bought a kona paddy wagon 7 years ago ,£500 never feel like upgrading , enjoy it more & more , only replaced saddle chain & tyres , tough fast , its now tatty as hell bit so what ? Rides just as good

[@kyledavidtancinco5173]

Yesss. Company history.

[@blank6972]

I would definately watch other brand history videos!

[@nikostergren]

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

[@dominicmorones8314]

I agree, I’m building a Mash Bolt 2.0 right now because I had always wanted one. They have slightly less aggressive geometry than the Histogram.

[@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.

[@albertocubillas3422]

Jamalridesbikes duuude we need to bring the fixed gear community back together here in SD. I unfortunately joined the fixed gear scene too late but maybe once this is over, more fixed gear rides will be organized

[@jamalwaterford]

Alberto Cubillas I would but I moved to Spokane WA about five years ago. Hit up the fixiefoolistsd Facebook group!

[@davidpintado1186]

Alberto Cubillas I’m from daygo you should come on one of the RubThyNip rides when this blows over, look them up on IG

[@coffee8814]

you owned one? have some shame and hide it, theyre ugly as hell

[@TTsmashers]

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

[@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.

[@318isGood]

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

[@dukelorenzmorales2601]

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

[@DJH3ARTL3SS]

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

[@astrayagrarian]

xNorwegianWood good, you have ascended to another mental plain.

[@yarryrob]

Same.

[@patrickpahutan2809]

I love my steel bike tank too. Cant go wrong with a tank.

[@eligarcia6748]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@NormansStories]

I've been looking to upgrade my VERY entry level fixed gear to a slightly nicer track frame, I think this video has convinced me to put my pennies towards a complete Dolan Pre Cursa as it comes with fairly nice parts. Someone stop me if that's the wrong choice!

[@ProbablyIsMrC]

Really good choice can’t go wrong with a pre cursa

[@dom2479]

as a entry level thats nice

[@StridersGottaStride]

I would really love to see a video about the Unknown fixed gear brand

[@rellt5498]

It seems that they are pretty much scam artists. I was considering buying a bike from them about two weeks ago, but I decided to do some more research and read about how they will either take forever to ship your bike or not even ship it at all. Then I found mrbikeshop website that had some unknown bikes and the same with them, with never shipping or taking a long time to ship. Mrbikeshop has a actual store front in LA and on their IG account they seem to sell a lot of Throne and Unknown bikes. Just seems they cant be bothered to ship out their online orders.

[@alonso9819]

Rell T mrbikeshop is the plug in L.A the unknowns are there idky they don’t ship but if you go to the store they got you

[@rellt5498]

@@alonso9819 Yeah I get that sense just from looking at their Instagram, seems like they make a lot of sales locally. Its just I have read bad reviews about them actually shipping and terrible customer service/communication when it comes to their online sales. If you are going to offer the service of shipping bikes from online order they need to step up their customer service on that end.

[@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

[@beofux3356]

This is a great idea to introduce some manufacturers and giving a good access to brand cults especially for newcomers.

[@fast.biking_freddy]

Yeah I also really like the video format. Maybe next video on Dolan and their geometry issues? Dosnoventa, Engine 11and their beginnings?

[@jerryloya1483]

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.

[@VigilanT365]

When leader came back I was shocked because I was outta of the game for years and decided to get back in it, anyways I ended up buying 2019 735 like the one in the video, not a bad frame and haven’t had any problems with the seat clamp.

[@theodoreguntoro]

You didn't mention how "new" Leader Bikes, aka Leader Bikes USA, headquarters is in Taiwan. Plus their Japan branch, Leader Bikes Japan, the one not associated with Brotures, has been disavowed by Pedal Consumption on their Instagram labeling them as Chinese vendors that stole their logo and called it their own saying that Brotures is the only authorized distributor in Japan. Leader Bikes USA's bikes sold in Japan also must have "LEADERBIKES" instead of the normal "LEADER" decal on the downtube. It's all very suspicious and I lean towards the theory of Brotures buying and owning the original rights to Leader Bikes and the new Leader to be a copycat Chinese distributor. I don't support either nevertheless

[@dennissantiago9525]

Massan was on a kissena in that one. Affinity cycles would be a good one if I may suggest 😎

[@trajtemberg]

My only gripe with leader is that my kagero frameset was almost 200g heavier than what the specsheet said. Sold it for more than i paid, so no complains there.

[@rvpanthony]

2015 Leader Renovatio here. 4 years going strong!

[@martinb6065]

I was just looking leaders last night just for nostalgia

[@madisonsantos8649]

sir..you hear ave maldea frame from ph..pls check it out..

[@cygnusx1858]

Yo this needs more likes san na mga naka piksi jan.

[@FJ-xz7yy]

or Tsunami. This brand skyrocketed in the Asian market when Leader went down

[@sirmixalot3332]

Shout out to Ave Maldea. Is it possible to order a track bike from Mr. Ave Maldea for a potential Hawaii customer?

[@palicar]

That temple behind you looks dope!

[@TheBalls2thewalls]

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!

[@climberman8]

Great video, I love my Leader 727 bike!

[@cubanb7839]

I was lucky enough to work with a mechanical engineer, he was able to fixed my 2012 Leader 725’s seat post clamp issues. The solution was drilling then tapping a hole in the top of the clamp. It takes two bolts to adjust now, but the shifting post and noise issues are gone!

[@kevinbarillas5242]

This is the video I’ve been waiting for your entire KZbin career 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@kevinbarillas5242]

Just got off work time to go watch

[@dirface]

This video hasn't aged well. I've owned 3 LEADER models, and by far, they've been the most consistent and geometrically sound fixed bikes I've ever tried. The 735 is nothing but genius, IMO. Companies face ups and downs, that doesn't mean they're good or bad, that's just business and happens to any and every company sooner or later.

[@galenkehler]

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

[@juliohernandez9372]

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!

[@angelflores7420]

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.

[@viper20]

Question where did you purchase your leader frame?

[@angelflores7420]

@@viper20 online store, and one I picked up off marketplace the other one was given. All have been great, no complaints tbh, and I’m husky 5’9 180lb seats never slid down

[@supercanardo]

Thanks for this cool video. I only became aware of this brand recently when I saw a Kagero frameset for sale and quite liked the shape of it. I'm a fan of 8Bar and their Krzberg v6, so any frame with a front slopped top tube has my attention. But I had no idea about all this since indeed, there is little info nowadays on Leader. Keep up the good work!

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Great vid Zach. Personally, I've got a Justice 18 frame (full carbon) which is rock solid for street use. Keep the work going for the road fixed gear community.

[@juanpalomo5532]

I really wanted a Crew District when it was available. A lot of people on the fixed gear subreddit had them dressed up nice. A lot of those same people said that it directly competed with the Pre Cursa.

[@ghosteh6503]

I had. 2012 725tr that came in a rare metallic purple. It was so nice. Someone ended up stealing it but it was bad ass up until it was gone. That’s the one bike I wish I still had.

[@mltron]

So I wasn't the only one looking at Visp back in the day? I really had no idea lol in any case I'm glad I didn't go that route. This video on Leader reminds me a lot of my experience (and a buttload of similar customer complaints online) with Unknown Bike Co. I ended up selling my Combat simply because I didn't want their brand seen on my behalf.

[@JeffWrestledABearOnce]

This week, I purchased the new Leader 725 2023 model after riding Unknown Bike Co. for years. Decided to give Leader a try as I remember seeing them often out on group rides. The customer service was great and the factory they ship out from is damn near 30 min from home so i got the frame by mail in like 2 days haha. Spoke to their customer service team as I had questions about fork fitment and they gave me a 15% off coupon towards my purchase. I have never been treated this well by a bike company before. Unknown Bike Co is garbage and I'm glad I made the switch.

[@shiazi3515]

Did you get your new 725? If so how’s the frame weight? I cant find anything online about the weight!

[@daewonsu9168]

My 2011 725 is still going strong. People forget how to treat track frames on the street. Launching off curbs, wheelies, dropping it occasionally, aint its cup of tea, especially if it's your daily rider. I'm convinced the seat post issues were due to budget seat posts and industrial level overtightening. I want to feel the true potential in the 725/SCRAM Omniums and convert it into a 1x speed demon. My front specialized trispoke should be CUTTING through time n space.

[@mughal_gtown]

My first fixie is a leader 721

[@kalcershox]

My Leader Kagero 2011!!

[@artemmassey4333]

What about the Leader EQNX, u didn't talk about it?

[@wanakutiaX]

thanks a lot for this video. very educational. I've always wanted to know more about Leader brand cos 725 model is a pretty nice looking fixed gear. p.s. I'd love to watch more about most reliable brands that wont break a bank. I appreciate your effort buddy!

[@AndwikaPandu]

I hope you make more of Brand Lore-ish content like this 👍👍

[@edgarlagunas2544]

You Made it man. U just earned a new subscriber Saludos amigo desde CDMX

[@wlm160]

Thanks for the vid you inspired me to ride fixed gear bikes

[@cx4130]

Good stuff Zach. Thanks for the story. 👍

[@diegovazquezdelmercado7296]

Do a vídeo about mekha! Great quality and very accesible pricing

[@quickdiy8127]

Leader still sells their older 2014 frames they still decent?

[@diamondssophia341]

Do aerospoke next.

[@juancastrejon5286]

Is this where we ask questions for the q&a at the end of the month? If so, what bike trainer would you recommend for fixed geared bikes while COVID-19 is in effect?

[@juancastrejon5286]

A friend of mine has rollers but I’m not a big fan of them. I’m looking for the other type of bike trainer

[@AKAMARU365]

Thoughts on the new Angelino TGP steel frame they were taking preorders on? Have yet to see one delivered or a review.

[@josegenaromata5437]

Es una excelente y hermosa bicicleta te felicito.

[@RickyCue]

I love my 725 but hearing the history makes me a little hesitant. I love the look of Leaders 7series and the new Affinity looks cool too. What are some legit companies that make similar track style frames worth buying?

[@kyledavidtancinco5173]

I remember watching every video you featured hahaha

[@JasonBryantGreen]

More please.

[@wjl1988504]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@64251973rrg]

I think im lucky of my 725 2014 limited edition

[@skydwellingmusic]

10:45 is officially TRVE KVLT now

[@madisonsantos8649]

gud pm sir zach..watching manila

[@cccpkingu]

If fixie riders wouldn't keep buying shit, fixie bikes would have a better reputation.

[@_oe_o_e_]

still have a 2013 mid 725. like, in parts, I never built it

[@josegallardo6016]

_oe _o_e_ like you trying to sell it

[@714erickboyy]

How much?

[@jazzmonk5670]

Man, Zach, you all in on this one....FACTS! LOL!

[@leogendary9196]

So should i get it or should i not? Im riding skream magnum 2016... should i keep it or trade it away with leader 721?? Help me out yea

[@emiamarcusantonion.6304]

steel framesets are still the best

[@yzfvincee2701]

Do a video about THRONE fixed gear bikes

[@oliverneale8114]

It's a shame they messed up so badly, I've been ridng a Leader Cure frame for about 3 years and it's been great. I've always wondered why I never saw any other Leader frames around especially after my good experience with them. Really great video Zach!

[@dylansmith543]

Great vid

[@joe-et8gw]

I just can't seem to find a good bike for a low price any I do find are either to expensive or they have mismatched parts. Any help would be appreciated.

[@xxjtreadwell]

i just want more 722 frames back.

[@xalexburzumx]

Leader , Dolan , aventon etc. is Giant manufacturing

[@denomdemon]

This is great! I love learning fixie history.

[@jakeiouy]

I LOVE YOU ZACH ❤️❤️

[@pepper508]

they are selling 2014 frames for a really good price, worth it?

[@davidkwak8154]

Can anyone give me a review or info about the 1st generation Leader EQNX? I just bought one for $600. Thank you!

[@frankrocafuerte533]

Great vid, do you happen to watch Company Man?

[@JohnSmith-mn1el]

Meanwhile in Japan, leader bikes are released annually?

[@manamaon2910]

What is a gray weight ?

[@FJ-xz7yy]

What's wrong with 27.2 seat tubes. Most frames are getting these aero seatpost.

[@Speedy.V]

Cool vid

[@macosta269]

What about the headset bearing always being out of spec

[@bigperc3081]

i have a question, so if i get a leader 2019 model and i get a 2014 leader fork work that still go with the bike?

[@bigperc3081]

or would it not fit the bike?

[@scorp171]

@@bigperc3081 It would not fit, 2019 has a tapered fork, whereas 2014 had a straight fork.

[@jcarlson2727]

yes, Cinelli

[@Marcus538]

Are seat posts really that difficult to design really ?

[@blakboyytunes]

never been a fan of leader bikes. the kaegero and heritage are pretty nice but thats it as far as their brand.

[@soulassassin0g]

Anyone who owns a leader is ironically just a follower.

[@billygorilla]

Love my kagero

[@mrcarpet4u]

how do this bike stop?

[@mimonster9167]

Tsunami frameset review

[@crazysel4475]

Can you review the Aventon Cordobra?

[@nabobgreen2070]

I’ve had mine for 5 months and I love it. Stock tires flat easy and crankset is not my favorite but overall it’s solid IMHO

[@nabobgreen2070]

CrazySel oh and stock pedals are throw away. Sorry I forgot to mention.

[@jonsteele2251]

What’s bad about Aventon bikes?

[@viewingchannel4706]

RIP Retrogresssion

[@Dats_dope]

What can I get for $600 budget

[@hawih1007]

wow you've been in Taiwan!

[@lucastheworldis1336]

Once you go steel you never go back.

[@pabloleal9653]

I swear you look like my English teacher 😳😭

[@marcol7847]

Damn I regret buying a leader. I though they were a good brand

[@randyc7351]

Do you enjoy riding it ? That's all that matters