I was planing to build a SS/Fixed geared bike using this frame. I then had second thought as to whether a 700c wheelset would fit. After a look around I saw this cheap frame. The original aim of the build was 1) build a bike and 2) have a second bike that I could use to race my brother with around the local crit track. Now, I'm thinking that I might want to try a bit of track stuff later on, so I was wondering if it would be better of saving up for a pricier, proper track frame such as this one or a nice steel frame. The only reason I thought it may be better was because the cheap frame may not/is probably not, track geometry. But for mild use would I be able to get away with just a cheap frame? Is a road still bottom bracket height really going to stuff me over?
If there are any other pointers that you could give me I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
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Building a bike for potential mild track use
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Building a bike for potential mild track use
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
One of the people I sometimes ride track with has a cheapie track frame. Not that particular one - they have a VISP of some description, I believe. The frame doesn't hold them back, not that I can tell. There are a couple of threads on here about those frames and I gather the message is the same: they go okay. Whether the same can be said of this particular frame, I don't know, but there doesn't seem to be anything inherently wrong with cheap track frames.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
I'm all for cheaper quality products. What I've read though, is often cheaper frames are marketed as 'track frames' whilst having a more road like geometry. They do this because the main market is people who want to build city bikes. The track dropout just helps with the whole fixie/ss craze. I just don't want to find out my BB is to low the hard way.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
Some velodromes are quite road-bike friendly. People ride road bikes all the time on a one near me (Caboolture, near Brisbane). I expect a board track would be another matter.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
the Visps off ebay are great frames to start off with, and have proper track geometry. the one from cycling deal looks nasty.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
I can only find a complete fixie, dont want that.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
If you're not in a hurry, I'd be watching the second hand market for something track orientated. Look for frames with drillings for brakes if you want to ride it on the street. If you're thinking of track racing, then this will be your best bet. Good packages come around for fair prices. Lots of fixies that I've seen around are track orientated frames. They will ride slightly harsher in general, but it all comes down to how much you'd use it outside of racing.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
I was under the impression the langster didnt have a proper track geometry as well? Someone may correct me, as I haven't looked at the geometry, but remember hearing it soemwhere.
First thing I looked for was the BB drop on the cycling deal website, but its not listed. Hard to tell then whether it has the proper clearance. You'd be fine on a larger outdoor velodrome with shallow banks, but as said above, you wouldnt want to find out your BB was too low on a steep indoor track.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
Okay, so what is an I deal bb height? The bikes primary uses will getting around as well as racing with friends on the local track. It would just be nice to know that if I really did enjoy Velo riding I could get away with some minor upgrades to the bike and not have to purchase a new frameset. When you say 'fair' what does that mean price wise. Main reason I want to build a track bike is the fact that a lack of a groupset allows for a substantially cheaper build budget.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
I know my (track specific) bike has a BB drop of 55mm. Ive seen track bikes with less, but not sure about more drop than that. I roadie would have a BB drop around 70mm and above. With shorter cranks you can get away with greater drop.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
Okay, thanks. I'll try and give them a call and enquire but I reckon it'll be fairly likely that it will be of no help.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
Yeah that's the best bet. I've found cycling deal to be pretty helpful when I've called.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
As an example of BB drop, you've got the 55mm drop mentioned above, and y own is 45mm. The only time you will have a problem with BB drop is on a steep strack at low speed. As for "fair" price, I mean you can get full bikes with some good upgraded bits for a good price or saving from new. Every now and again you can get one at a great price. Good quality track parts can last a long time. Do your research, there's plenty of info out there, and work out what you're aiming for component quality wise. You can avoid a fair bit of upgrading by buying smartly. Also don't forget the fixie crowd. As suggested above, there's a few good track style bikes getting around there. You can often get good track stuff cheaper from the fixie crowd.
Re: Building a bike for potential mild track use
You are better off picking up something like a new Specialized Langster pro. I know a few guys rocking these and are super happy with them. Cheaper than building if you plan on putting some half decent parts on.
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