Track bike for commuting?

[rkelsen]

I've recently started noticing how sexy older track bikes can be.

How would a short wheelbase steel track bike handle a commute on roads and bike paths? Obviously, I'll be adding brakes. (clamp on ones. I'm not planning on drilling any vintage steel...)

My question is about whether it can/should be done? Opinions & experiences please.

I think I can convince the finance minister that I need a vintage Italian...

[lethoso]

well you could ride a unicycle to work if you wanted to, doesn't mean it's a good idea though.

[Pax]

well you could ride a unicycle to work if you wanted to, doesn't mean it's a good idea though.

Jeez lets hope Colin Old and Cranky doesn't read this or you're in big trouble

[rkelsen]

well you could ride a unicycle to work if you wanted to, doesn't mean it's a good idea though.

Hence the question...

FWIW, I regularly see people riding unicycles on my commute. They never seem to know what to do with their hands. It's kinda funny to watch them "shimmy" down the road.

[jules21]

How would a short wheelbase steel track bike handle a commute on roads and bike paths? Obviously, I'll be adding brakes. (clamp on ones. I'm not planning on drilling any vintage steel...)

do they have caliper bosses?

[sogood]

Plenty of people use track frame for their fixie commuter build. The higher BB would reduce the chance of pedal strikes. Short wheelbase? It'll just make you more agile amongst the traffic.

[rkelsen]

How would a short wheelbase steel track bike handle a commute on roads and bike paths? Obviously, I'll be adding brakes. (clamp on ones. I'm not planning on drilling any vintage steel...)

do they have caliper bosses?

Of course they don't, smartypants.

Have you seen these clamp on caliper kits for track bikes? Linky.

Short wheelbase? It'll just make you more agile amongst the traffic.

Thanks man.

So it's a goer... Watch this space.

[hartleymartin]

I've recently started noticing how sexy older track bikes can be.

How would a short wheelbase steel track bike handle a commute on roads and bike paths? Obviously, I'll be adding brakes. (clamp on ones. I'm not planning on drilling any vintage steel...)

My question is about whether it can/should be done? Opinions & experiences please.

I think I can convince the finance minister that I need a vintage Italian...

You could - I don't think it is such a great idea, but you could always try it out and report your findings to the wider community.

[rearviewmirror]

No problem commuting on a track bike at all, lots of folks do it.

[jaseyjase]

Considering many couriers around the world use old track bikes all day long, im sure you'll be fine =)

[alchemist]

Would depend a lot on the bike; toe overlap and comfort could be a issue.

Other than that riding fixed on the street is not an issue

[ColinOldnCranky]

FWIW, I regularly see people riding unicycles on my commute. They never seem to know what to do with their hands. It's kinda funny to watch them "shimmy" down the road.

We stick them down the lycra pressure togs, adjust and jiggle the dangly bits and keep our hands warm. Why else do you think we always have a stupid grin?

[mikesbytes]

I commute on a steel track bike.

This one