decent entry level track frame set?

[boatonthehill]

Hi Guys
Had my first bite at riding on the track and am hooked! after the first couple of laps I thought to myself,
"how am i going to justify ANOTHER wad of cash going towards 'cycling stuff' to the missus".

I am after the brains trusts help on a decent (cheap!) frame and fork set for someone like me who wants to use the track over winter once to twice a week as cross training for the road, not to win races with!
Ive used the loaner bikes at the track (steel) but would love to have my own steed down the line that fits me right.
I have wheels, cranks and good track bars just need a frame,fork and stem.

Im happy with steel (my preference) or aluminum and would prefer something more 'classic' looking than a space aged aero frame

any help would be appreciated!

[darkhorse75]

Check out the track frames at wiggle, alloy and steel Cinelli's for around $600 or even the Tifosi for $270 without forks.

[Mulger bill]

Search out member Brauluvers "boardrider" project.

Shaun

[boatonthehill]

thanks for the input guys, the wiggle Cinelli frames look great!

there is plenty of 'fixie' or 'road track' frames out here on ebay etc but a bit harder to find a true track frame.

what is everyones opinion on these?

http://www.thebikebiz.com/ProductDetail ... -TRK-DEB01

&

http://www.thebikebiz.com/ProductDetail ... -TRK-TOR01[/url][/url]

[foo on patrol]

I'd be asking, what the tubing is? Also what warranty, it comes with?
Concerns me, that the demo photos, are taken in a long grass. Very unprofessional in my opinion.

Gary

[bman81]

I'd be asking, what the tubing is? Also what warranty, it comes with?
Concerns me, that the demo photos, are taken in a long grass. Very unprofessional in my opinion.

Gary

I'd have similar questions and concerns. Also, I noticed that both have Italian bottom brackets - not so much a problem, just something to be aware of if you have gear already.

I ride one of these. Not your classic steel steed, but a solid lump of alloy that goes alright and is priced very nicely if you have a good relationship with your LBS

[broke]

Be cheaper to buy my avanti in the for sale section , not classic style either but when I was looking the steel track frames always seemed to go for more due to the coolness factor, bloody hipsters.

[alex]

hillbrick pista complete bike, change the bottom bracket and tyres and go and race

[brentono]

FWIW
Have mentioned this in another post
Go the inexpensive route...
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/fixie-track-fixe ... 0501897300
Cheers,
BrentonO

[rein08]

Have been biking for two years.
HAve a nice day.
Keep safe.

[toppity]

FWIW
Have mentioned this in another post
Go the inexpensive route...
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/fixie-track-fixe ... 0501897300
Cheers,
BrentonO

my god that is cheap.

Have you heard any local feedback on them? I might upgrade the old Hillman if they are half decent.

[brentono]

Toppity,
I do not have one.
Have seen a few reports, it would seem they are OK/good.

You get what you pay for...

They are talked about a lot, on most of the cycling forums. DYOR.
Would be a great beginners bike, for the cost, IMHO.
(for those who wish to try out Track Racing, and see if it suits)
The final decision, will be up to you.
Good Luck.
Cheers,
BrentonO

[toppity]

Toppity,
I do not have one.
Have seen a few reports, it would seem they are OK/good.

You get what you pay for...

They are talked about a lot, on most of the cycling forums. DYOR.
Would be a great beginners bike, for the cost, IMHO.
(for those who wish to try out Track Racing, and see if it suits)
The final decision, will be up to you.
Good Luck.
Cheers,
BrentonO

That is true with everything in life is it not? I'll be holding off for awhile anyway. This summer will be my first on the track for over 15 years. The old beast will be more than enough for me. I hope the Warrigal club has a regular Saturday met like CCCC did in the old days.

[brentono]

That is true with everything in life is it not?

I'll be holding off for awhile anyway.
This summer will be my first on the track for over 15 years. The old beast will be more than enough for me.
I hope the Warrigal club has a regular Saturday met like CCCC did in the old days.

Money, can't buy "heart" or "ability"

Would think that a good old 531 Hillman would be lighter, anyway, IF? that is a valid point

All the best, for your return, "muscle memory" can help, you've been there, before.

Take it easy, to begin with, and enjoy it! (most importantly)

Cheers,
BrentonO

[toppity]

Money, can't buy "heart" or "ability"

Well I'm buggared then.

I'll be nervous, but in a good way.

Cheers.

[ryan]

FWIW
Have mentioned this in another post
Go the inexpensive route...
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/fixie-track-fixe ... 0501897300
Cheers,
BrentonO

my god that is cheap.

Have you heard any local feedback on them? I might upgrade the old Hillman if they are half decent.

I ride with a guy who rides on his on the road. He does 70km a day + the occassional 200km ride on it and rides it hard. Gutters, potholes, whatever. It's 18months old and is still holding up well.

Be warned: I've heard that the measurements on the ebay sales listingare innaccurate. They measure the length of the tube rather than a c-c measurement you would normally expect.

[ciaran]

I have one, and have given it a good thrashing around the local track. Verdict is... GREAT for the money, and it is a worthy competitor to other store-bought track bikes in the $1000-1500 price bracket.

The eBay ad's measurements are spot-on, provided you read where it clearly states the seat tube measurement is c-t. The TT measurement is more important for fit anyway.

Weight of the new bike is much less than my old bike with CR-MO frame (8.7 vs. 9.1kg), and welds are no more ugly than a Hillbrick Pista. Since the picture was taken I have replaced the alu forks with some CF forks, as the ride was noticeably rougher on Alu (SURPRISE!). So it is now down to 8.5kgs.

All in all, great value for money!

[brentono]

Thanks Ciaran, and pretty well as I had thought
A good concise report there (as against the emotive bs some spruke) and
would be a decent entry level track frame, changing the forks is interesting,
let us all know how it goes, good luck with your riding.
($for$ way better than a "LOOK" eh!)
Cheers,
BrentonO

[toppity]

Thanks for the update Ciaran. Great report.

[ciaran]

no probs guys.

the fork swap is no big deal. The fork offsets were both the same, so it was like for like. I much prefer the compliance of the CF forks, and on my local hotmix velodrome it really is noticeable.

And Brentono, I tip my hat to you. You were right about this one. Everyone should always listen to Brentono, he knows.

I look at this frameset for 230 delivered, and then look at the LOOK AL464 for $1000 delivered. Sure you get a gucci paintjob and some purdy welding on the LOOK, but I would be no quicker on the Look than I would be on this one. This way I have $800 in my pocket for spending on better things... Like a new wheelset for my road bike.

Now I just need to get my flying 200 down to a sub 13sec time and I'll be happy. (currently at a PB of 13.66)

[brentono]

And Brentono, I tip my hat to you. You were right about this one. Everyone should always listen to Brentono, he knows.

Thanks Ciaran
A bit over the top quote, eh! "Everyone should always listen to Brentono"
(I am actually surprised that anyone was "listening" but, it seems a few here,
have been, recently, and acknowledged it! Thanks)