My First Track Bike Build

[JB]

I'm thinking of building (ordering parts on-line) myself.

After days of fruitless searching (either way too expensive of simply out of stock for size required of XS) - I'm running out of ideas.

Also there seems like there are some restrictions placed on shops by importers ie - the shops are not allowed to sell to public except out of the shop.

eg http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles/specialized/track/langster-2012/footscray/vic/102005233 - IN STORE ONLY

There does seem more choice however if you start to look at the parts individually.

The challenge or risk for me being new to Track is :
a) what parts do i need.
b) will the parts be compatible with each other.
c) AM I CRAZY?

Has anyone been done this road before and any advice on how / where to go to learn more?

TIA
John

[high_tea]

I put a track bike together about a year and a half ago. It was fairly straightforward. In terms of compatibility, the big thing was the drivetrain. You want everything to line up to give a good chainline. Track specific stuff is all standardised on 42mm, so you shouldn't gave a drama there. Dixie stuff may be different. Some manufacturers aren't forthcoming or with chainline figures and/or recommended BB length, which can be a drag.

Another thing to watch is the different chain widths: 1/8" and 3/32". Most track stuff is 1/8".

Handlebar diameter is another one: there are several different sizes out there.

I found it was a fun, doable little project. There were a few things to bear in mind, but I was aware of them in advance (or got lucky ) so it all went fine. It was satisfying too.

Oh. Tools. If you have 1/8" chain a standard chainwhip probably won't work. Other than that the tools needed are pretty standard.

[JB]

thanks for that

[gururug]

In the middle of a build right now, thought it would take 1.5 months but looking like it's going to pan out to be 3. Mostly due to overseas postage.

The frame is the hardest part. Then bars, then drivetrain. Pay attention to frame headset and bb dimensions as there is a bit of variation. Also, choose the bars before the stem so you can match the correct dimensions here.

Considering that I would have swapped most of the parts out of a shop purchased steed. Custom is working out very good for me, apart from all the waiting......

You can change any parts except the weight of the frame so choose wisely.

[brawlo]

Building a track bike up is relatively easy. As mentioned, if you stick to track rather than fixie stuff, it should all go together easy. Do some searching around if you haven't already, to see what is commonly used. Commonly used = tried and tested and works!

Your biggest decisions will be handlebars and crankset. The handlebars will dictate the stem style and length, and the cranks will really be purely personal choice and will then dictate what BB you will need. I would suggest you stick to 144BCD cranks as they would be more common in track circles. 130BCD is not that uncommon though.