I'm not looking for a fixie-hipster-cool-machine, but an actual real track bike. To ride on the track. Would rather just buy the thing complete, rather than start another project.
I've ridden plenty on the track before, but still dont want to put too much money into it, as I'll only be using it once a month maximum.
Any recommendations for where to look?
Dolan. Have a look on the classifieds board at the local velodrome. Or Dolan website. Even their entry level model is a great starter bike.
What's your budget? I have a 2010 Felt TK2, used about 10 times, fallen off once (resulting in me breaking). RRP was about £1200, but I'd be selling for a fair chunk less. 56cm.
Mainly selling as velodrome is over an hour away, and while it was fun for a while I don't think I can stand leaving at 5.30pm for a 7pm training session again.
Thanks Beej, but I'm looking for a 54cm. How did you like it when you rode it? There are plenty of TK2's on ebay so its a possibility.
My budget is less than £1000. I basically want to spend the minimum possible to get a reliable bike.
Fuji Classic Track?
Were under £400 recently, great reviews.
are you serious?
the fuji weighs 28lbs! the dolan pre-cursa is 10 lbs lighter and has proper track gearing.
TBH - either the Felt, Dolan or Planet-X, Cinelli, Fuji and more will all be good starter bikes.
But do you really need to buy one if riding once a month? Hire bikes are about £7-10 a session - the price of a Dolan or Felt starter is £600 - that would be then over 5 years or your once a month riding to make it worthwhile.
I really liked the Felt - not that I had much to compare it with (a couple of hire bikes and a TK3 - which became the TK2 in a convoluted set of circumstances involving a shorter mate, a friendly bike shop and £50). Much better wheels than the TK3, sexier looking too - which is important.
Can't get much better value than the Planet X track bikes;
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXPCTC/planet-x-pro-carbon-track-competition-track-bike
The only downside is they're so popular.... Every other bike seems to be one!
MrSmith - Memberare you serious?
the fuji weighs 28lbs! the dolan pre-cursa is 10 lbs lighter and has proper track gearing.
Fuji Track is just over 20lb with a front brake fitted, according to Bikeradar.
Review here - [url= http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/track/product/review-fuji-track-32342/ ]link. [/url]
I think they look great:
[img] 
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[url= http://www.velodromeshop.net/index.php?p=catalog&parent=8&pg=1 ]The Velodrome Shop [/url]seems to be the cheapest place I can find them at the mo.
Sorry, blatant plug time here!
I put this Giant Omnium track frameset on the classifieds a while ago, and guess what, yes it is still available!
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-giant-tcr-omnium-2008-track-frameset-unused-still-boxed
The more I think about it, I reckon second hand is the way to go. It's not as if you have to worry about worn out suspension, gears or brakes.
Beej might be interested in your felt. Can you mail me with price and where you are? E mail in profile ta
Try looking at the Moda, UK built bikes, they do a great alloy framed bike with a cool paint job, give them a call, they might even do a discount. Look for a bike you can fit a front brake to, they dont all come with forks drilled to accept a caliper.
new Genesis track bike looks good?
Make sure its a proper track frame with a high bottom bracket.You dont want to get a crank down on the banking on a 250m track
Pistonbroke, YGM.
have a look at this [url= http://www.v-sprint.com/pages/track-bikes.html ]clicky[/url]
being sold by james varnish whos got UCI stripes, and his daughter will be racing the track in 2012. okay not on that bike, but hes a good guy and isnt going to sell junk.