Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - What do you think of this Bike?

Hi All,
I'm new to the track world and have just finished the learn to ride coures at our local velodrome - of course, I am hooked now! I rode the track rental bike for the first three sessions and am now looking for a track bike of my own. Here's a pic' of a local bike for sale. It's a 53 cm, steel Cramerotti with 165 mm cranks and 50X17 gearing. Of course I will take of the brakes. I will try it out this week end to see if it fits. The only thing I am worried about is the headset/stem. Is this a threadless headset? How does one adjust the stem lengths on these? Also, what would be a good set fo rings/cogs to start with?

http://courses.capcollege.bc.ca/faculty/cgratham/images/bike1.jpg

Thanks for any advice,
Chris
Chris Gratham
North Vancouver, BC

The stem/headset combo here is 1" threaded, so in order to swap out the stem, you would need to remove the bar tape and slide the bars out, etc.

As far as what geaering to run, that depends on a variety of things. Best thing to do is check out what the local runs and then ask/participate in a few classes to get your velo legs as well as some shared experience.
Enjoy - that looks to be a really nice bike for the track!

Thanks for the reply. The owner (and the Cramerotti website) claim that this is a "real" track geometry. But in the pic it looks like there is a lot of room between the real tire and the seat stay. Is this anything to worry about?

Thanks, Chris

if you look closely you can also see that the axle is really far back. Take out two full links and you can move the wheel up an ince with that gear ratio.

Great bike!

Guispeppe at Campione (8th and Burrard) is a great help.

Highly addictive sport this one.

Keep riding! (I was at Burnaby last night)