Classic & Vintage - Track vs. Road

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iab
12-30-06, 08:42 PM
There is an interesting Legnano on the bay right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250068577198&fromMakeTrack=true

Since it is '58, there are no braze-on cable stops, etc., they only used clamp-on guides, etc. What would be the differences between a road bike and a track bike? I can think of the following:
Rear drop outs
Rear spacing (maybe?)
Drilled fork for brake (although I have seen Legnano track bikes with a factory drilled fork)

Anything else? Also, I have been looking for a track bike from the fifties and was thinking I could convert this one. Good or bad idea?

intron
12-30-06, 08:57 PM
other differences probably, faster steering frame geometry, and more ground clearance at the BB.
M-theory
12-30-06, 10:55 PM
Yeah, track bikes have different frame geomtry..... they are ulta-responsive. If you really want a vintage track bike...look at some of the vintage 50's & 60's Austrailian bikes selling on eBay (like Malvern Star, etc.). They're really cool and sell for 1/2 the price of European and Japanese track frames.

iab
12-31-06, 10:03 AM
I will definately look into those Austrailian bikes, thanks for the tip.

If I get that Legnano and convert it to a fixie, would you all start screaming "Despicable Disgusting Blasphemy!" like that Cinelli conversion?
Serendipper
12-31-06, 10:35 AM
I will definately look into those Austrailian bikes, thanks for the tip.

If I get that Legnano and convert it to a fixie, would you all start screaming "Despicable Disgusting Blasphemy!" like that Cinelli conversion?


That Legano really wants to be converted to something....it's just sitting there all sad and lonely.
smurfy
12-31-06, 04:28 PM
That Legano really wants to be converted to something....it's just sitting there all sad and lonely.

I concur. It would be a waste to just let it not be used. A fixie would be a good idea.
Gary Fountain
12-31-06, 05:46 PM
I will definately look into those Austrailian bikes, thanks for the tip.

If I get that Legnano and convert it to a fixie, would you all start screaming "Despicable Disgusting Blasphemy!" like that Cinelli conversion?

"A CONVERSION" - I'm composing my reply right now!
onetwentyeight
12-31-06, 05:51 PM
any frame is happier on the road than in a garage.