Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - leader LD 735TR Track frame?

Yesterday I was riding in central park past a guy on a leader LD 735TR. After some research, I'm thinking about buying one of these frames to replace my Mercier ebay commuter fixie. I already have a velodrome bike, so I am really only thinking about lightening my commuter (the steel mercier is a beast to carry up 3 flights!), and also improving on its aesthetics. What I really like about the Leader is that the aero downtubes and flat black annodizing match the style of my road bike very closely.

Honestly I just like the way it looks, and I'm not too worried about performance, as It will be used primarily to ride 5 or 6 miles to school and back.

Anyway.... I searched the forum and found a disturbing thread ( link (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=121950&highlight=leader+track) ) that seemed to concentrate mostly on the main ebay seller of the leader track frame. There was concern about the quality of the leader forks as well, which I will definitely NOT be buying. The thread is almost two years old, so I am wondering if anyone has recent experiences with this brand/frame, and if so, has quality stabilized, and should I buy on ebay, direct from Leader, or not at all...

Thanks.

here's a pic...
http://www.leaderbikestore.com/prod_images_large/header_1sm1.jpg

if u want a commuter bike whay you dont get an 80's italian road frame and make it fixie??? those frames last forever and probably will ride 100 times better than your old steel frame. Sometimes you have to play safe you know. The other factor is that it will be easier to sell an old italian frame than a leader. Im not saying that leader is doing bad things but we have to recognize that the details in the leader are sort ugly.

Now if u have money to spend get a duratec track frame, put a road fork to it and you are all set... Duratec frames are super good frames, the paiting is awesomely well done and the finishing is like a de rosa... Duratec isnt junk anyways... dunno how your pocket is it anyways but duratec is available like for 550 and the leader isnt even near to it. Dunno, it dpends of you and what do you want to do also... good luck :)

thanks for the reference. i checked out the duratec, but i think at that price it is a bit too expensive for this application. basically i was looking for something fun to ride, nice looking, and not too expensive (ie: if it gets stolen, i can afford to replace it).

I went ahead and ordered the leader frame, as my roommate just bought my old commuter frame, which essentially negated the price :)

i'll post my thoughts next week when the frame arrives.

have you built the bike with the leader frame yet?

I have a leader ld 734tr built up, I have no complaints, especially considering the price I paied for it.

I have a 735TR. I love it. Mine does triple duty. I use it to ocassionally commute and saturday rides. I use it for the local tt series, and I use it on the track. I get alot of questions about it, mostly people from people who see them on ebay. It might be a bit too harsh for commuting, but that would have to be up to you. I won states kilo and persuit last year, sadly placed second this year.

HTH.

Mike

I really want one [735tr] to replace my commuter FG as well.
The geometry seems more legit than my Cayne Uno,
The tubing has got to be stiffer-
and the price!
Sell my Uno frameset and swap all the parts...
will *most of the components be compatible???
[This is the deciding factor.]

Do the Leader Decals come off easy? I'd buy the frame then take off the decals.........

Do the Leader Decals come off easy? I'd buy the frame then take off the decals.........

me too.

This guy stripped and powder-coated his. Looks pretty good, I think.

http://velospace.org/files/IMG_0947.jpg

i really like this frame.. anyone know the exact weight? just wondering. the website says under 3.2lbs

Haha you still need to get your kilo first!

This guy stripped and powder-coated his. Looks pretty good, I think.

http://velospace.org/files/IMG_0947.jpg

That is some fookin' tight clearance!!! I can't even see daylight between the rear wheel and the seat tube!! nice.

That is some fookin' tight clearance!!! I can't even see daylight between the rear wheel and the seat tube!! nice.

My track bike has a similar seat tube and it's "dented" inward, so you can really get the wheel in there. Currently I don't but if I change my ratio and/or chain length I could.

Haha you still need to get your kilo first!

I GOT IT!!!:D:p