affordable complete track bikes...

[The_Mickstar]

I'm looking for a complete, stock "entry level" track bike. Something with decent frame & components that I will not want to change everything out on as soon as I get it. A nice steel frame would be ideal. My budget is only ~$600, though.

This bike will be raced on the track (which I've never done), but will also see a lot of time on the street training, as well. Because of this, the wheels will be a concern (they'll see a little more rough surface than a true track-only bike) and I'll be sticking with clinchers.

I am a triathlete and have spent alot of time on my tri bike riding at 80* STA, so I don't think the steep angles of a track bike will be an issue for me.

Any suggestions?

I'm 6'2 and 195lb. So, whatever I get will likely be a larger size. Just FYI.

Also, what's the cockpit of choice? Seems that it's about an even split between drops and bullhorns, from what I've seen. But, that's mainly just looking around the SS/FG Forum, so there's probably some bias there.

Thanks.

Steve

[Dubbayoo]

- you'll be hardpressed to find a complete track bike for $600, plan on Ebay'ing a used one
- If you do find a new one under $1,000 it will likely be aluminum
- You can't mass start with bull horns so you may as well train like you race.
- Used Fuji's aren't too hard to come by

[xthugmurderx]

cycle smithy ( a shop in chicago) has fuji pros on closeout or about 600. pickup only though. get a local to pick it up and ship it to you. oh yeah, on ebay. punch fuji pro. it should come up. pretty sure they've got a 60cm.

[bitingduck]

The low end Bianchi Pista seems to be available around here (LA) for $500 or less (a lot of people seem to have gotten them cheap through shop discounts). It's heavy but it works fine. I think the bolt circle for the chainrings is something odd (as in not 144), so you won't be able to borrow chainrings, and some common track sizes may be hard to come by.

As Dial Tone said, Ebay is a good bet, or some other used source. If you have a little patience you can probably get a decent deal on a used one with good components.

And you can't use bullhorns in mass start events on the track, though they're ok for time trials (usually paired with aero bars)

[I am The Edge]

mickstar - this would be perfect for you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2005-Fuji-Pro-Track-Bike-Fixed-Gear-61-W-UPGRADES-NIB_W0QQitemZ190095523304QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

i thought about getting it but i've decided on a different frame.

[fixedpip]

Around 600 USD you're looking at IRO, Fuji, Binachi Pistas etc or finding something 2nd hand.

Have seen Fuji, KHS flites and Bianchi Pistas used as started bikes at several velodromes. They're all solid bikes which would work well as street trainers.

See this thread for lots of opinions on budget bikes (though a lot of the info is more relevant for street use)
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=225713&highlight=budget

You'll have to change the gearing for the velodrome as you'll need a higher gear. Most of these bikes have 130bcd cranks, which are slightly harder to find decent 1/8" chainrings for. But businesscycles.com and many other suppliers can sort you out.

I would though go to your local velodrome. They should have rentals you can use, which enables you to explore opitions and ask questions. They may also have a noticeboard/mailing list where people post bikes for sale.

[oldsprinter]

If you could stretch the budget to a BareKnuckle frame and some Miche parts/or eBayed 2nd hand Campag parts you'd have a very nice bike.

[Autobus]

burp

[CrimsonKarter21]

There is a group buy going on for the Miche Primato Groupset, I think it's sub $400 for everything but the pedals.