Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Langster v. Pista(s)

My wife says I have more money than sense, and I'm out to prove it by getting into track cycling (after a few years of time trials and triathons), and buying a bike for it. I prefer to go with what my favorite local bike store has, which means Bianchi or Specialized. The perceived problems:

Specialized Langster Comp: Have heard the the Alex wheels are crap, and particularly for heavier guys (like me at 230).

Bianchi Pista: Have heard that the frame is nice (if not overly "track"), but the parts are substandard, with stories of shearing off bolts and stuff. Also, maybe too damn trendy -- I ain't a Frisco messenger.

Bianchi Pista Concept: Getting a bit pricy, but I'll bite the bullet if it's worth it. While the package looks great, the stock wheels are tubular, and I'd rather have clincher (because I don't trust myself with tubulars, don't want to rely on the shop every time they need a tweak, and may use the bike some on the road).

Any advice on the direction I should go with this? The Pista Concept frame and crank with different wheels, maybe? If so, what wheels?

Thanks for the help . . .

I'd go with the Bianchi Pista or Concept. Mostly that's because I don't like compact geometry which (if I'm not mistaken) the Langster has.

The Concept is a much nicer bike and personally I'd use the stock wheels (actually, I do use those wheels, different bike though).

I guess it really depends on how serious you want to get. If you think you're really going to be into go with the Concept.

The plain langster? I think the base model is completely different from the others.

The pista should be fine though and for the price of the langster comp you could almost get a pista concept.

I just got a used S-works langster frameset and it's been great. I think I like the compact geometry better than the standard geometry pinarello I was on. The only thing I don't like is the lack of steel inserts in the dropouts, but the newer ones have the steel inserts.

Let me throw this one into the mix: my second favorite local bike shop carries Felt, and the TK2 falls in the Langster Comp and Pista Concept price range, but again with the Alex wheels . . .

the trackends are really short too.

My Daughter loves her Pista Concept. If you want to ride on the road, don't get the Concept, I has NO brake mounting holes.

Pista Concept, if you can afford it. It's so nice, rides great on the track. I'm glad I splashed out on it.

If you have more money than sense, and want to slowly wade into something new like track cycling, then get an entry level bike, and upgrade later. Either the pista or the langster would be fine. Plus, you can throw on a brake for taking them on the road.

You can always buy a fancier bike later.

If you've got the money to spend get the Concept. Youll grow into it as you get faster and better at track cycling. Plus you mention your weight. You will find the frame of the concept alot stiffer than the steel pista. Yes there are frames made out of steel that are CRAZY stiff but not that one.

As for the wheels, there is nothing wrong with tubies. In fact more riders prefer them on track for many reasons but that debate need not start in this thread :) If you really want clinchers ask your shop if they'll swap em. If theres a track near by they will sell fast im sure of it.

As for the concept having no brakes its no big deal. If your only going to ride it at the track your set. When you get confident on a fix gear you wont have any issues riding it on the road. I do most my training on my track bike on the road with no brakes for the same reason. If it really scares you all it takes is a 1/4" bit to drill out the fork, or frame for a brake.

Let me throw this one into the mix: my second favorite local bike shop carries Felt, and the TK2 falls in the Langster Comp and Pista Concept price range, but again with the Alex wheels . . .
Personally I like the Felt Tk2 a lot more than the Concept, but that's mostly aesthics...

Pulled the trigger: Pista Concept. Comes in and get fit later this week. I'll let y'all know how wonderful it is after I've fallen on my head a few times.

nice. What did you decide on the wheels?

I'm going to give the stock wheels a try -- my LBS guys said that they will set them up nice and teach me the basic maintenance.

Awesome! Have fun!