Track bike sizes

[UmneyDurak]

I ride 54 Cannondale CAAD8, with 90mm stem. It fits me really nice. I want to get the Specialized langster, but not sure of the size. I rode 54 and it seemed a bit on a short side for me. The 56 fit me much nicer, but I keep hearing for track to go smaller or the same size as road. Any advise?

Thanks.

[fixedpip]

The old advice of "go a little smaller on the track" is...

i) Just a rule-of-thumb. You should ride what you find comfortable. I ride pretty much the same size road and track bike for example.

ii) Not always true with compact or sloping geometry frames like the Langsters. The stated size of the frame is not always comparable to a more 'traditional' frame size.

iii) Fit is about a lot of dimensions not just a single seat-tube or top-tube size.

A good bike shop should be able to help you with fit when buying new.

[UmneyDurak]

The old advice of "go a little smaller on the track" is...

i) Just a rule-of-thumb. You should ride what you find comfortable. I ride pretty much the same size road and track bike for example.

ii) Not always true with compact or sloping geometry frames like the Langsters. The stated size of the frame is not always comparable to a more 'traditional' frame size.

iii) Fit is about a lot of dimensions not just a single seat-tube or top-tube size.

A good bike shop should be able to help you with fit when buying new.

In terms of handling, will it make that much of a difference, 56 vs 54?

[CafeRacer]

Going smaller is stupid unless your a powerhouse sprinter. IF you ride a bike with a 56cm effective top tube lengh on the road get the same for track.

Sprinters are known to ride smaller frames because they can be stiffer, and are a little more nimble for hardcore manouvers. In most cases sprinters are known for riding smaller frames with longer stems because high end frames are often only made up to a 56cm size. On the road I ride a 57 with a 100mm stem, on the track 55.5 with a 110 stem and a deep drop sprinters bar.

[UmneyDurak]

Going smaller is stupid unless your a powerhouse sprinter. IF you ride a bike with a 56cm effective top tube lengh on the road get the same for track.

Sprinters are known to ride smaller frames because they can be stiffer, and are a little more nimble for hardcore manouvers. In most cases sprinters are known for riding smaller frames with longer stems because high end frames are often only made up to a 56cm size. On the road I ride a 57 with a 100mm stem, on the track 55.5 with a 110 stem and a deep drop sprinters bar.

Thats the thing. I ride 54 CAAD8 roadbike, with 90mm stem. When I test rode 54 Langster it seemed to be a bit on a short side. The 56, with 100mm stem fit me better. Talking to a friend who is in to track, he recommended 54. Because it would handle better on steeper tracks on turns. Not sure how long the stem is on 54. Looking at geometries the top tubes of 54 CAAD8 and 54 Langster are about the same. So maybe it's just in my head that it was on a short side for me? What do you guys recommend 56, or 54 (maybe with longer stem). I am so confused. :(

[fixedpip]

UmneyDurak - Am I right in thinking you haven't done much track racing?

If you really can't decide, then go to your local velodrome and rent some bikes. That way you can see if track is for you, what you like to ride and how it handles (they should have a range of sizes). Talk to other riders, see what they say about the local tracks around where you are. It will probably clear up some of this dilemma.

Alternatively, try asking your question in the SingleSpeed/Fixed Gear forum - posting your measurements (height, inside leg) - there are a ton of langster owners there. You may get some useful advice about sizing.

Also your LBS, should be able to fit you properly and I would listen to their advice.

[CafeRacer]

Your best bet if your confused is to take in your bike to a shop that has Langersters in stock and fit a langster exactly to the same reach, seat height, seat slack (behind the BB) bar height in relation to the saddle and saddle to bar reach. If with the stock parts it almost lines up then its in your head :)

Remember that track bikes generaly have higher BB's. This somtimes makes the bike feel shorter as your above the bar more unless its been corrected for the higher BB. Witch they usualy arent. Manufactures assume that all track races run their bars an inch from the tire witch is false. Another big thing to consider is that specialized bars are just dam wierd. I ran one on my road bike for a bit untill I got sick of it, I had to use a stem that was 10mm longer because its very shallow and short reach.

With modern technol theres nothing wrong in using a 120 stem on a track bike if you have too, If the fit of the smaller langster is better but the reach isnt enough get a longer stem. When in doubt like mentioned go see the shop and get one on one help.