Track Cycling - Track noob which bike, please?

OK, I know everyone gets tired of these, but here goes:

I work pt at a bike shop that carries Cannondale, Kona, and KHS so my choices are limited to those. I was going with the Cannondale but it wouldn't be here until late Feb. and I want to get out there nowish as I'd miss 3 race weekends this winter.

The local velodrome is 333m outdoor concrete track with pretty steep (don't have angle in front of me) banking.

Kona offers the Paddy Wagon-more of a commuter offering-flip flop hub, dual brakes, road bars

KHS offers the Flite 100-very cheap and extremely entry-level

These are my options so feel free to flame both or either but I'm not going to go get a pista instead, so which one?

I'd rather be late with my first choice than early with my second choice

I'd rather be late with my first choice than early with my second choice

Do you think that the Capo is a significantly better choice then?

As I understand it, the Paddy Wagon is little more than a road bike with track ends. I would stick to a good off-the-peg track bike. The KHS Flite 100 is good, but Bikes Direct sells the same thing for less money with the Kilo TT. However, with your shop discount, it might still work out that the Flite 100 is a better deal.

As I've read, the Capo is the same frame as the classic Cannondale track, which remains a very popular and well-used bike at velodromes, and it's also the most nicely spec'ed, lightest, and best looking of your options.

Personally, I'd go with the Capo. Does your velodrome has rental bikes you could use to get started until the Capo arrives? I'd rather blow $30 renting bikes for a few races than end up making a multi-hundred dollar purchase of a bike I didn't really want.

I've been thinking about it and I am going to try one of the rental bikes, a Flite 100 we provided that's never ridden. That way I can test out the Flite, see how I like it and then if it's good enough get one, if it's not I can always get the Cannondale. Right now Flite has my size in stock too so it would only take a week.

Besides, I might get out there and decide I like to stop pedaling occasionally ;)

Thanks

You might be able to get the Mercier Kilo TT for less than what cost is on the KHS, and they're the same exact bike.

You might be able to get the Mercier Kilo TT for less than what cost is on the KHS, and they're the same exact bike.

I agree it's basically the same bike, but the KHS is spec'ed slightly better, with Sugino cranks, a sealed BB, and a threadless headset. Plus it will actually be greased when it's put together, unlike the Kilo TT. I'd say it's worth it if the OP can get it for $400-$450. Otherwise, go with the Kilo.

Well, I went and rented the Flite 100. It's plenty for me until I get up to Cat 3 so I'm going to go ahead and order one.

As far as the Mercier. . . you're probably right about the cost, but as a LBS employee, I've put together enough BD bikes to not waste the money.

First track races in 2 weeks! Woohoo!!!