Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Fuji Track Pro vs Van Dessel Drag Strip Courage, looking for opinions.

After taking some Velodrome classes and doing some 'new rider' training sessions I have decided to get a bike dedicated soley for track use. To make things a bit easier, swifter, and somewhat cheaper (I dont have hook-ups at a LBS) Ive decided I think I will just go with a Complete instead of parting a bike together from scratch.

So far Ive narrowed my list down to the Fuji Track Pro and Van Dessel Drag Strip Courage. I did have the Jamis Sonik on my list, but Ive scoured google and called all my LBS's and theyre out of Jamis Soniks, so thats off the list.

I can get the Fuji Track Pro (stock) for around $750ish after seeing what they go for on eBay and craigslist. While I can get the Drag Strip Courage (w/ Volos Tubulars) in my size for $950 (which is nearly half of MSRP). Both bikes have comparable components, while the DSG is a bit more unheard of, the FTP is $200 cheaper.

Honestly, I just dont know which way to go. Would the quality of the DSG's frame be that much better than the FTP? Am I paying extra just for non-conformism? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The track forum is that way ------>

You'll get much better help there. A good percentage of this board won't even know what tubulars are.

On a more helpful note though get the Van Diesel. The FTP comes with throwaway Alex/Formula wheels that might be OK for training but are otherwise junk in the trunk. $200 more for a useful pair of Volos is not bad.

This is personal and much debated but buying used aluminum and carbon is a little sketch sketch, especially off of eBay where you can't inspect it. People buy and sell alu/carbon all the time with few problems, I'm sure, but it's your money and potential safety.

Also it's end of the year for all the models. If you can hold out another 2 months this years' stuff will be on sale and the new Soniks will be out, if you really like them.

ftp, sell the ellipses and get some formula/reflex wheels. Use the money you save for cogs and chainrings.

ftp, sell the ellipses and get some formula/reflex wheels. Use the money you save for cogs and chainrings.

dutret, FTPs don't come with ellipses (the old Concept completes did). The 08s and every other year AFAIK come with clincher Alex/Formula wheels.

The track forum is that way ------>

You'll get much better help there. A good percentage of this board won't even know what tubulars are.

Thanks for the info, Ill copy this question to the track forum.

dutret, FTPs don't come with ellipses (the old Concept completes did). The 08s and every other year AFAIK come with clincher Alex/Formula wheels.

so it appears. I don't think the wheels are as bad as you make them out to be. More than adequate for 4/5 races.

what track are you planning on riding on?

what track are you planning on riding on?

Ive recently started riding at Marymoor Park Velodrome in WA. I have a long way to go before I get anywhere near race ready. But they only rent out bikes 2 times a week, and I want to be able to frequent it whenever I want to on a whim.

well than you can probably get by without super sticky tires or low profile pedals. To be honest the best way to get ready to race is to go on group road rides.

the van dessel is one of my dream bikes so my vote leans that way for sure.

The track forum is that way ------>

You'll get much better help there. A good percentage of this board won't even know what tubulars are.

What are tubulars :)

What are tubulars :)

its what you pull behind the boat when you are out on the lake.