Track Cycling - Fuji Track Pro vs Van Dessel Drag Strip Courage, looking for opinions.

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NorthWestDork
07-20-08, 06:16 PM
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.

Dubbayoo
07-26-08, 01:18 PM
You can't really make a wrong choice between those two as a new rider.
pelikan
07-26-08, 08:11 PM
Dunno about the DSG but as a new track rider THE only complaint I have with the Fuji Track Pro is that for a front brake you have to drill the fork or something. Not that I want to ride on the street, but there is a good place to ride the fixies in Golden Gate Park BUT there are dog walkers & joggers and sometimes brakes would of helped in the occasional "oh **** moment".

The wheels had to go, but I think at that price that's situation normal.

stevefaletto
07-27-08, 07:08 AM
the keirin brake kits from benscycle.com attach to the forks with no drilling, but i'm not sure if it'd fit either of these bikes.
pelikan
08-02-08, 06:43 PM
Those are cool! A bit pricey but whatrugonnado. Will be picking one up for the offseason.
NorthWestDork
08-03-08, 11:45 AM
For those that dont care. I ended up buying a Van Dessel DSC complete from Amazon.com for $950 shipped. When it arrive it was missing a bolt on the stems face plate and a bearing cover on the front wheel. Woo hoo! I gave Amazon.com a call and a lovely lady in India refunded me 15% of my purchase. So I get $150 to buy a bolt from my LBS and a $5-10 cover from Cane Creek.
octopus magic
08-05-08, 12:28 PM
For those that dont care. I ended up buying a Van Dessel DSC complete from Amazon.com for $950 shipped. When it arrive it was missing a bolt on the stems face plate and a bearing cover on the front wheel. Woo hoo! I gave Amazon.com a call and a lovely lady in India refunded me 15% of my purchase. So I get $150 to buy a bolt from my LBS and a $5-10 cover from Cane Creek.

Holy crapola that's an awesome deal on an awesome bike.