Framebuilders - Need feedback for custom lugged track frame

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varsity
12-07-08, 01:08 PM
I'm having my first custom frame built, and I'm looking for feedback on the proposed build. I'm 168lbs, 6'0 with long legs and long arms.

- 90/10 track/street use
- Dedacciai zero + Dedacciai zero tre o/s road tubes
- Richard Sachs Newvex lugs for all lugs, BB shell, and fork crown
- Pacenti front and rear dropouts
- Threadless 1" steerer tube

Here's the printout from the guy who measured me:
http://promenadescredit.org/public/bicycles/terraferma/frame%20dimensions.jpg

Is there anything I should be aware of? Any other considerations? I had originally told the framebuilder that I was going to ride 10/90 track/street, but that's changed since I'm assembling another bike for street-assault use; is the tubeset still appropriate?

Looking forward to reading responses.

Nessism
12-07-08, 01:47 PM
That frame has a lot of drop for a track frame I think. I though track frames had higher bottom brackets than that. I'm not a track guy though so you should double check me.

Only other comment is regarding the tubing; ZeroTre is pretty stout, and ZeroUno is medium thin, but true Zero tubing is very thin. I wouldn't use that stuff unless you are prepared to take a dent or two - particularly on the top tube where handlebar strikes are pretty common on track bikes from what I hear. Again, I'm not a track guy so maybe I'm overstating the concern. Not sure.

Good luck and please post some photos after you get the frame built.:)
Scooper
12-07-08, 02:17 PM
If it's going to be strictly for the track, I think your BB is too low. Most modern track bikes have about a 55mm BB drop. I'd also consider steeper HTA and STA, and chainstays just long enough to provide wheel clearance from the seat tube (about 395mm for 700c wheels and 55mm BB drop).

You might want to look at the sample geometries for Waterford's current track bikes HERE (http://waterfordbikes.com/now/geos.php?Model=1928).

I'm about your size (6' with long legs - 35.5" leg length) and this is what my future track bike will look like:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/60cmCooperTrack.jpg

If you're going to use Richard Sachs' Newvex lugs, I believe you'll have to go with OS tubes which isn't a bad idea on a large frame, but I wouldn't go with the lightest tubes you can find. Weight isn't that big an issue on track bikes where you're not climbing. The only time it'll make any difference is when you're accelerating while sprinting, and that won't be much considering the difference between more durable tubes with thicker walls and the thinnest tubes is measured in ounces.

varsity
12-07-08, 03:44 PM
Nessism: Thanks for the points. I'll do some more homework on the different tube options.

Stan: Great link. I'll talk to the framebuilder about the BB, chainstay, and angles. Thanks for the response.

Photos aren't going to come for at least a few months since paint is apparently going to take 6-8 weeks after the build. The plan is matte black tubes with all-gold lugs.