looking at a second bike for fall and winter training. Track vs Cross

[Vlaam4ever]

So I'll be looking at adding a bike this summer and may try to build something or find a good deal on C-list/Ebay for fall and winter training and am considering a Crossbike (for actual offroadinig) or a track bike(for actual track cycling). Any suggestions?

I live in Dowtown Atlanta, approx 3 miles for the Dick Lane Velodrome(never been) and about 2 hours from North Georgia Mountain and will with an hour of most the winter Cross races but want to keep going strong by riding this winter when most road go dormant during the winter.

Which will make me a better rider?

[Spoonrobot]

Which will make you a better road rider?

Just ride your road bike. You live in Atlanta, bro. We had like 2 months of cold weather this year.

[McTufferton]

A cross bike is much more versatile than a track bike. Can be ridden on roads, trails, (easy) singletrack, and through snow, dry, wet, etc.
A track bike can be ridden on a track.

[hobkirk]

And cycle-cross bikes can be fitted with fenders - very useful in rain (if you're a wuss like me).

[IthaDan]

Single speed cross? BB30 with eccentric so you can always add gears. God I love this bike.

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/steel-road/furley-12/

[Pinkbullet3]

You can mash on the track bike through the streets of ATL if it's possible. Build some massive thighs.

[renton20]

Before you go buy a track bike go to the track. Take the beginners class and use a rental bike. If you like or not, you'll be able to figure out if a track bike makes sense

[merlinextraligh]

Before you go buy a track bike go to the track. Take the beginners class and use a rental bike. If you like or not, you'll be able to figure out if a track bike makes sense

this

[Vlaam4ever]

you can rent bikes?

I wish I knew this years ago!

[DropDeadFred]

Which will make you a better road rider?

Just ride your road bike. You live in Atlanta, bro. We had like 2 months of cold weather this year.

we didn't even have that...we had like 2 REAL weeks....but nothing ridiculous...I wish i had rode more and made excuses less....catching up with the guys who rode through was tough...

[Vlaam4ever]

I'm not counting on an encore winter this year and want to get an edge during the off season. The 3 years off the bike have not been kind to me and 12 months of base riding may be more that I can handle.

[dalava]

The next generation of cyclocross bikes coming out will be fitted with disc brakes and will be great for commute/foul-weather riding.