Lividkoi

Does anyone know where I can find my self an inexpensive track bike? I have been looking around and everything seems to be atleast $200 off my budget. If you know of any please fire me a message.

Thanks,
-J-

Kiecker

what's your budget? If it's $200 and you're $200 over that might be a tough call

Lividkoi

Yea, No question there. Looking around $400. I am thinking of getting a Mark v for $550 but was hoping to find somthign a litttle less expensive, so it doesnt break the bank.

Kiecker

Probably too small (50cm) but here's a Mark V for $400.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

Several other Pistas on ebay too.

Slacker

There's a seller that has "Mercier Kilo TT" track bikes from time to time on eBay (can't remember who). From what I understand, they are rebadged KHS Flite 100s. They're $347 with $40 shipping. I think I may get one next time they show up. I bet someone on here knows who was selling them....(search button)

mcatano

Many threads on this already so search search search...

Briefly, if you are looking for a complete bike for under $400, search ebay for a Mercier Kilo TT or Windsor "The Hour" bike - rebadged KHS and Fuji bikes, respectively. Both go for about $350 complete with not so hot components on decent frames.

Used Bianchi Pistas seem to sell in your price range on eBay fairly regularly.

m.

CBBaron

I bought a Kilo TT from sprtymama on Ebay. They go for $347 + $40 shipping. Components are fairly cheap but the frame seems nice. I don't have much to compare it to as my previous bike was a really cheap hybrid but the bike seems like a good value. It is basically the same as the KHS 100. The seller even refered me to the KHS website when I had questions on the geometry.

stevo

r u riding on the track?

if not, nothing's cheaper than a conversion

Lividkoi

Na, no track.. Just street. NYC. I was at first thinking of just converting, but after speeking with a few friends who ride track bikes, they pretty much told me not to, if your gonna ride a fix it may as well be a track frame.


Am I better off just spending the extra $150-$200 on a new mark v or pista, rather then spending the $300 on a bike with poor components?

Kiecker

I'd opt for the better components.

Speaking of which converting bikes isn't necessarily any cheaper depending on where you draw the line on how much you're going to change and/or fix.

beatifik

if you live in NYC contact tony at IRO. he let me pick up my bike in person at his shop in staten island, he'll probably let you do the same.

i'm very satisfied with my mark v pro and also extremely satisfied with tony's service.

Slartibartfast

Converting is not always cheaper but you might be able to space out the upgrades over many paychecks ... my current ride has been in process for almot two years ... started out as a vintage schwinn 10 speed and is now a univega fixie ... i've spent around $600 in that time but never more than $150 at once (rear wheel).

tlupfer

let me suggest buying all of your parts separately--it gives the illusion that you've spent a lot less money. mix up your payment methods so you don't see them all on your bank statement--cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards, paypal buyer credit, etc. If you're resourceful you can easily lose track of how much you've spent and any attempt at an estimate will either result in number far smaller than what you've spent or complete mental paralysis.

daveIT

LOL...that's what I did. Too bad my wife could figure that illusion out (she does the checkbook!).

stevo

"but after speeking with a few friends who ride track bikes, they pretty much told me not to, if your gonna ride a fix it may as well be a track frame"

so fixed road bikes have been around as long as track bikes (actually, longer); track bikes are more about cred than function, IMO.


"Am I better off just spending the extra $150-$200 on a new mark v or pista, rather then spending the $300 on a bike with poor components? "

I'm of the 'buy the best you can afford mentality. But I'm also of the 'dont buy things you dont NEED mentality. If you can afford to invest in superior compenents; do it. Then again, you should weigh whether you really need.

"Speaking of which converting bikes isn't necessarily any cheaper depending on where you draw the line on how much you're going to change and/or fix.

No doubt there; I was really refering to all things being equal.

All I was saying was, If you already have a road bike, you can convert anywhere from $15 (cog on freewheel) to $200 (for a nice rear hub/wheel). Cheaper than a cheap track bike.

Of course, if you dont already have a road bike, add $25 to above cost for the yardsale/goodwill starter kit.

skanking biker

Ok--this is my same dilema. It seems like even if a get a old frame for next to nothing, I still have to spend about 3-400 to get a rear wheel/hub, new chain, FG sprockets, chain tensioner, etc--at which point i might as well dop the 500 for a new pista

votedean

If you're interested in the kilo TT or the Windsor hour, I definitely recommend just stepping it up to a KHS or pista or something. I bought the windsor off ebay a while back, and sure, the frame is nice, but the components suck hard, and I've put about as much money into parts as I paid for the bike. I had to overhaul the hubs, and now I think I need a new bottom bracket. You're going to end up swapping the parts out anyways, if you have any taste in quality, ie, the tires they come with are like a plastic compound that make this shrieking noise when you skid or skip. So, to recap, either buy the Windsor or Mercier with extra pocket cash and time, or step it up.

Kennetht638

I don't know where that number came from, considering that an IRO rear wheel (which is fantastic BTW) is $100, a cog and lockring are $30 and a chain can be gotten for $10, that's $140. You don't need a tensioner or anything more than that. This can be made even cheaper by just buying a hub and lacing it up to your existing rim. And if you want to play around with your life like many fixed gear riders, you could even get away with just buying yourself a cog for $25, some loc-tite and a BB lockring for $5 or so, and that's a $30 conversion.

skanking biker

yeh, but then i'd have to redish the wheel--which i dont know how to do


the numbers were approx and came from a LBS website that custom builds FG/ss

Kennetht638

redishing the wheel should still run you less than $150

skanking biker

but i suppose i could just go the BB route and have the LBS redish the wheel for me?

Sheldon's site said you should buy new sprockets meant for FG/ss and that using existing sprockets from the old cassette is dangerous ...true**********

Contra Fixie

I couldn't agree more. I too bought a Windsor off eBay, frame is OK but components are about as bad as they come, should have just gone with the KHS. I'm pretty sure the stock BB is totally shot - sounds like it was never lubed - and they had a 1/8 chain on a 3/32 chainring / cog. WTF?!?!?! Oh and LOVE the skidding sound, sounds like a frikkin Nazgul or ripping satin or something. Not dignified.

go wit the KHS or Pista or at least quality components you will spend just as much.

sillygirl

Sorry thats off the market.....

Kiecker

Most cogs and sprockets you'll find are ramped for shifting. You do NOT want your chain to come off while riding fixed. Ramped cogs and rings can aid in your chain coming off.

Kiecker

Silly, did you just buy the bike? It was available this morning