marvinc02

hello im relatively new to track bikes. i ride a 56cm road bike and the same size fixed conversion. i assume that track bikes are of the same size measurement but i remeber the last time i went with a friend to check out a bianchi pista their 51cm model was more like a 53-54cm. do track bikes run true to size or am i just off judgment? could it be the stiffer geometry that makes it taller?
i ask becuase i've found a track frame via ebay/craigslist but its a 57cm and worry it might be too big.

Dubbayoo

they are built the same but people often choose a smaller frame for track; smaller frame = stiffer and faster acceleration. I would pass on a frame bigger than your road bike.

bitingduck

I ride a pretty similar setup on both my track and road bikes.

One thing to be aware of is that a track bike may have a higher standover than a roadbike of the same cockpit size because the BB might be an inch or more higher. Standover doesn't matter so much on a track bike, since you're never putting one foot on the ground (except at northbrook...).

recneps

the standover will be higher on a track bike due to a higher BB and steeper geometry. when sizing a track bike for yourself be more worried about the TT size.

Also keep into mind that if you buy a frame thats too short in the saddle and your going to need more seatpost to get the right saddle height your going to need less TT because of the reach. Also if the bars are angled down more than your road bike its going to be a longer reach to get into deep drops.

Dubbayoo

+1. and if it's a sprint bike you probably want a shorter reach anyway. A madison/points race bike will be more like your road setup than a sprint/keirin bike.