New bike dilemma
 

I'm getting a new track bike. There is no used market where I live.

The only bikes at my LBSs are Langsters, Felt TK2/3, Trek T1, and Bianchi Pistas. The Kilo TT is always an option I guess. Are there any comparable bikes available online that I am missing?

I would like to keep it under $1000.

The problem is, I dont have room for more than two bikes. I have a Specialized Tarmac that isn't going anywhere, which means that my track bike would be used to commute on occasionally.

Is there a significant difference between the Felt TK2 and TK3 frames? I like that the TK3 has omniums, but I dont like the bars or seat post that come stock.

How do the the Felt TK2 and Trek T1 compare for track racing?

What are your opinions and suggestions?

There is no bike that is great for track racing and commuting. I would say that you are better off getting a race spec track bike and commute on the Tarmac.

"commute" is the wrong word. I have less than a 2 mile ride to campus and work, but yes, the tarmac can be used.

Out of the bikes available to me, is there one that is better for actual track use?

Carlton is right (again). The best track bike for the road is probably steel, but that is not optimum for the street. You can ride almost anything on the road if you really want to, but a good track bike is going to be very stiff.

of those bikes:
Langster is not a track bike - wrong geometry. don't even think about that one.
There probably isn't a lot of difference between the Felt TK3 and Trek T1. The Felt TK2 obviously has much better components on it. If you think you'll be upgrading in the future, this would be your best bet, if your more casual or once and a while on the track, the TK3 or T1 would be fine.

(FYI - the TK3 has a lot of toe overlap, which might be a consideration on the road).

What?

Thanks for the info.

The Felt Tk2 is more pricy that the other two, so that may be an issue for you. But it is a great racer right off the shelf(after a fit and saddle/ bar change if needed), and it makes for a great platform to build up even better on. If you the the TK3 or T1 the frame would be much earlier on the upgrade list if you end up getting very serious, or the the upgrade itch.

Oh...OK. Well then:

- Buy a race spec bike and use it only for the track
- Ride your Tarmac


Why are you adamant about riding your track bike on the road when you own a road bike. That is simply not practical.

Also, if your commute is only 2 miles and you don't want to ride your Tarmac, then walk.

I guess I was thinking that it was such a short distance that it wouldnt be an issue and the track bike would be cheaper to replace if something were to happen(knock on wood).

I will be walking occasionally I'm sure.

That doesn't make sense. You are scared that your road bike will break on a 2 mile ride? What is going to break on a 2 mile commute? You are addressing an issue that does not exist yet (if ever).

Are you really looking for an excuse to buy a sweet fixie that you are gonna "sometimes take to the track"...but not really take to the track? :) Be honest.

By the way, what's up with the track scene in Baton Rouge? You guys got the track renovated but no one's heard anything about it since. Are you guys putting on races? Any big races? Are you organized? Don't waste a great facility. You are very VERY lucky to have a velodrome. A nice one at that.

I dont want a sweet fixie lol.

It frustrates me so much that we have this track and honestly, it is going to waste. I'm usually the only person out there when I go. During the winter, more people start riding on it once the Tuesday and Thursday night training races stop.

The cycling community isnt very organized here, and its a shame. The LSU cycling team wanted to host a Collegiate race this year, but whoever is in charge of creating the race schedule would have none of that. I'm not sure what the reasons were, but several people here were really excited about it.

I've become friends with two guys who are pretty good, so I finally have people to ride with(reason I want a decent bike). We are hoping to introduce the LSU cycling team to track racing this coming year. Maybe doing a track night once a week to teach the basics since there are currently no courses offered at the velodrome. You just walk in and ride. I often have to chase skaters off.

TL;dr facility is being wasted as far as I know.
I was hoping that getting collegiate races put on here would get more people involved, but maybe next year.