For the era, and price, perhaps Champion #5 was the best choice. I had a Shogun of Champion #5 that was a great frame. Perhaps the track frame was more about just being a track frame than a competition-level frame? No real idea why they'd do that, unless oddjob2 is right on the stiffness. I sure don't know. Champion #1 seems to be the choice I'd make, but without knowing the intended market for the Trac, or the intended price point, there is probably no way of knowing. I'd still like one in a 56cm....