So, here's my new ride - a 54cm Bareknuckle. The frame was purchased with my tax refund, while the parts were mostly from my garage. I've built other fixed gears, but this is the first track frame & it is certainly different.

The Good - Its stiff, easily the stiffest frame I've ridden in 20 years of cycling. You push on the pedals & the bike goes right away. No flex while climbing. No flex period. Its seriously nimble too. I've always been sluggish in the corners, but with this frame I'm average. Hurray!

The Bad - The paint job is weak. Some seed defects, which is to be expected in this price range, but there are a couple small spots where the primer is exposed. There was a small amount of flaking when I pressed in the headset cups (yes, the headtube was faced).

Other - I'm really pleased with the Shimano Tiagra Crankset. I'd gotten it new off eBay for around $30. The finish isn't silky like higher end stuff, but its shiny enough. Its not light, either. I didn't weigh it, but its noticeably heavier than other cranks I've used. Still, it does not feel wimpy under my 200 (or so) pounds of muscle & flab. Tire clearance is fairly tight. My 700x25 tires nearly rub the chainstays, even when pulled all the way back in the ends. Finally, the measurements match those on the charts, yet the frame seems bigger.

Ultimately, I really like it. The poor paint job is disappointing, but I won't cry when it gets scratched. Though I still suck, I feel like a better rider on it. Its so stiff that I won't be riding centuries with it, but its fun to ride for everything else.

See more - http://www.flickr.com/photos/spudmei...7600028492280/

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