I'm wearing argyle socks today! I don't wear them exclusively, but I also haven't worn white socks in about 10 years. ever.

Pfft, you can just wear leg warmers with shorts.

I haven't worn socks in about ten years...

i think this entire thread is a tangent! so while we're on a tangent.. i think knee-high argyle is a great idea. that will be my next pick up. i can't wear ankle socks all winter.. the tassles would get slushy!

Winners - best source of hideous argyle socks.

...and they just opened a new location near my office. Although I don't think I'll be heading there for a while. Today was their grand opening and apparently it was a total zoo.

Whooo!
Today was.....
The first snowfall of the season!

Figured this would probably be the best place to ask... how are the urbane track frames... i'm looking to buy myself a new track bike (for street use) and was wondering if urbane is a good way to go or whether there are better bikes to be had in T.O.?

their completes are listed at like 725 but no info on the website on what wheels/hubs/cranks/etc are on it... anyone here have one. any info much appreciated

The components aren't too good on the stock setup. You're looking at a Suzue Junior (BOO!) rear hub, no-name cranks, etc. If you're thinking of setting it up fixed, know that the Urbanite frames have a few braze-ons for routing cables. That may annoy you. They're also drilled for a brake.

I do know however that their frames come w/ a lifetime warantee, which is really hard to come by. You could pick up the frame from them and give them a custom parts list. That might be an option.

https://ucycle.com/bikes/framespecs.html <-- Geometry specs on all their frames. They run looong in the top tube. The fork ends are spaced at 130mm, unlike most track frames that are 120mm.

That straight blade fork is a nice option though - shiny.

As far as other options, You could try out the KHS Flite 100 (bit "trackier" geometry, same cruddy stock parts), Surly Steamroller (try for a low $400 and something price) or head by Cavern Cycles. They're hip to your FG jive and they have a few used frames always coming and going. I think they also sell IROs, which I'd go for in a second vs. some other new options in the same price bracket (www.irocycle.com). IRO just came out w/ the Angus - take a look at that one.

I think you can do better. The frames aren't all that nice, the paint sucks, and the components are sort of cheese. I'd look at IRO, KHS etc. Maybe go talk to keith at Cavern Cycles on Queen near Jarvis.

The drivetrain components ARE kind of cheese, but I like the frames. And I love the chrome straight-blade fork.

Plus they have great service. I can't speak for Cavern as I've never been there, but I've had bad service at several other shops in the city. Both bad work AND bad attitudes.

When my hub developed a wobble, urbane fixed it at no charge, no questions asked, months after I bought the bike.

If I had my time back would I buy it from there again? Potentially not (only because I'd actually like to build something myself -- but that might be a new project in the spring). But I definitely don't regret the purchase either.


ps. darkmother's IRO is the bomb. I'm jealous. I can't remember what the rest of y'all ride (except Operator's roadie, which is also purty, but off-topic )

I'm basing my opinion on my Urbanite hybrid frame. It is a functional, tough frame, but it had some pretty poorly placed braze ons-a bottle boss under the FD band clamp, and cable stops that make it impractical to run cantilever brakes-amature design work IMO. The fork that came with it looked cool, but had no clearance for brake pads next to all but the narrowest of rims-silly. It also wasn't anywhere near their published spec geometry-I measured mine as having a 70.5 deg head tube angle, instead of the claimed 72. ST angle was about right. Also, the bare frame, no fork, weighed over 7 lb, if you care about that kind of stuff-not sure if their fixies are lighter. Anyway, my frame handles like crap. Never ridden one of thier fixed gear bikes, but many people seem to like them. Ride it and see what you like.

yeah, the fixie/ss frames must be fairly different. The bottle braze-on locations are pretty well placed I think. The seat-tube one is definitely higher than the FD bracket would be on a multi-geared bike. I'm fairly happy with it. No idea about weight or perfect angles though. I rode it and I liked it. I also have super long arms, and was used to a pretty long reach from my (ancient rigid Giant) mountain bike.

anyhoo.. I'm looking forward to having my first snowy ride home this season, if this keeps up. Am I ********?

Yeah, in fairness, I think my frame was one of the first years they made them. Maybe they worked out whatever bugs were there, or maybe I got a lemon. I'm guessing most hybrid buyers would not be as decerning as I am. Anyway, I did put maybe 20 000 km on the frame, and it didn't break, so I'll give it credit there. I've broken more than my share of lugged steel road frames.

Yeah....snow ride. I love it man-so quiet. Can't wait to screw around in it.

rats.. of all the days not to ride into work (drinking tonight)... it's a veritable winter wonderland outside!

Thanks for all the imput guys... I guess i'll just spend a weekend touring the bike shops of the city and trying sh*t out... I did not know that cavern had IROs, interesting, me likes the new angus from what i've seen. the urbanite track bike seemed kinda steep when looking at the frame so i was curious how the handled and what components came on them. Guess i'll just have to get off my lazy ass and go talk to them :-)

oh and hurray for snow riding!!!!! Now i can skid like a pro ;-)

urbane still has some khs flites but sizing might be limited. oops.. did someone already post that?
i know that bikes on wheels (309 Augusta Ave in kensington) sale is over but i noticed a lot of items were still discounted. you could check out if that applies to any fixed gears. chalk up another vote for the iro and cavern in general.

And I like snow rides but not snow commutes. There's too many damned semi's, SUV's and minivans on my route as it is. Add snow and I'm hamburger before I'd know what hit me, especially crossing the 401. Seems since the end of October all drivers have been pithed or something.

Hey Guys,
I just called up bikes on wheels and they only fixed they have are the Fuji Track bikes.
They're a steal for $450 CDN + tax but the only prob is that they only have them in 58 cm.
Oh crudders.
They have 2 left both in that size.
Btw, if anyone can tell me... my height is about 173 cm and my inseam is about 73cm.
Roughly, what frame size should I be looking at?
Thanks guys!

yikes.. i think you're about my height and my old fuji was 56cm i think. of course there're a bunch of other factors beside bike size that you should pay attention too. i think 58cm is a bit big but you should go down there and get on it. you might have ape-arms for all i know.. or really long legs.

Go test drive it. I'd agree with gokiburi that a 58 is likely too big, but the best option is to go have a look.
This may help you out a bit: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

I'm about 178cm tall w/ an 82cm cycling inseam. I'm looking for a track frame with about a 55-56cm top tube and less than a 33" standover height (I don't ride fast when the boys are in pain). That's just a very basic point of reference.

There's a ton of other factors that come into play when looking at frames (frame geometry and personal fit preferences toss those numbers all over the place). If at all possible, get on the bikes and try them out before you think about buying one. At the least, try out something very similar to what you plan on buying.