"Dear Carleton"
09-12-16, 04:06 PM
#3151
aka mattio
09-12-16, 04:31 PM
#3152
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This is a pursuit only bike I am looking at and it will stay at the track. Rider/son is a beginner Cat 5 but I expect will be Cat A/Cat 1 in a season as he's in a good spot to focus on it, so I didn't want to buy a beginner version, nor do I want to throw the cash into a just-for-show bike.
Last edited by Doge; 09-12-16 at 04:36 PM.
09-12-16, 05:28 PM
#3153
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Thank you for the reply. I asked as I was too lazy to poke around looking for Rio pictures trying to figure out the event.
This is a pursuit only bike I am looking at and it will stay at the track. Rider/son is a beginner Cat 5 but I expect will be Cat A/Cat 1 in a season as he's in a good spot to focus on it, so I didn't want to buy a beginner version, nor do I want to throw the cash into a just-for-show bike.
This is a pursuit only bike I am looking at and it will stay at the track. Rider/son is a beginner Cat 5 but I expect will be Cat A/Cat 1 in a season as he's in a good spot to focus on it, so I didn't want to buy a beginner version, nor do I want to throw the cash into a just-for-show bike.
Budget will be your #1 factor in determining what frame you get.
$500-1000
$1000-2000
$2000-3000 (returns on investment start to diminish around this area)
$3000-4000
$4000-6000
$6000+
Pick the bucket that is most appropriate then your options will be narrowed significantly.
Also, CAT5 to CAT1 in one season sounds like a stretch. Unless your son is currently CAT2 on the road, I can't see that happening for anyone.
Racing categories are not simply about legs and lungs. Experience plays a big part in being allowed to race in P/1/2 events. It's not just speed.
Also, you can race any TT event as a CAT5. Upgrades are only relevant for bunch (mass start) races and match sprints. Basically any race where you race against others (that aren't teammates, like in a team pursuit).
09-12-16, 06:32 PM
#3154
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Is a pure pursuit bike any different? Can there be aero bars?
My son is a faster, road Cat 1, esp shorter distance. This summer he became a cadet at the USAFA near the Olympic Training Center in COS. His off base access is limited, as is his long training blocks, and there are a bunch of other-than-normal military service factors that affect things. But we think a focus on pursuit would fit his training schedule and talents. He also has access to the Air Force Human Performance center. He has limited total time on track and never done a mass start track race, but has ridden LA Velodrome track about 50 times (sessions).
Anyway I didn't want to put him on a starter bike and thought there may be some pursuit specific things.
My son is a faster, road Cat 1, esp shorter distance. This summer he became a cadet at the USAFA near the Olympic Training Center in COS. His off base access is limited, as is his long training blocks, and there are a bunch of other-than-normal military service factors that affect things. But we think a focus on pursuit would fit his training schedule and talents. He also has access to the Air Force Human Performance center. He has limited total time on track and never done a mass start track race, but has ridden LA Velodrome track about 50 times (sessions).
Anyway I didn't want to put him on a starter bike and thought there may be some pursuit specific things.
Last edited by Doge; 09-12-16 at 06:41 PM.
09-12-16, 06:44 PM
#3155
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One the fast junior that turned senior this year use a Felt tk2 and focused on getting a good set of wheels and a double handlebar setup, one for mass-start and sprint and a tt setup with a specific stem for each. This way, you can easily switch handlebar setup during race days.
09-12-16, 08:04 PM
#3156
aka mattio
Is a pure pursuit bike any different? Can there be aero bars?
My son is a faster, road Cat 1, esp shorter distance. This summer he became a cadet at the USAFA near the Olympic Training Center in COS. His off base access is limited, as is his long training blocks, and there are a bunch of other-than-normal military service factors that affect things. But we think a focus on pursuit would fit his training schedule and talents. He also has access to the Air Force Human Performance center. He has limited total time on track and never done a mass start track race, but has ridden LA Velodrome track about 50 times (sessions).
Anyway I didn't want to put him on a starter bike and thought there may be some pursuit specific things.
My son is a faster, road Cat 1, esp shorter distance. This summer he became a cadet at the USAFA near the Olympic Training Center in COS. His off base access is limited, as is his long training blocks, and there are a bunch of other-than-normal military service factors that affect things. But we think a focus on pursuit would fit his training schedule and talents. He also has access to the Air Force Human Performance center. He has limited total time on track and never done a mass start track race, but has ridden LA Velodrome track about 50 times (sessions).
Anyway I didn't want to put him on a starter bike and thought there may be some pursuit specific things.
Honestly, pick how much you want to spend, get something that fits (if you're used to sizing your son on road bikes you won't have a problem with track bikes), and it will probably be fine for occasional pursuit use. The good news about track bikes is that pretty basic ones can last you up until a really high level. Just about every company makes a bike that's "The CAAD10 of track bikes" - decent aluminum frame, carbon fork. Plenty of people race stuff like that at national-level events.
The Felt TK1 and the Cervelo T4 are popular among optimizers and people who want to spend the money but bikes that cost 1/5th the price aren't much liability - I've seen basic aluminum bikes like the TK2 and Langster Pro under very impressive racers.
09-12-16, 11:10 PM
#3157
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In my opinion, what makes for a good road time trial bike also makes for a good pursuit bike: aero shapes, low TT, low BB, shallow HT angle, steep ST angle, aero bars, and aero wheels. Aero bars and aero wheels get you 90% of the way there, but pursuiting is such a small part of track racing, the rest of the investment just isn't worth it for most competitors. A serious road time trialist will likely do a couple of dozen time trials over the course of a season, whereas a pursuiter may only do two pursuits all season long: States & Nationals. At these championship events, most trackies break out their disc wheels and the aero bars and they have instant pursuit bikes. Being an old fart with more money than sense, I have a dedicated pursuit bike that ticks off most of the qualities that I have listed above (Argon18 Electron Pro), but I see riders use this same bike with its 72.5 degree HT as a mass start bike in Pro,1,2 track races. So, I do believe most track riders only have/ride one bike for all events.
Overwhelmingly manufacturers don't sell dedicated pursuit bikes either. For example, the Look L96, which is arguably the best commercially available pursuit and/or sprint frame at the world championships every year has the same geometry for both their sprint and TT model, which throws everything I posted out the window.
Here's a frame builder's perspective: Urban Velo #3 - Bicycle Culture on the Skids
Anyway, my recommendation is buy a frame and a set of aero bars that fit him well and spend the real money on the wheels. Which, BTW are two sets: cheapos for training and full-up carbon for racing with lightweight tubular tires. You can hold off on the second set of wheels until you know if pursuiting is still a actually good fit once he transitions in his new environment. I was a national level junior when I joined the Navy and competitive cycling quickly became a distant memory for me.
Overwhelmingly manufacturers don't sell dedicated pursuit bikes either. For example, the Look L96, which is arguably the best commercially available pursuit and/or sprint frame at the world championships every year has the same geometry for both their sprint and TT model, which throws everything I posted out the window.
Here's a frame builder's perspective: Urban Velo #3 - Bicycle Culture on the Skids
Anyway, my recommendation is buy a frame and a set of aero bars that fit him well and spend the real money on the wheels. Which, BTW are two sets: cheapos for training and full-up carbon for racing with lightweight tubular tires. You can hold off on the second set of wheels until you know if pursuiting is still a actually good fit once he transitions in his new environment. I was a national level junior when I joined the Navy and competitive cycling quickly became a distant memory for me.
09-12-16, 11:10 PM
#3158
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Is a pure pursuit bike any different? Can there be aero bars?
My son is a faster, road Cat 1, esp shorter distance. This summer he became a cadet at the USAFA near the Olympic Training Center in COS. His off base access is limited, as is his long training blocks, and there are a bunch of other-than-normal military service factors that affect things. But we think a focus on pursuit would fit his training schedule and talents. He also has access to the Air Force Human Performance center. He has limited total time on track and never done a mass start track race, but has ridden LA Velodrome track about 50 times (sessions).
Anyway I didn't want to put him on a starter bike and thought there may be some pursuit specific things.
My son is a faster, road Cat 1, esp shorter distance. This summer he became a cadet at the USAFA near the Olympic Training Center in COS. His off base access is limited, as is his long training blocks, and there are a bunch of other-than-normal military service factors that affect things. But we think a focus on pursuit would fit his training schedule and talents. He also has access to the Air Force Human Performance center. He has limited total time on track and never done a mass start track race, but has ridden LA Velodrome track about 50 times (sessions).
Anyway I didn't want to put him on a starter bike and thought there may be some pursuit specific things.
Also, for CAT1, I believe there is a requirement to race and perform well in CAT2 races at other tracks. This prevents a guy from being a big fish in his local pond but not any good anywhere else. He will have to prove that he's good while racing against other CAT2s at other tracks.
If he's CAT1 on the road, he should have enough sense to do well in mass start races on the track. But, the key is for him in lower category racing is to not simply ride away from everyone and time trial to the finish line because he's stronger. He'll never learn pack skills that way. When he gets to P/1/2 races, he won't be able to simply ride away light that and will be forced to race in the pack. Rubbing shoulders 4-wide at 35mph will be scary if he's never done that before at 25mph. Not to mention head-butting, sweeping, chopping, and other shenanigans that happen.
To be honest, I've seen more bone-headed moves from super-fast rodies that dabble in the track than you'd imagine. Stuff like, unexpected pull-offs, passing underneath, passing on the blue band, unexpected speed changes, etc...
Learning about all of that stuff comes with time and experience.
09-12-16, 11:19 PM
#3159
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As far as bikes go, you have to set your budget. But one TT-specific bike that can be used for mass start that comes to mind is the Felt TK1. It was designed for Sarah Hammer (obvious TT specialist) but is modular enough such that it can be used for mass start, too.
With that bike, there will be no doubt about if the bike is good enough for top level pursuiting.
That being said, if you are on a limited budget, your money will be better spent on an aluminum aero frame and some quality components (SRM, wheels, aero bars, helmet, coaching, travel fees), all of which will lead to better results than having a $4,000 frame. The frame very low on the benefits per dollar chart. VERY low. In fact, I would buy those things before I bought a frame and get the frame with whatever money is left over in the budget.
To rephrase this, you could put your son on a $10,000 LOOK 496 with training wheels and drop bars and he wouldn't be nearly as fast as if he had an off the rack steel bike equipped with SRM, wheels, aero bars, helmet while being coached and with the experience from traveling and racing around. This is why you can see experienced trackies hop on any bike that fits and ride it like they stole it. Don't focus on the frame.
With that bike, there will be no doubt about if the bike is good enough for top level pursuiting.
That being said, if you are on a limited budget, your money will be better spent on an aluminum aero frame and some quality components (SRM, wheels, aero bars, helmet, coaching, travel fees), all of which will lead to better results than having a $4,000 frame. The frame very low on the benefits per dollar chart. VERY low. In fact, I would buy those things before I bought a frame and get the frame with whatever money is left over in the budget.
To rephrase this, you could put your son on a $10,000 LOOK 496 with training wheels and drop bars and he wouldn't be nearly as fast as if he had an off the rack steel bike equipped with SRM, wheels, aero bars, helmet while being coached and with the experience from traveling and racing around. This is why you can see experienced trackies hop on any bike that fits and ride it like they stole it. Don't focus on the frame.
09-12-16, 11:44 PM
#3160
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09-12-16, 11:45 PM
#3161
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Further, what (very) little wisdom I've gained from years of cycling has taught me, the key to buying components is: Eliminating Problems
If a component fails, then it doesn't matter how light, special, rare, carbon, titanium, etc... it is. Period.
If you have a super-light, bad mamma-jamma saddle that cracks when you hit the first big bump on a track, then it's of no use to you.
Focus on getting a set of components that are rock-solid and work first before looking for the new fancy.
When an athlete is 100% confident in their equipment, they are free to work on getting 100% out of their body. If, for any reason, the athlete isn't 100% confident in their equipment, they will not be free to work on getting 100% out of their body. There will be some % of physical "holding back" or some mental energy devoted to wondering "is ______ gonna fail on me this time??" It's kinda like overcoming an injury and you subconsciously hold back because you don't want to load up the fully recovered knee 100% yet because you don't have confidence yet...and you are constantly thinking about it.
This is why you sometimes see athletes who can have any gear they want stick with old gear that they have faith in.
If a component fails, then it doesn't matter how light, special, rare, carbon, titanium, etc... it is. Period.
If you have a super-light, bad mamma-jamma saddle that cracks when you hit the first big bump on a track, then it's of no use to you.
Focus on getting a set of components that are rock-solid and work first before looking for the new fancy.
When an athlete is 100% confident in their equipment, they are free to work on getting 100% out of their body. If, for any reason, the athlete isn't 100% confident in their equipment, they will not be free to work on getting 100% out of their body. There will be some % of physical "holding back" or some mental energy devoted to wondering "is ______ gonna fail on me this time??" It's kinda like overcoming an injury and you subconsciously hold back because you don't want to load up the fully recovered knee 100% yet because you don't have confidence yet...and you are constantly thinking about it.
This is why you sometimes see athletes who can have any gear they want stick with old gear that they have faith in.
09-12-16, 11:49 PM
#3163
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https://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2626
"With the approval of USA Cycling, riders who are Pro or category 1 on the road may be upgraded to category 2 on the track, and riders who are category 2 on the road may be upgraded to category 3 on the track, without first having to begin at category 5 for men and category 4 for women."
09-12-16, 11:55 PM
#3164
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There is an easy route for Cat 1 roadies:
https://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2626
"With the approval of USA Cycling, riders who are Pro or category 1 on the road may be upgraded to category 2 on the track, and riders who are category 2 on the road may be upgraded to category 3 on the track, without first having to begin at category 5 for men and category 4 for women."
https://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2626
"With the approval of USA Cycling, riders who are Pro or category 1 on the road may be upgraded to category 2 on the track, and riders who are category 2 on the road may be upgraded to category 3 on the track, without first having to begin at category 5 for men and category 4 for women."
I think I've mentioned this here before, DLV's former race director Jeff Hopkins (former road pro, jr track world champ, international level trackie) wouldn't let P/1/2 roadies who were new to the track simply hop into P/1/2 track races. He'd literally make them race in the beginner races with the strict instructions that they couldn't leave the pack until the final lap. They had to trudge it out at 22mph with the CAT4/5s for 9 laps until the final sprint.
It sounds mundane, but what he was really doing was protecting the P/1/2 trackies from having a squirrely guy show up in the big show and make a mess...at 35mph
09-13-16, 12:00 AM
#3165
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There is an easy route for Cat 1 roadies:
https://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2626
"With the approval of USA Cycling, riders who are Pro or category 1 on the road may be upgraded to category 2 on the track, and riders who are category 2 on the road may be upgraded to category 3 on the track, without first having to begin at category 5 for men and category 4 for women."
https://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2626
"With the approval of USA Cycling, riders who are Pro or category 1 on the road may be upgraded to category 2 on the track, and riders who are category 2 on the road may be upgraded to category 3 on the track, without first having to begin at category 5 for men and category 4 for women."
- Approval from your local race director
- Points from proper local, regional, or national level USA Cycling events
So, the rule above is really bypassing the latter component, meaning that a CAT1 roadie wouldn't have to accumulate the requisite points to get to CAT2, but they would still need the approval of the track director.
09-13-16, 12:11 AM
#3166
Full Member
Yeah, that rule has been in place for a while.
I think I've mentioned this here before, DLV's former race director Jeff Hopkins (former road pro, jr track world champ, international level trackie) wouldn't let P/1/2 roadies who were new to the track simply hop into P/1/2 track races. He'd literally make them race in the beginner races with the strict instructions that they couldn't leave the pack until the final lap. They had to trudge it out at 22mph with the CAT4/5s for 9 laps until the final sprint.
It sounds mundane, but what he was really doing was protecting the P/1/2 trackies from having a squirrely guy show up in the big show and make a mess...at 35mph
I think I've mentioned this here before, DLV's former race director Jeff Hopkins (former road pro, jr track world champ, international level trackie) wouldn't let P/1/2 roadies who were new to the track simply hop into P/1/2 track races. He'd literally make them race in the beginner races with the strict instructions that they couldn't leave the pack until the final lap. They had to trudge it out at 22mph with the CAT4/5s for 9 laps until the final sprint.
It sounds mundane, but what he was really doing was protecting the P/1/2 trackies from having a squirrely guy show up in the big show and make a mess...at 35mph
Well, that's how it works for Cat 2 roadies. I haven't worked with any new Cat 1 roadies to know how Ttown deals with them.
Last edited by dunderhi; 09-13-16 at 12:15 AM.
09-13-16, 08:05 AM
#3167
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Thank you both.
He (I) own a TT bike - FELT DA2 with disc and tri-spoke. Sounds like this can be used. May a freewheel be used if it is turned into a single speed? Think I need to pull out the rule book. But I was going to sell that bike so very helpful input. I'll look into the rules around that.
The Cat upgrade has never been a goal other than to get better competition. If he wants to do track track, that may com into play. As pointed out, his interests may change a bunch. On the upgrade area I found USAC to be pretty reasonable for older juniors. As an aside, not so for <14. Locally - SoCal - the Women's Pro123 crit champ is 13 and cat 3 and they won't upgrade her. Anyway he's done 2 MTB upgrades in 2 weeks and only done one race, and the request was based on getting competition (which he really didn't have in collegiate Bs). I assume they would do the same for track, but as @carleton said he needs to learn to race track 1st.
He (I) own a TT bike - FELT DA2 with disc and tri-spoke. Sounds like this can be used. May a freewheel be used if it is turned into a single speed? Think I need to pull out the rule book. But I was going to sell that bike so very helpful input. I'll look into the rules around that.
The Cat upgrade has never been a goal other than to get better competition. If he wants to do track track, that may com into play. As pointed out, his interests may change a bunch. On the upgrade area I found USAC to be pretty reasonable for older juniors. As an aside, not so for <14. Locally - SoCal - the Women's Pro123 crit champ is 13 and cat 3 and they won't upgrade her. Anyway he's done 2 MTB upgrades in 2 weeks and only done one race, and the request was based on getting competition (which he really didn't have in collegiate Bs). I assume they would do the same for track, but as @carleton said he needs to learn to race track 1st.
09-13-16, 08:54 AM
#3168
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It's not a good idea to use that DA2.
- The dropouts will be too short.
- You'll have to all but completely disassmeble it to make it ready for use on the track (remove derailleurs, brakes, shifters, etc...). Then you won't have a road TT bike.
- You cannot use a freewheel on the track as you will have no ability to brake with your legs.
You are better off buying a basic steel frame than spending the time, energy, and money converting that one.
- The dropouts will be too short.
- You'll have to all but completely disassmeble it to make it ready for use on the track (remove derailleurs, brakes, shifters, etc...). Then you won't have a road TT bike.
- You cannot use a freewheel on the track as you will have no ability to brake with your legs.
You are better off buying a basic steel frame than spending the time, energy, and money converting that one.
09-13-16, 08:57 AM
#3169
Senior Member
The front tri-spoke can be used on the track if:
(1) You can adapt it to using non-QR skewers
or
(2) QR can be used at certain times and with track directors permission. See USA Cycling Rulebook 1I3(a).
Also the USAFA has a cycling club - your son should check it out.
09-13-16, 11:13 AM
#3170
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1I3. Bicycle Types
(a) For track races, only a bicycle with a single cog fixed
wheel and without derailleurs, brakes or quick releases may
be used. However, in pursuit and time trial events that are
not championships or selection events, brakes, freewheels,
quick releases, and derailleurs may be installed on the bicycle
so long as only one gear is functional.
I mentioned it was complicated. The 1I3 rule may be the ticket for now.
He's active in the USAFA Falcons team - MTB (1 race, 1 win) and will be RR in spring. He may not race for Falcons on track until grades come in, and by then the season is over. So his track racing as part of the Falcons would be fall 2017. He may go off base (kinda complex there too) with the team as they train at track. He may race USAC now. So maybe rule 1I3 has him winter 2016/2017 spinning around the track on his TT bike (in theory blocked to one gear) working on pursuit while team does track stuff.
TT opportunity is rare for the next 4 years as it would only be USAC as college uses road bikes for TT. So was going to sell the DA2 until this thread got me thinking it may be good to use - until USA gives him a Wiggans bike.
09-13-16, 11:38 AM
#3171
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OK, so you are doing this thing where we give you advice, but you think you know better.
1) Learning to time trial on a freewheeled bike is not the same as on a fixed gear.
2) No track director will let your son ride his freewheeled, braked bike on the track with others. This means he will need private track time or only be doing an actual time trial at an event.
3) In all of my years, I have only seen ONE event that allowed freewheel bikes on the track. ONE.
If you want your son to excel in this sport, this is not the solution. He needs a track bike. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to be a track bike.
You are trying to think your way around this fact.
If your son shows up to COS, ADT, Rock Hill, DLV, Trexlertown, etc...with his road TT bike expecting to race in an event, he will most likely be turned around or offered a basic loaner bike to race the event.
1) Learning to time trial on a freewheeled bike is not the same as on a fixed gear.
2) No track director will let your son ride his freewheeled, braked bike on the track with others. This means he will need private track time or only be doing an actual time trial at an event.
3) In all of my years, I have only seen ONE event that allowed freewheel bikes on the track. ONE.
If you want your son to excel in this sport, this is not the solution. He needs a track bike. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to be a track bike.
You are trying to think your way around this fact.
If your son shows up to COS, ADT, Rock Hill, DLV, Trexlertown, etc...with his road TT bike expecting to race in an event, he will most likely be turned around or offered a basic loaner bike to race the event.
09-13-16, 12:46 PM
#3172
Full Member
ok, so you are doing this thing where we give you advice, but you think you know better.
1) learning to time trial on a freewheeled bike is not the same as on a fixed gear.
2) no track director will let your son ride his freewheeled, braked bike on the track with others. This means he will need private track time or only be doing an actual time trial at an event.
3) in all of my years, i have only seen one event that allowed freewheel bikes on the track. One.
If you want your son to excel in this sport, this is not the solution. He needs a track bike. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to be a track bike.
You are trying to think your way around this fact.
If your son shows up to cos, adt, rock hill, dlv, trexlertown, etc...with his road tt bike expecting to race in an event, he will most likely be turned around or offered a basic loaner bike to race the event.
1) learning to time trial on a freewheeled bike is not the same as on a fixed gear.
2) no track director will let your son ride his freewheeled, braked bike on the track with others. This means he will need private track time or only be doing an actual time trial at an event.
3) in all of my years, i have only seen one event that allowed freewheel bikes on the track. One.
If you want your son to excel in this sport, this is not the solution. He needs a track bike. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to be a track bike.
You are trying to think your way around this fact.
If your son shows up to cos, adt, rock hill, dlv, trexlertown, etc...with his road tt bike expecting to race in an event, he will most likely be turned around or offered a basic loaner bike to race the event.
09-13-16, 03:38 PM
#3173
Senior Member
Your son should check out the opportunities at the Boulder Valley Velodrome - about 90 minutes north of the USAFA. Take a taster session, day-at-the-track, or track certification class - Track bikes and shoes included plus expert instruction (completion of the cert class provide upgrade from 5 to 4.) .
09-13-16, 06:06 PM
#3174
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I asked and got very good information. I will take the information you and others gave and move forward.
I have no intention on sending a current junior out to a track with a freewheel bike without paving the way first. I've mentioned a few times - it is complicated. I've managed him a while, and as he still allows it, I'll continue.
I have a track axle for one of my zipp disk. I have a TK2 in the garage (I mentioned he's had many days on the track). So I was primarily looking for options - for pursuit.
Thank you, and sorry if you take my posting wrong.
09-13-16, 06:52 PM
#3175
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I am not as headstrong as it seems I am.
I asked and got very good information. I will take the information you and others gave and move forward.
I have no intention on sending a current junior out to a track with a freewheel bike without paving the way first. I've mentioned a few times - it is complicated. I've managed him a while, and as he still allows it, I'll continue.
I have a track axle for one of my zipp disk. I have a TK2 in the garage (I mentioned he's had many days on the track). So I was primarily looking for options - for pursuit.
Thank you, and sorry if you take my posting wrong.
I asked and got very good information. I will take the information you and others gave and move forward.
I have no intention on sending a current junior out to a track with a freewheel bike without paving the way first. I've mentioned a few times - it is complicated. I've managed him a while, and as he still allows it, I'll continue.
I have a track axle for one of my zipp disk. I have a TK2 in the garage (I mentioned he's had many days on the track). So I was primarily looking for options - for pursuit.
Thank you, and sorry if you take my posting wrong.
Track racing is a very mature sport, especially when it comes to equipment. That's why all of the bikes at the track generally look the same.
This is a pretty sane group here with good (and sometimes conflicting) advice. But, no one is gonna BS you.
Your TK2 is fine (assuming that it fits him). That frame is good enough for him to race at Elites in the US for sure. If he showed up on that no one would look at it twice. They'd spend more time sizing up your son than that aluminum frame.
Here is a great thread on how to go from being a beginner trackie into being an intermediate and advanced racer: https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...ack-racer.html