so i took my new track frame out for a spin just now and it's ****ing awesome. all the parts arent in yet but i couldn't wait, so i took the front wheel that i loaned her off my gals bike and did a couple laps around the block.

a) so much more responsive! felt wobbly for a second, then i got the hang of it.
b) much easier to skip and trackstand (this was even without straps, just clips)
c) i just felt fast as ****... but maybe that's just new bike phenomenon

awesome! cant wait to see it.

I myself are thinking of how better it's going to be when I can park my converted and start using my soon to be built track frames instead. One of the things I hope to be better is keeping the chain tension by using chain tensioners. The converted has lost it's chain tension after a week or so and it's not because of not tightening the bolts properly but because of those old type road dropouts.

I hope skipping is going to be a little easier like you said also.

i made the same switch yesterday (to a Mark V) and i LOVE how it feels. It feels way more like a bmx bike than a road bike. also i'm pushing a higher gear ratio than on my old conversion, yet climbing feels easier. maybe it is joy-powered. mmmmm.

I like my track bike. I like my conversion a hell of a lot, too. I even like my fixed mtb. I like the 3sp. Hell, I guess I just like bikes.

i definitely still love my conversion. it's not going anywhere. and if i had enough room i'd still love the mountain bike and 3sp i had to sell to move into this apartment as well.

2 weeks and I'll be making a similar transition. It'll be interesting with the different geometry, though it's not going to be so radically different as it would be coming from some conversions (the Basso is pretty tight). I'm looking forward to it.

Thats a feeling that can't be beat!

yeah. i remember when i went from a crazy-slack-wide-wheelbase frame to my iro. the feeling is nutsy and wonderful.

Doesn't the Mark V still have road geometry?

sorta. depends on what you mean by road geometry. 75 s/t, but 72 h/t on my 50cm-- it's definitely not track geometry, but i don't think "road geometry" sums it up. it's in line with a lot of the street-fixed bikes that have been coming to market. when i hear "road geometry" i think of the crazy shallow angles on a lot of the 70s and 80s steel frames i see around. and if you've ever ridden one of those, you'll know what i mean...

Yeah, I guess I meant just "not true track geometry" as in "still on the slack side."

Congrats on the new ride. We will have to hit Ocean Ave and PP soon.

when i think track geo, i think HT/ST 74d or greater, tight clearances and a high BB.

Some team track bikes have a "slack" HT for "easier" pacelining n'stuff. Don't know if we're talking 72, but its something.


Not a correction or anything, just eff why eye. Others are likely better informed.

so how about this - what would you consider "true" track geometry vs track/road(?) vs road

tell us, what are you getting/building?

what did you folks make the switch to? i'm saving for a new frame, and deciding between the Rush and the Steamroller at this point...they both offer different things.
i'm riding a great but very relaxed conversion right now, and my main motivation is to get something with more aggressive and tight geometry.

i'm in the same spot as you (except the frames i want to buy). this thread makes me want to throw down money right ****in now.

congrats dude, I'm jealous on all sorts of serious levels ... my hubs / wheel are taking damn near forever to come from Phil and I still have almost 2 weeks of waiting still. It sucks ass, especially because the rest of the bike is done.

I've ridden a steamroller for about 5months and I love it. I just built up my Kerin Level fram and I love it... lugged steel, threaded fork and no brake holes...look for pics soon.

i made the switch to a Reminton keirin frame. When I get the hub bolts i ordered from Paul today I'll take a pic of it all built up... for now, here ya go.

I have what I consider to be a street-track frame (Mercier) and it's pretty damn twitchy when compared to my Raleigh 80s road conversion. I'm quite literally exploding with anticipation as to what my tight-as-**** true track frame will feel like... As of today, it's all set to be built (The tubies arrived from Thailand), all I need is the frame.

thats fantastic!

badass/babyblue