I am a confirmed, hooked fixed rider that loves to spin. I also love the old school look of a lugged frame without anything extra (bottle bosses, etc) so Japenese kierin frames really get my juices flowing. I would love to build one up but it will be used 99% on the road but I am concerned that it may be a bit too tight for that type of riding - any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks for your help.

tons of people ride kerin bikes on the street. they will be fine, just watch out for toe overlap (which isnt a big deal, you get used to it)

If you had your choice though, for a longish road ride, would you still go for a Keirin frame? I'm asking because I also like the frames a lot, but just am not sure if I'd really be happy with one in the long run. I want only one bike, and want it to be a fixed gear. I have a steamroller now, and like it a lot, except its certainly no match aesthetically with Keirin bikes.

Why are you so intent on the one bike thing? Different bikes for different purposes. I don't see anything wrong with having a daily commuter, a bar beater, a nice track bike and a distance bike.

Different frames are going to be better suited for different applications, and it's going to be rare to find one bike that will suit ALL your needs, especially if you are car-free, or race in different disciplines.

if you like keirin, go with it. as 128 said you'll be fine.

if you feel that a keirin frame is superior to a converted road frame based on aesthetics, that's fine too.

but if you feel that performance-wise a relaxed geometry road frame (plenty of lugged ones around) would be better, you have to decide where your priorities lie.

for what its worth, if you did get a road frame, you'd probably save enough money to have the braze-ons removed, track ends installed and have it painted any way you want.

edit: i see you're in woodbridge. check out https://www.dcfixed.com if you ever feel like coming to ride in the city. over there they call me john

ive done up to 70 miles on a track bike... while there are other bikes that might be more comfortable for distance, i have no complaints.

i rode my track bike around with a road stem and road bars for a while...it was more comfortable than my actual road bike...it's all in the setup, get the bars a little higher and it will be fine...that sexy track drop stem is real nice for looks and for all out sprinting...if you can resist the temptation you'll be ok.

For a longish road ride, i want bottle bosses.

Maybe you're a lizard or something, and don't need to drink, but the "supercleanlines" asthetic does come with some functional consequences.

i love the feel of track bikes for street riding. in urban situations they excel, and all round i've always had a thing for short, twitchy bikes.

i've done 40+ mile rides regularly on a track bike with drop stem and track drops. no problem at all

i have a fannypack for toting water, toolkit etc, on long rides where i don't want to carry a bag.

If you only once in awhile go on longish rides where you want access to bottles without stopping, Profile has a dual bottle rack that attaches to the rear of your seatpost. They also have a bottle rack for the front.

There's only 1 way to find out... ride the thing.

Get a Bob Jackson, it sounds right up your alley.

yeah, they are quality and off the peg angles are not too aggressive at all.