Bob Jackson or Marinoni Pista?
 

So I'm trying to decide on a frame for my next build. My budget is in the 700ish range for a frame. In an attempt to not create another "What frame should I get?" thread, I've narrowed it down to two. However, if you think that another frame, within my price range will suite my needs much better than either of these, I will appreciate your input. Once it's finished it will replace my old Mark V thats been collecting dust as i've grown a little big for it, and I've ridden the hell out of it. It will mostly be used for my daily ride to school/work, about 20ish miles.

I'm currently looking at either:

a Bob Jackson "off the peg" Vigorelli Track
http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/pr...roducts_id=307

or a Marinoni Pista
http://www.labicicletta.com/edatcat/...MARINONI-PISTA

What I'm wondering is whats your guys' preference, and anything that might merrit paying a little more for the Marinoni... (At this moment, I'm leaning a little more towards the BJ)

Thanks

If you are just using this as a street "fixie", then you probably will get better feedback on the SS & FG forum. Most people today would choose an aluminum framed track bike for track riding/racing. I am going to take the liberty of redirecting you to the SS & FG forum.

bob jackson. lugged steel ftw. plus custom colors etc

i almost got myself one of them bob jackson frames. Very tempting.

Whenever I'm ready to drop more than $200 on a frame, it'll probably be at the top of my list.

Out of those two I'd probably go with the jackson. Bummer that it's lugged, though.

Jackson 100000000 percent.

I've nearly bought this rustbucket on so many occasions.

http://www.velocult.com/index.php/st...k_track_frame/

"Bummer that it's lugged"? -I will never understand this feeling.

The Bob Jackson is far, far classier in my opinion.

Oh, man! I want that frame.

The Bob Jackson. No question whatsoever.

I have a Bob Jackson frame that I bought back in 2003 and I like it a lot. It's very well done and I don't think you would be disappointed. Note that some have had difficulty with their customer service. They are not very prompt in dealing with inquiries and requests. Indeed, you might contact them about ordering a frame and just be ignored -- it can happen. Also, their "off the peg" frames can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks all the way to 12 weeks and more. All that being said, I like my Bob Jackson a lot and may buy another.

Something else to consider is Mercian. Another maker of English lugged frames. Probably about $200 or so above your price point (best I can tell from their site), but the workmanship and finishing may be worth it.

I think you can buy Bob Jackson frames through World Class Cycles in the USA, which might smooth out the process:

http://www.worldclasscycles.com/JACKSON-HOME.htm

I have dealt extensively with WCC, and their service is exceptional. They are also an excellent source for top quality track components at very reasonable prices.

I think WCC only does the custom-built option... which is a LOT more expensive than the "off-the-peg" one.

Although Im not a fan of Bob Jacksons, I'd choose it over the Marinoni.

for a bike thats gonna get locked up and ridden exclusively on the street, i'd choose the marinoni - but i'd replace the fork - its an atrocious mtb looking monstrosity that looks like it belongs on some entry level 'trick fixed' thing, and totally wrong for how great the frame is. also, marinoni has a choice of 32 colors and decal options.

I saw a lot of Jacksons and Mercians etc growing up. They are nice, and the low pound is really helping you out atm. So, ordinarily, I would have suggested the Jackson. But... I've since spent a lot of time with an old Marinoni road bike. The bike is fantastic (I prefer it to my Colnago) so I would go for the Marinoni :)

There are plenty of other UK builders though. If you like disco paint, you should get a JF Wilson (that was the one I wanted!). Steve Goff and Woodrup would be two of the cheaper builders (about the same as Jackson).

Anyway, either of those two would be ace....

p.s. you can order the Mercian Professional as a track frame....
http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_professional.asp

Mercian by a hair, then Bob Jackson.

Why would anyone not want a lugged steel frame?

Sarcasm?

Anyway, Mercian Super Vigorelli:

http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_vigorelli.asp

bob jackson. what a classy bike, you might not win with it at the velodrome but you will look slick while losing.