Entry track: component comparison
 

I posted something similar a while ago, but to be honest, I was pretty vague. I'm looking to pick up a new, complete, "entry level" track bike. (it will probably see the road from time to time, but I'm ultimately looking to take the damn thing to the track)

I was thinking about either the motobecane team track, fuji track comp (the 2010 model), or the felt tk3.

I'm sure I'd be happy with any one of them, but I want to geek out over the little details...

On the motobecane, i'm a little leery of the fact that its a motobecane (my messenger's paint sucks and chips really easy, and i think it was shipped with slightly too big a seatpost and may be forever siezed, but thats another story. However, I dig the deda components, and the dura-ace drivetrain. (octa-link BB is interesting, but neither positive or negative)

For either the felt or fuji, I dig the tubing upgrade, and i think either looks better than the motobecane. However, I'm a not so hot on manufacturer branded components. I'm sure they're fine, but comparisons are a bit harder to make, and digging up reviews/other posts is much harder. also i'd prefer a 50t chainring, like on the moto, but what can you do...

when it comes to wheels, i have no idea. granted stock wheels are generally pretty lame, but are there any notable differences? (in particular, i like the fixed/fixed rear on the felt. can anyone confirm/deny this on the other two?)

So, any opinions/experience with any of these bikes would be greatly appreciated. Again, I'm sure from day to day, any of these bikes will ride practically identically, but in the long run, are any of the component sets a little better/have better longevity?

having only seen these in stores and not riding them, i'd go with the tk3. it's a freaking beast of a machine and for the money you get something that will withstand a lot more abuse... and when you're just starting out you really don't need anything better. the team track is a great buy but having the support of your lbs is probably worth something on a race steed, and the ftc is probably going to be more expensive unless you get it on special.

I would go with the felt, but I think the tk2 is sexier and you should get it instead :P

as for the fc7100? crank/bb on the moto. Its really nice and is definitely a positive of that bike. Very light weight and stiff.

I have a Trek T1. everyone *****es that teh quality of the components doesn't match the frame quality. Well I have it nearly stock now. The saddle works for me, the speedplays are my choice and I run Michelins on it. Vittorias next I think.

But the bars... stock Trek bars look like ass. Light and cheap. So I bought into this "upgrade the components BS and bought some Deda Pista bars. My arms and hands fall asleep at the 10 mile mark. I put the stock bars on and I can run the drops for 2 hours no problem.

If the components work for you then guess what, you can put your wallet away. I must concur with the others here, the TK3 is pretty bad ass. The Motobecane is a great bike but I have those bars (see above) and am not a fan. Great for velodrome sprints, crap for mileage on the road.

My components that matter? Bar tape, saddle, pedals and tires. Contact points + rubber confidence. I'm not gonna spend $150 to save 80g with a carbon post. I'll go take a dump instead.

Seeing as how this is a TRACK bike and not a "fixed gear" it will be very beneficial to get an LBS behind you. If you haven't already done this, meander around town checking the shops, find the one you like the best and like the employees the best at and then have them help you out. They'll get you fit right and then you'll have a relationship with a shop in town for when you start upgrading or when something needs work. Very worth the time. Plus shop guys/gals are generally cool people, new friends?

All that said, when I finally get a track bike I'm looking to be getting the T1. I just like the geometry better for me over the Felt and Fuji though.

If you can, ride both, pick the one you like better.

That's a tough call. I've seen/handled the TK3 in person, and it's gorgeous and seems like a fantastic value for the price. I'd get it over the MTT if you have a couple extra bucks.

And the plot thickens... I've been a little busy lately and haven't made it to any shops, but looking on the Felt website, the only Felt dealers (that they have on record anyway) are the LBS that I'd probably go to the least for anything track-related in the future. I'll see if I can have a more track oriented shop special order it, but who knows...

At the suggestion of you guys, I'm definitely leaning towards the tk3 and can't wait to check one out in person, but idk if/how much this fact changes the game.

Let me suggest that you request a mod to move this thread to the track cycling forum, where you will get better input on a track bike for actual use on a track (velodrome). While there are certainly knowledgeable folks on this forum, the focus is more on street use and aesthetics. IMO as a person who regularly rides and races on the track, the Felk TK3 is the best choice. I've seen many very serious racers using them, and all they have to do is get a second set of better wheels for racing, and they're in business.

I have the motobecane. I love it. THe paint isnt great, got a small chip from a lockup against a pole, but not a big deal. Its essentially a previous generation Fuji Track Pro (before the Comp came out, the comp is made with 7 series aluminum, moto is make with 6 series)

edit: I'm not a track racer, so take others' suggestions more than mine.

i would go motobecane but buy it on site not online unless you want to buy it online (ie bikedir---.com) and get a shop fitting session. I bought my track bike online and got it adjusted by a great shop here in cleveland. now I love it when I get a chance to go to indie,IN velodrome and ride it on newly paved roads around NE ohio. I looooveee the crankset