Using a track bike for commuting?
 

I was wondering how viable a track bike would be for commuting. I was looking for a fixed gear bike, and almost all of them that I like are track bikes. Specifically, I was looking into the Tommaso Augusta Ninja Pro (I'd appreciate any comment on that model and/or brand).

This would be my first track bike, so I'm not sure how confortable or unconfortable it'd be, having an aggressive position rather than a more relaxed one. Another factor is how durable the wheels would be on regular streets with imperfections and some holes on it.

Thanks in advance.

The geometry of that bike isn't very detailed on that site, but I think that bike will be good for commuting. It is more of a commuter bike that looks/feels like a track bike rather than a track bike you can ride on the road.

Personally, I find a bike like that a lot of fun for commutes of less than 10 miles. For rides much longer than that, road geometry is useful. FYI - that bike wouldn't be as awkward to ride on the street as some of the stiff dedicated track machines in the $1000 - $3000 price range.

I don't think you need to worry about that wheelset. It's not a track bike. I sometimes commute on a very similar bike and it's good fun. That said, my go to commuter bike is a modified MTB because of road hazards, being more upright, low speed agility ... it just seems more practical. After the novelty of bike commuting wears off its all about survival...unless you have a long commute and speed is your deal.

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Sorry, thought to ask here because maybe some people had the experience. But thanks for the replies, I really appreciate them, and they help.

track bikes are fine for commuting...if you're badass enough

exactly. I commute around 25-30 miles everyday on mines.it helps to get a steel frame.

I see no problem with commuting on a tarck bike. A track bike, however, is another story... :innocent:

get the ninja!
that bike is sweet and sweet price
you might want to get some bar tape on the top of those drops and throw a front brake on there
but yeah bro, commute it up on that thing! (and then some)

Depends on how long the commute and the specific geometry of the frame. I wouldn't commute more than 10 miles a day on my Mark V because the saddle to bar drop is uncomfortable after more than 5 miles and the saddle starts giving my groin sores at 10 miles. Your mileage may vary

I think you'd be fine, and if it's uncomfortable, there are modifications you can make to make it more commute-worthy (different handlebars, adding rack, adding fenders, etc.).

Thank you all for the replies, especially about the comment on the Ninja! My confidence on the bike, and using it for commuting, rose. I'll get a front brake for it (anybody got a recommendation?) and maybe a rack at some point.

My commute is shorter than 10 miles; in fact, most of the places I'm planning to go to are a couple KMs far. My other main concern was about the wheels, being different and all that, but I guess they'll withstand a regular street with a few bumps and holes, right?

those wheels are solid, you shouldnt have to worry about them too much. Dont go hopping too many curbs though.

Kilo TT

SLC crew! Nice lookin Mash

Well said!

+1 QFMFT

I went from my aluminium leader back to my steel paddy wagon and the difference was night and day; I truly know the meaning now of the saying, "steel is real".

if roadies can do hundreds of miles a week on their road frames then I can manage a track frame for my 15 mile commute. Yes.

It works but it's not the way to go. Easier if you don't have to carry a lot of stuff around. Bianchi San Jose + rack/pannier >> Kilo TT + backpack/messenger bag.

uh huh and neither can hang with my ss setup for commuting.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=213026

Talking about racks, aren't you guys afraid of someone passing by and stealing something from it? Especially from the back one.

Wait...what? You mean while you're riding it? If your junk is strapped down tightly enough for it to stay put during normal riding, I don't think anyone, except for ninjas, would be able to swipe it without you noticing. Otherwise, don't leave stuff on the rack when the bike is parked.

Ha, ha, good one. I meant while riding. But I guess it'd be easier to just steal the bike than grab something and run away.

lolewut?

Hahahahaha Im too fast for that to happen.