I'm looking for a steel track frame with clearance for 28-32c tires to try grass track with. I can only spend about $250 on a frame ATM, so my options are limited. I'll probably just get a kilo wt unless there are any other good options at that price point.

Guys, I sent Robofunc here from Track Racing. He's looking to race on a grass track using bigger tires. Any help would be appreciated.

You guys should look into it, btw:

Looks fun. Kilo WT is probably your best bet at that pricepoint.

Yep, at that pricepoint I would go that route.

Kilo WT

There's a dedicated grass track on the outskirts of the city I live in, but I've never been there. Interesting vid, I might have to take a daytrip out there to look at a grass track in person sometime.

Mercier Kilo WT Wide Tire Track Bike Single Speed Frame Fork Set Reynolds Steel | eBay

since they only have the complete kilo wt in a 49

Motobecane Jury on bike island.

I am currently in the process of building a pretty low budget faux grass track bike, intending it for gravel-grinding and neighborhood tom-foolery.

When I got sick of searching for a "vintage" bike with big tire clearance in my size to rebuild, and had the bright idea of going with new, due to price I considered something from among the Motobecane Track/Messenger varieties. During my pre-purchase research I was advised:

I also thought very seriously about:
On-One Pompino Frame 2011
On-One Pompetamine 2012 Frame

But before pulling the trigger on any of those, I found just the right old Raleigh on my local CL to use for my vision of a grass racer.

Now, of course, I have a half-done project sitting in my shed instead of a bike to ride...but it should be pretty cool if I ever do finish

Thanks for those links, IAmSam.

Get it done—you'll probably love it. I have a nice conversion w/ 32c tires I use as a mildly sporty "do it all" bike, but it's a bit heavy and has rather relaxed geometry compared to what typically gets used for grass track.

I haven't heard anyone mention that in years. I think the chrome kilo knocked that one out of recommendation rotation.

I built up an On-One Pompino for the summer and have been pretty happy OP. The front can probably fit a 40mm, but rear really can't do larger than a 32mm.

From what I've read, grass track frames have aggressive geo like other track frames, but clearance for slightly wider tires (think CX tires in the 28-32 range). Tires don't need to be huge and there's no need for things like fenders/bottles/other commuter-type stuff.

If I end up really getting into it I'll probably get something like a 2014 Soma Rush.

While I truly love my Soma Rush, just keep in mind that it has a threaded steerer tube that requires a threaded headset and a quill stem. If it were me, I'd look at something similarly priced like an All-City Big Block, which also has track geometry and clearance for wide tires.

Good point

I got a kilo wt and built it up with components from the co op and my parts bin. Trying to get a few folks together to give this grass track thing a try. Pardon the crappy phone pic.




Update—slightly better photo:

That's totally cool. Have fun.

Solid build.

Grass track pictures when you get out there please. Looks/sounds like it would be a lot of fun.

You can get either a threaded or threadless fork for the Rush or at least you could in the past. I know I ordered a threadless fork for my older Rush frame at first and returned it for a threaded.

Soma Lugged Track Fork - Outside Outfitters

It's 1 inch threadless but easy to shim to 1 1/8" for standard threadless stems.

Also at that price point for a frame you could get a Pake Rum Runner which will fit 28s.

Soma no longer sells the Rush as a frame only, so you get a threaded fork whether you want it or not, and they don't offer a threadless option. I bought my 2011 khaki Rush as a frame only, and opted for a threadless fork.

Thanks guys. I'l be sure to share photos of our first attempt.

I didn't even know this was a "thing". Interesting.

Yeah, it's much bigger in Europe and Australia. I really think it could and should take off here in the US, especially with the big CX scene here.

Totally. My build is basically a fixed CX bike. Clement LAS tires, salsa bell lap bars.