Duke of Kent

So I've been checking out Ebay, craigslist, and the like lately in my search for a track bike. I'm a smaller rider, riding several 50cm/52.5cm top tube bikes at the moment. Not much luck. People in tight jeans seem to be snagging them left and right.

Quite frankly, I'm just wondering where people are selling track bikes. Nobody is selling anything remotely near my size in Chicago (craigslist) nor is anything good going on Ebay right now.

The shop that sponsors my team is not really into the track scene yet, so not only do they not carry Trek T1s/Felt TK2s/Bianchi PC's, they'd probably be less than enthusiastic about cutting me a deal on one, which they'd have to special order.

So, what should I do? Where are the good deals? Buy a cheap BD bike for parts, and buy a frame elsewhere?

Thanks...

yonderboy

You might want to check out Yojimbo's Garage. They stock the EAI frames, which are a pretty good deal and a very raceable frame. You could build up a pretty nice rig for about the price of a T1 or TK2.

Usually the best time to look for used track stuff is in the early Fall, when everyone is cleaning out their closets for the winter. There's also the T-Town swap meet that puts a lot of used track gear on the market. I don't know if Northbrook has a gear swap, but that might be a good place to look.

Dubbayoo

I see used Fuji's and Bianchi's all the time. Ebay and fixedgearfever.com

CrimsonKarter21

You're sponsor shop won't get you a track bike? I know a little about the process of ordering bikes, and you don't really have to pay extra for a special bike. The shop orders some bikes from a supplier, they come in on a truck and they get signed for. Actually, the manufacturers might have some of their bikes on the clearance rack, I actually had an opporitunity to get a certain big-name aluminum frame/carbon fork for $230 as an '06 model.
Also since you're in Chicago you've got Northbrook velo so it's not like you're racing in another state.

If that doesn't work, then you should to go Northbrook and see if anyone wants to sell their bike.

If all else fails, you can always go with the Mercier Kilo TT Pro with True Temper Platinum OX tubing.

redxj

It is also just before Christmas. This is the worst time to try and sell a bike on Ebay or local Craigslist. I have a number of bikes I want to sell right now, but not until next month.

bonechilling

Yeah, there are going to be a deluge of track bikes in another couple of weeks, because people going to be selling stuff in order to pay Christmas bills. Otherwise, the best time to buy a track bike is definitely right after the season ends, in October and November.

Also, this bike has been listed again and again, with no takers, and it's in your size range. I've been watching because it's my size too, but I just bought a Fuji Track Pro, so I can't very well justify it. This really is an amazing deal for $325.

Duke of Kent

Yeah I was thinking about the seasonality of this sort of thing just after the original post. Just before Christmas, there will be a complete lack of bikes (any kind) on the market because they're being bought up for presents. Afterwards, not only are people selling them to pay bills, but getting rid of older bikes that their new ones have replaced.

So, seems like I'll be doing some shopping around ebay and the like in the next few weeks. Ideally I'd like to spend ~800 USD and get myself a race worthy bike (I have race wheels of my own) as opposed to the Bianchi Pista/KHS Flite 100/Surly type bikes I see going right now.

Legalize It

Just in time for your holiday wishes.

Its a 53cm. PM me if you want to salesman speach.

thiskidgotmoxie

Seconded. If you live in or near Chicago, and you're looking for track stuff, you must go to Marcus at Yojimbo's Garage. He really knows his stuff, and is one of the nicest people around. We're really lucky to have such a great resource in Chicago.

Noestaencasa

Go with a handmade. Once you get to cat 2, you'll want any advantage you can get.

DW

gresam

I ride the Brass Knuckle from EAI and couldn't be happier as a new track racer. For $300 I think it gets the job done just fine. It sounds like you're on a pretty tight budget if your search is limited to CraigsList and Ebay because the quantity of track bikes on the market is massive. It took me weeks to narrow down my searches! Search for "Pista" on EBay, that might help. Also take a look at the Leader frames as an inexpensive option.

Hobartlemagne 

Performance is now seeling a Scattante track frame for $250. They specify that the decals are on top
of the clearcoat (for easy removal)

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true

get this built kit for $189
https://www.irofixedgear.com/index.as...PROD&ProdID=16

All you need after that is wheels, tires, and a brake (if you are the braking type)

Or just buy a Windsor "the Hour" for $299 at BikesDirect.com