flanky777

I know theres been a ton of threads like this, but I couldn't find exactly what I wanted to know.
I've been riding a fixed gear for quite a while, and have been road biking for about 3 years. I wanted a bike to fit my needs/wants.

Being the mechanic I would like to be,

I wanted to choose between a Cinelli Vigorelli that I could build or a prebuilt Felt TK2

For the Cinelli,
FSA Vero Cranks
Alx Rim Fixed/free.
FSA Carbon Seatpost,
HED CX Front
Cinelli Handlebars.
Gold Izumi Chain

Vs.

Stock Felt TK2

Slightly similar price ranges,

and I also wanted to know at my age of 15 and being 5'11 and an inseam of 31' what would be an appropriate size for me?

AND would Speedplay Light Action Pedals be okay for track use?

Thanks in advance

Franky.

Velodad

Size wise, I would ride the loaner bikes at your velodrome. Try different sizes, seek out the knowledgeable people there and ask them about the size and your fit on those sizes. Don't rush it. Depending on the velodrome, they might have a junior program.
What velodrome will you be riding at?

flanky777

I live a couple blocks down from Hellyer Velodrome. So I'll be there about everyweek.

carleton

If you dig the colors and/or name, then cool. But, I can't see the Cinelli performing better than the Felt.

If you are building from the frame up you are going to pay through the nose for the parts listed.

I say get the TK2 complete. With the money you save, buy parts to replace those that break or meet a specific need (i.e. different length stem, different width bars).

I have honestly seen guys kick ass on completely stock $500 bikes. Seriously.

Don't get the speedplay light action. Get the Zeros at least. Zero Track Specials if you can afford them. Pedals are VERY important on the track.

TejanoTrackie 

I agree with everything you said except about the Speedplays. Stay away from them dang things! I've seen several bad crashes on the track from people clipping out during sprints or standing starts. I almost met my maker yesterday in a match sprint against this kid in SpeedPlays; he clipped out on both feet near the finish, and nearly crashed us both. I use the old Shimano Dura Ace Look pedals with non-float (black) cleats, and set the clip tension to maximum.

Velodad

Go today if you can.
Have you checked out their website?

carleton

Not true.

Speedplays are arguably the most common pedal on the track. I would credit the rider's technique as the reason for the unclip. The one would have to have the strength of a bull to actually break out of them.

Set the float properly.

BTW, I've unclipped using the current Shimano Ultegra pedals. I switched because when you tighten the tension to 100%, you actually move the cleat on the shoe when disengaging, thus upsetting the cleat position. You can only tighten the cleat so much before you strip the screw or the bolt in the shoe.

I know national and world sprint champs that use speedplay daily with no problem. I've seen one such strong racer break a carbon chainstay during a standing start for a chariot race...but the pedal didn't fail.

Proper pedal setup and technique.

flanky777

yeah, i've been checking out their website, been there most of the day watching masters state championships.