Build up a Felt TK2 or buy complete
 

I recently went down to the ADT Velodrome in Carson, CA and got hooked on track racing. Over the past week I've been shopping and comparing bikes. I've narrowed it down to the Felt TK2.....for now.

Being that I'm new to track racing, I'm not totally sure what to look for in components. I can either buy the TK2 complete, or just buy the frame and build it up w/ possibly better components.

So my questions are......should I build or buy the complete bike? Are the components on the complete TK2 good, average, or "you can do better"

If you were to build, what components would you use...bars, stem, cranks, chainring, rear sprocket, chain, and wheels. I can possibly get a set of used HED 3 spoke track wheels. I realize that building will cost a bit more, but not sure how much more w/ better components.

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010...eries/TK2.aspx

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010...-Frameset.aspx

Thanks

Budget?

$1200'ish w/o race wheels. I know the race wheels alone will cost as much as the frame and build kit.

So $1200'ish including training wheels

I hope you mean $1200 for the parts and not including the frameset. The Tk2 complete is $1400 plus there will be around $100 in tax depending on where you live...

Go for the complete and change out parts as you need. I don't see the point spending a load of money on something your new to.

Unless you're extremely patient and resourceful, or work in a bike shop, then buying complete will always save you time and money. If you can find the Felt for $1200, I'd probably jump on that immediately.

If you're just getting started, I would look at one of these. It's spec'ed as well as the Felt in every way other than the wheels, but the money you save could easily buy you a good set of race wheels, and you can keep the others for warm-ups.

I was looking at a Felt TK2 last night at ADT. Very impressive for the price. I say buy it complete, then get a good set of wheels for racing if you really get into it. Everything else on the bike will do nicely for a long time. Just starting out, your performance will not be measured by the bike, but by your motor! You will want a pair of training wheels anyway, with tires that will last no matter what surface you are riding on. I save my expensive sew-ups for racing and ride cheaper sew-ups for training, especially if I'm riding on a concrete track like Encino. Really expensive, light sew-ups don't last that long on concrete!

You don't need any better components, that bike is spec'd very well. The only unsure thing is the wheels since Felt doesn't state the maker. I doubt Felt is manufacturing wheels/wheel components. With that said I'm sure they will be fine for now and as trainers/back-ups for racing. I would get the complete bike and those tri spokes.

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to head down to the ADT velodrome Sunday for practice and take one last look at the TK2 they have on display. I'll probably order the complete bike early next week.

So, what did you do?

I actually went to order the TK2 complete last week, but the shop I was going get it from is in the process of negotiations w/ Felt....they might drop the line. So I'll find out this week if they'll still be dealing w/ Felt. If they drop Felt, then I'll have to get the bike from another shop.

I suggest that you buy one complete and replace items as they wear out.

Even buying complete you will (probably) need:

- A saddle that you prefer
- A stem with the length that you prefer
- Pedals (I suggest Speedplay Zeros, Speedplay Track Zeros, or Shimano SPD-SL)
- 48t chainring
- 16t cog (for warmup)
- 15t cog (for racing)
- After you get stronger and when you start prefering different gear ratios you will likely have a bag full of gears. I have 47, 48, 49, 50, 51t chainrings and 13, 14, 15, 16, 17t cogs. But for now the 15 & 16 will get you through the first 1/2 of the season. Cogs are cheaper than chainrings. FSA makes quality chainrings for 1/2 the price of campy and shimano.
- Tools: Chain whip (make sure it works on 1/8"), lock ring tool
- Steel chainring bolts (in case stock is aluminum)

Those are the little things you'll need.

I just purchased a complete Felt TK2 a couple of days ago. It's pretty solid, I've only gotten to ride it around the block though. I'm not about to get hit riding brakless on my brand new bike, I'm holding out until the track opens up. Don't plan on it coming with a fixed/fixed rear hub though. For some stupid reason felt thought it would be dandy to go fixed/ free on a track bike. To the OP: if you plan on buying a complete you'd better get to your shop soon, I was told I got one of the last 3 in 60cm. So who knows how many are left in the other sizes...

Yep, I know. I need a 54 and I've been told they've been backordered til mid-March. Trying to get this TK2 has been a bit of a pain. My bike shop was going to drop Felt, but then decided to keep them....this took a couple of weeks to decide, then I find out the TK2 54cm is back orderd.

i went to the ADt Sunday also and i've been looking at bike/frames. i saw the Felt but, i came across Fuji Pro Track and Giant. what is the general opinion of the Fuji track and giant bikes? they look pretty good to me.

any feedback on the Fuji, Giant or jamis? they all look great, but, i 'd like to hear from someone with personal experience.

I've seen quit a few Fuji track pro's (past year models) watching at the 7-Eleven drome and during last years Master Natz, a couple of Jamis Soniks, and maybe a Giant Omnium. I can't give you any real feedback since I haven't ridden all of them, though I'm sure there all great bikes. I was in the same boat a few months back trying to decide between those 3 bikes, the Felt TK2, or to build up a Cinelli Vigorelli up... I went with the Felt. If you compare the TK2 ($1400) with the Omnium ($1600), you'll see they both have Sram Omnium cranks, a Deda Pista track bar, a house brand Carbon seatposts, HB wheelsets, and house stems. Both have carbon forks. I haven't ridden the Giant frame but I'm sure its equal to the TK2. If you think that the fizik sadlle is worth the extra $200 on the price tag, go right ahead with the Giant. The reason I steered clear of the FTP and Jamis was because the price was a bit higher and I didn't want an integrated seatpost, since you have to cut them. BTW I was considering the 2009 FTP with FSA carbon cranks and Deda bar not the 2010 model which is a lot cheaper but the components have been down graded from the 09 model. The Jamis looks to be the nicest of the bunch with the American classic wheelset, FSA carbon cranks, and Deda bar, but is around $1800.

Again I have only actually ridden the TK2 and FTP, both are nice rides, though I like the the geo on the TK2 a bit better. Hope that helps some.

You should start a new thread. You will likely get more responses.

that is a very good idea. i just did.

thank you