Scvelo7

I am a 17/18 Junior looking to get into track racing. My parents don't pay for everything for me, so I don't have a boatload of cash to put down on a bike. I am looking to get a bike for around 800, no more than 1k. I want a bike that I can use for a few years and will be some what respected as a nice bike at the track. So far I have found that I can get a 2009 Fuji Track Pro of Nashbar for 200 bucks, then I could just throw some parts together to build a bike. I have also looked at a used Felt tk2 for around 750. I need some help on what do to. Build a bike or buy one? Also what bike to build or what bike to buy. Thanks for helping me out in advance.

Squirrelli

Building a "race" bike is going cost more than your budget, I'd get the TK2 if it fits you.

Also, you could contact your local velodrome to see if you could get on the team or make friends with some of the senior riders; they are generally quite nice to younger guys and would lent you equipments.

Scvelo7

I live in socal and the ADT velodrome at the Home Depot Center will be where I will go to train most of the time, I'm sure. Are you sure? I feel like thats mooching...then again I did that when I first started road racing and everyone really helped me out. Just trying to afford it all is hard.

chas58

750 looks like your best bet for the TK2. The one's I have seen used are about twice that. Its a good bike!

And yes, most of us were students at one time and didn't have any money either. You don't come across as a moocher.

bitingduck

Definitely get a used bike-- they're always floating around and you can save a lot.

Do some research before you drop $ on a recent Fuji-- there was a problem with the chainstay geometry in some of the recent years that didn't leave clearance with common BB/chainring/crank combinations. I don't recall the exact details, but there were a bunch of discussions over at fixedgearfever about it.

carleton

Nashbar is blowing those frames out for $200. Not only are there chainstay issues, the seat mast system leaves a lot to be desired.


Here is the discussion: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ar-FTP-problem

Kayce

Another route if you can swing it borrow/rent till the offseason where a lot of guys will be upgrading. Then you can find used bikes at a cheaper rate.

Scvelo7

Thanks for the tips guys. That sounds like a good idea.