craigcraigcraig

I know there are a lot o these so sorry but this is more than which to buy. Rather why to buy which bike?

I have read through many of these threads and see that picking one of the similarly built entrance bikes is a good idea. That I understand but is there advantages besides needing to upgrade less with a better equipped bike? Will I ever really tell that a bike is more stiff than another in this entrance level bikes? Is there a reason I should buy complete rather than a build kit and the frame that I like the most (besides saving a few bucks of course)?

Reason I ask is that I find myself more drawn to the framesets that don't come complete than completes. I.E. Argon Electron, the Kagero, Vigorelli and im sure more that I can't think of off the top of my head.

Right now my top choices are as follows:

3- BD Motobecane Track Team cheapest complete but out of stock
2- Fuji track 2.0 can get from the velodrome for an ok price, complete, likely would upgrade stuff later
1- Leader Kagero w/ build kit from LBS
1- Argon 18 Electron w/ build kit from LBS build kit has better comp. than other bikes, hot bike, less upgrading in the future.

so from this I don't want to just pick the most expensive because the components but let's see some input.

Cheers

chas58

What are you going to use the bike for?

The advantage of buying a complete bike is:
- It is cheaper (as long as you don’t end up replacing a lot of stuff)
- It is easier.

If you like the excitement of building your own, know exactly what you want on your dream bike, and have a realistic budget, sure building your own bike may work for you.

The first two bikes on your list are going to be fairly stiff and a decent platform to start with. I don’t know much about the other two.

Generally with A track bike I want:
- One that handles well on the track (and fits me wonderfully)
- Something stiff and responsive
- Something that accelerates well (light and stiff).

craigcraigcraig

bike will be used for racing at the velodrome. the build kit will allow me to adjust the fit by picking my preferred stem length, bar width, seat width, crank length so any of the bikes will likely fit fine.

budget is very reasonable, wont be going over 1400 for the who bike, including frameset and build kit if I go that route. That souds reasonable to me atleast. Any reason not to get one over another besides personal preference?

Kayce

The Leader is not built for the track, it is 100% a city bike.

craigcraigcraig

https://thekagero.com/content/info.html

that looks pretty close to most track bikes. just because it is being used on the street.

Squirrelli

Kagero's bb is kind of low at 58mm, especially if you're going to ride it at Superdrome (assuming you're going there since you're in Texas); geometry chart isn't all that helpful either.

I'd go with the Electron if it fits you. Don't forget about Dolan or the Giant Omnium, Trek T1 and TK2/3.

Trek T1 handles great on a 47 degree track, but you should check out what their rental bikes are in Superdrome.

craigcraigcraig

I moved to Boulder, CO actually, but just yesterday so going to be riding at the Boulder indoor track.

the rental bikes are all felts and hopefully ill have a chance to get out and try some this week at the earliest of course. I'm really into the Electron since you don't see them much but it being on the high price side makes me want to maybe shy away.

carleton

I don't have an opinion on Electron bikes because I don't have any experience with them (first or second hand), but that's a bad reason to buy a piece of equipment. A piece of equipment might be unpopular for a good reason that you may not be aware of. You don't see a lot of people racing 180mm track cranks, but that doesn't make it a great idea to get some.

I know where you are coming from. I guess you want to be a little different to stand out a bit, as with clothes, shoes, hair cuts or whatever...but what makes you stand out on the track is winning. Great equipment won't win you any races...but it will eliminate barriers to winning. Think in those terms. If you want to know what to choose, start by looking at what more experienced racers choose to use. Maybe ask them why they chose this over that. Chances are, they have a good reason.

Here are some great examples:

One race night at the track one of the faster guys raced a Kazane race bike (knock-off NJS style bike) with Kazane cranks and caged ball bottom bracket. In-between races he came in complaining about how his BB was loose. This ended his race night. Even if he had the tools to adjust it, it would have taking time to do so. This problem may not have occurred if he had a different type of BB.

One guy told me a story of how years ago he was racing with some basic aluminum handlebars (not heat treated aluminum) and during a sprint one side of the bars broke off into his hand. This is why most stronger guys use heat treated (strengthened) aluminum, strong carbon (not the feather weight stuff), or steel bars all from reputable manufacturers (Nitto, Easton, Deda, 3T, etc...)

A guy on another forum was racing the Masters World Track Championships last week and was using old-school slotted cleat pedals that require straps to keep your foot down. During his standing start, he pulled out the pedal slightly but recovered. Had he chose the modern sprinter setup (clipless pedals + strap), this likely would not have happened.

In the Olympics in 1996 Australian Shane Kelley famously did the same thing but did not recover. He was favored to win the gold medal but due to the mistake he got a DNF (did not finish) and did not get to restart.

Go to the 6:50 mark in this video:

This is one reason why these pedals aren't popular anymore.


So, look to see what others are using and ask "why" and "why not?". The Electron Argon 18 is probably a great bike. But, I wrote all of that to address your reason for choosing not your choice. That reasoning might not serve you well in other choices.

Baby Puke

Uh, nothing wrong with old-school BBs, you just have to know how to adjust them...

craigcraigcraig

Ya fair response. It's not fully based on because I don't see them but that was my quickest response and certainly part of it. As far as I understand most of the readily available aluminum track bikes are going to be plenty stiff for someone of my size which moves my decision to other factors like geometry, price, availability, reputation, and looks of course. I'm going to take the race class and use the rental bikes, felt tk2s I believe and see how it goes from there. I may want a bike besides a felt but can't afford the electron and get the not became who knows. Thanks for the response if there is other things I should consider let me know

chas58

Take a look at the Jamis Sonik. It is a lot better than the Felt TK3 (that you likely will be renting) and even better than the TK2 (which is a pretty darn nice bike!) I know several people who have swapped over to the Sonik.

The 2011 and earlier models were $1800, the 2012 is de-contented down to $1200. If you can find a closeout of the 2011 for near $1200 – snap it up. It will be hard to find a better bike anywhere near that price. The wheels alone are $900 and crank at $500 (2011 and earlier models only).

joshpants

BIC rentals are mostly Fujis, typically the $400 basic version, but there are a few Comps there. Also one cannondale, one blue, and this massive Zinn which you can demo.

I'd roll through each of them before buying. There are plenty of great shops and options in Boulder, and if you are of "normal" size, consider yourself blessed as you'll have a pick of any brand you like. Having said all that, those $400 Fujis ride pretty well and one of the fastest guys there rides one.

My measurements are basically identical to Zinn's, but his bike was way too big for me, so I went with Trek, although that comes with a host of other problems as well... There are several local custom options, I wish I'd done that. Still might.

Hopefully see you in the race class there sometime!

craigcraigcraig

I'm going to join the class this Sunday! Pretty excited.