Track bike build - whats involved

lennymc

So after doing acreditation last week at sundrive I decided that I would like to give track racing a shot. The rental bikes are fine for training, and possibly some early races, but ideally i would like my own bike.

I have a few bits n pieces at home that I can use on the build, but I would probably have to buy most of the stuff. Im thinking of a dolan pre-cursa frameset, which i think at 250 euros delivered is very good value. The rest of the bike would be new/secondhand parts depending on budget. Speaking of which, my budget would be approx 500 euro over a couple of months.

Biggest expense would be the frameset, followed by wheels i think.

is there anything to look out for when buying track parts?

Lenny

patrick151

make sure you don't cheap on the chainset, if you want stiff for track theres alot to be gained (or lost) with a decent chainset

Caroline_ie

The precursa frame includes a headset, seatpost, fork. I got mine a couple of weeks ago from their site. Was delivered within a couple of days.

Get a couple of different size chain rings and cogs. Miche cogs are great because they re super easy to swap.

Beasty

Ideally you want 2 or 3 chainrings (perhaps 48 and 50 as a minimum) and perhaps 14, 15 and 16 sprockets to give plenty of gearing options

You may wish to consider slightly narrower handlebars than you may be used to on the road - it's a bit more aero and you tend to have less space on the track (I use 40cm versus 42cm on the road)

You may also want to try the hire bikes a few more times to see what size/geometries you prefer before taking the plunge

Harrybelafonte

lennymc wrote: »

So after doing acreditation last week at sundrive I decided that I would like to give track racing a shot. The rental bikes are fine for training, and possibly some early races, but ideally i would like my own bike.

I have a few bits n pieces at home that I can use on the build, but I would probably have to buy most of the stuff. Im thinking of a dolan pre-cursa frameset, which i think at 250 euros delivered is very good value. The rest of the bike would be new/secondhand parts depending on budget. Speaking of which, my budget would be approx 500 euro over a couple of months.

Biggest expense would be the frameset, followed by wheels i think.

is there anything to look out for when buying track parts?

Lenny

I'd do a few more training sessions before you start looking at buying your own bike tbh. Using the bikes at the track will help you see what you need to get re frame and parts. Bear in mind you guys were taking it slowly on Saturday and there were no efforts involved, you might find your needs change after a few more sessions. AFAIK loads of people race on the rental bikes.

lennymc

Cheers guys! I didnt think there was anyone racing on the rental bikes.
Ill be out there again on saturday weather permitting. anyone else going out?

kumate_champ07

rental is fine for the first year till you figure out what you need/want.

I should be there this saturday, got hit with the flu last saturday.

gman2k

anyone ever try one of the Chinese Visp track frames?

Harrybelafonte

gman2k wrote: »

anyone ever try one of the Chinese Visp track frames?

They're supposed to be decent for the price. A bit heavy but not too bad. There are one or two forums out there with reviews as both road fixie and track. Most importantly I think the stickers are on top of the lacquer so can be removed lol. Maybe we could organise a group buy.

Caroline_ie

Google the VISP frames. There are some good discussions about them out there.
A guy from Cycling Ulster ( I think ) races one at the track. I spoke to him about it once, as I saw them on eBay. He sadi he was pretty happy with it, for the price.

Personally, I am happy with my dolan and i wouldn't go for a 120quid chinese ebay frame. ( I've nothing against eBay btw)

As far as I know, the eBay VISP sellers also sell them all white/ all black.

Descent for the price

they're 120quid...it could mean anything.