Fixed gear track bike build (will also be used to commute)
jimmm
Posts: 202
Next year I am thinking of setting myself a project to build a fixed gear track bike - which will be used for short rides, and also on the local outdoor velodrome (in Bournemouth). I currently have a CAAD10 which is absolutely great; but I am finding that I do not have the time on the weekends to put long rides in as I had originally wished. I recently found out that there is an outdoor velodrome near where I live, and I believe this will be perfect for my speed and cycling fix in my limited time.
Made this thread to hopefully get some advice on where to source parts, frame and component recommendations, and also to find out if anyone has any experience of the Bournemouth velodrome? The bike will be used daily to commute to work (2 miles each way - and only in dry weather), short rides, and for the outdoor velodrome. Where I live isn't the most hilly of areas, and therefore I'm sure a fixed gear will be fine. What gear size is recommended for mostly flat areas, with a few shortish hills chucked in?
Looking to have some frame suggestions chucked my way too please. What's the best material for a track bike, which can withstand the daily needs of my (short) commute? Is there particular brands that I should look out for? One frameset that I have fallen in love with is the Bianchi Super Pista: http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/fixed-gear/super-pista-frameset/. However I have not found a supplier of this in the UK - and not sure if they are releasing a 2013 model soon? I will also be looking to implement some sort of front brake, so I am safer on my commute. I'm presuming all I will need to do is change the fork, if the frame(set) I go for doesn't allow me to have one?
Wheel suggestions too please? Need wheels that can take my weight of 80kg, be able to take the little knocks off a commute, but be light and aerodynamic for the track?
Sorry if this is in the wrong section of the forum - wasn't sure whether to put this in here or the 'track' section - so please feel free to move if needed.
Made this thread to hopefully get some advice on where to source parts, frame and component recommendations, and also to find out if anyone has any experience of the Bournemouth velodrome? The bike will be used daily to commute to work (2 miles each way - and only in dry weather), short rides, and for the outdoor velodrome. Where I live isn't the most hilly of areas, and therefore I'm sure a fixed gear will be fine. What gear size is recommended for mostly flat areas, with a few shortish hills chucked in?
Looking to have some frame suggestions chucked my way too please. What's the best material for a track bike, which can withstand the daily needs of my (short) commute? Is there particular brands that I should look out for? One frameset that I have fallen in love with is the Bianchi Super Pista: http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/fixed-gear/super-pista-frameset/. However I have not found a supplier of this in the UK - and not sure if they are releasing a 2013 model soon? I will also be looking to implement some sort of front brake, so I am safer on my commute. I'm presuming all I will need to do is change the fork, if the frame(set) I go for doesn't allow me to have one?
Wheel suggestions too please? Need wheels that can take my weight of 80kg, be able to take the little knocks off a commute, but be light and aerodynamic for the track?
Sorry if this is in the wrong section of the forum - wasn't sure whether to put this in here or the 'track' section - so please feel free to move if needed.
0
Posts
with this fork - http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FOP ... trial_fork
Then you can have your front brake - but you'd need to take it off for the track obviously.
Some nice wheels here - http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WPP ... k_wheelset
Guess it depends how windy the outdoor track is ?
I'm not sure how windy the track is, as I've not been there yet. Might pop down there this weekend on my road bike if the weathers nice(ish) to check it out.
Does anyone have a list of every essential component you need for a bike build?
I've started to write a list - but I'm sure I've missed stuff out. Want to try and do some calculations to work out a realistic budget, and so I can start getting things if I see them at a good price.
As for the wheels for track and traffic... a set of Novatec track hubs or Miche on some mid profile rims 32 holes... velocity deep V or H plus Son good for the track, good for the track stand in the traffic and can be built for 200 pounds
The Dolan does look like a great bike, and it is what they hire out down the track - so I will get to try before I buy. However you are right - they are quite ugly, and even though I won't be looking at it when I'm on it - I will have to look at it sitting in my house!
I came across this website the other day - http://superbbicycle.com/category/custom-build/, and aboslutely love what they do there. Is a shame they are based in the US. Is there anywhere similar in the UK?