Track Bicycle Reviews

TheMadVatter

Hello, I am new to this forum and to track cycling.

I have been trying to find as much information about track cycling as possible online and I noticed that there aren't very many reviews for track bicycles. I am looking to purchase my first track bike but it is difficult to make a decision since I cannot try them out before hand and there aren't very many reviews around. Is there a good source for track bicycle reviews? If not, why don't track cyclist post reviews of the bikes they use? It would be especially helpful for the beginner/midrange bikes since the buyers for those probably have less experience to go on for deciding on purchases.

Thanks for the help!

giropaul

If you are new to track riding then you will almost certainly have to do several sessions of introduction and accreditation. There will be hire bikes available for these, so you could try these, and also talk to other riders who have heir own bikes.
I'd suggest that you don't buy a bike until you are in contact with your local track so that you can check that whatever you buy is compliant with the rules for the track - bottom bracket height, tyre type etc.

Omar Little

Most 'proper' track bikes ( ones that have track geometry rather than aimed for people wanting to ride fixies on the street) are all pretty functional and do the job. Some might be a little flexy if you are sprinter putting out big power in a standing start and some might be a little compromised in terms of the geometry not being totally track specific but other than that they are all pretty good.

Some of the higher end bikes (Pinarello Maat and Cervelo t4 spring to mind) dont have the best of reputations because of some design decisions that shouldnt be there considering the price tag but they are still good bikes. For the beginner end of the market then a Dolan Pre Cursa, Hoy Fiorenzuola, Moda Forte and are worth a look.

TheMadVatter

Thank you for the quick replies!

@ giropaul
I am currently doing the accreditation sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Glasgow Velodrome but I live in Edinburgh so I am planning on doing most of my training at Meadowbank when they open in April. Seems like Glasgow only have Dolan Pre Cursa bikes for hire. I would like to try other bikes to get a better idea of what I should be looking for in the frame.

According to Glasgow and Edinburgh velodrome rules, I think most track specific bikes on the market are allowed. Since I am still doing the accreds, I have not run into many riders with their own bikes. Also the issue with the accreds is that they are so fully booked at the Glasgow Velodrome that it is going to take a while to get through all of it. So far it seems like it's more than a month in between sessions. I was actually hoping to get a bike and rollers to work on my pedalling while I wait for each accred session. Also I am not sure what hire bikes are available at Meadowbank but from looking at some of their pictures it seems they have a motley crew of older bikes. So I am thinking it might be better to have my own bike when I start there.

@ Omar Little
Thank you for the suggestions. I've been looking at the Pre Cursa and Fiorenzuola. I've heard some different things with regard to frames. Some people say to just get something track specific with regard to frames and then spend money on upgrades for wheels. But then others seem to complain about stiffness/flex of some frames. I guess I am just trying to avoid buying a bike and then quickly realizing that I need something else. I am not sure what events I will be focusing on but so far I am interested in Keirins right now.

giropaul

If it's Keirin you are going for look at 7vern frames, but it's a pretty specific discipline for a beginner. Personally I'd get some general track league stuff ridden first before specialising too much, and develop your track skills. Keirin is fairly physical for beginners.

imposter2.0

The Japanese still ride Keirins on skinny tube steel frames - I think the 'flex' thing is largely over-stated...

ronnierocket

If you check Gumtree or the Facebook group 'Bicycle Parts for Sale or Free', there is normally track bikes kicking around on there for sale at a good price.. The big advantage over the hire bikes is probably the bigger gear you can use but the hire bikes are pretty ok. I had a Genesis Madison track bike, then bought a second hand Cervelo T1 from the the facebook group mentioned, selling my Genesis onto another guy at the track. The MODA bikes are very popular at the sessions I go to.

poppit

The hire bikes at Derby are Moda and do the job well. This has done the job for us as a first track bike, comes with three chainrings as well. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-pista-t1-aluminium-2016/