Bike Advise

Cyborg_Chippy

After some opinions from the experts who use this forum, before I make my next bike related purchase.



I'm looking at buying a Surly Steamroller as dual-purpose bike, one as an indestructible fixed wheel commuter, two as my very first track bike.



I realize I will have to remove the front brake to use on the track and will probably flip the stem over for a move comfortable commuting position. But is there anything else I need to consider as I'm 1.84m and normal ride with a 175mm crank?



Many Thanks

Jack-o

Hi, I looked at getting a Surley when I came back to track racing after a 13 year lay-off, but decided that the geometry was too "road" oriented for my liking. Mind you I was looking for a track bike, not a dual purpose bike.

I would be concerned about using 175 cranks on a velodrome as your pedal may come in contact with the track when riding on a steep banks.

Cyborg_Chippy

Thanks Jack-o

Sorry to be Navie but what are the difference in geometry between a track and road bike and how will it affect the bikes handle?

Jack-o

Happy to give my opinion, but is my opinion, and there may be others that disagree.

Being a multi-purpose frame, the surly is built like a road bike, because (compared to a track bike) it has a long wheelbase and a shallower head angle which makes for a slower-steering bike. This means it is not as quick to react to your steering inputs when track racing. The other thing (and the main issue with me) is that it is built with clearances in the frame and fork to suit tyres up to 38mm (great, if thats what you want). Thats huge, and its this extra clearance which adds length to the wheelbase and makes the steering a bit ponderous.

There are lots of other entry-level track bikes which do seem to be more "track" oriented (Bianchi Pista, KHS etc.) which can still be used quite comfortably on the road despite the tighter frame geometry and would be much nicer to ride on the track. Just make sure that whatever you choose can take at least one handbrake for road use (must be removed for the track), if you choose to use a brake that is. (recommended!)

Do lots of homework and internet research and choose that bike that best suits your purpose.

Cheers,
Jack-o

Cyborg_Chippy

Thanks again Jack-o.



I've now had a read up on track bikes on road bike review site and think I'm now very inclined to get a true track bike like the Bianchi Pista. As the track is where I really want to use the bike to it full potential. My 30 minutes commute would be the secondary purpose, is very short, I'm not required to carry anything on the bike and could always full back to my MTB if the weather get really really foul.



Anyone know where I can test ride a Bianchi Pista in the SE of London?



Thanks

sv650s

I have just purchased a Hillbrick Pista.

At about $850 bucks it looks to be a great machine for the begginer.