Track bike sizing
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Track bike sizing
Postby harmonix1234 » Thu Oct 02, 2014 7:24 pm
Proper track bike.
My question is, do I go one frame size smaller than my usual geared road bike?
I went to a track night last night and noticed all the guys looked big on their bikes / bikes looked short and low.
If I am a 56 normally, do I buy a 56 fixie as well, or 54?
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby KGB » Thu Oct 02, 2014 7:36 pm
You want to be able to "muscle" a track bike around and have it nimble and quick. While this is largely due to geometry, smaller is better than bigger.
Having said all that, the current trend with road bikes seems to be smaller frames too, with longer seat posts etc. I like it - but I've been racing since I was a kid and can get nice and low comfortably. I've just recently switched from a 54cm CAAD9 to a 52cm Focus Izalco and I'm loving it.
Getting back on topic, any chance of borrowing a bike in the size you think and having a test ride? With track season starting there should be plenty of bikes for sale.
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby harmonix1234 » Thu Oct 02, 2014 7:55 pm
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby Derny Driver » Thu Oct 02, 2014 7:58 pm
My son rises a 56 roady and a 56 track bike.
They are twitchy enough without riding one that is too small for you.
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby Derny Driver » Thu Oct 02, 2014 7:59 pm
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby harmonix1234 » Thu Oct 02, 2014 8:02 pm
Or suggestions?
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby dalai47 » Thu Oct 02, 2014 8:52 pm
Same size here too - though latest track bike has a 57cm TT rather than 56cm. But am using new bars with less drop and reach so will fit the same.Derny Driver wrote:All my track crew have the same size track bike as road bike.
My son rises a 56 roady and a 56 track bike.
Best first option would be to talk to those at your local velodrome and see if they or clubs using the track have beginner sessions. They should have bikes you can use for a few sessions before needing to buy.
Track is addictive so enjoy!
PS Please don't call a track bike a fixie...
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby brawlo » Fri Oct 03, 2014 11:30 am
The size smaller is a long outdated concept and apparently relates to the older frame that had seat tube = top tube measurements. The size smaller was to get closer to the bars and the shorter head tube for the lower handlebar position. These days, the front triangle is smalller to increase stiffness and so head tubes are inherently short anyway, and the seat tubes are steeper also.
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby bigfriendlyvegan » Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:58 pm
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby harmonix1234 » Fri Oct 03, 2014 4:39 pm
Been googling the Fuji's and they look like they mean business.
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby mtbboy41 » Fri Oct 03, 2014 9:14 pm
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Re: Track bike sizing
Postby KGB » Sat Oct 04, 2014 6:09 am
Good point, that's probably what I was basing my statement on. I'll change my opinion to "depends on your road geometry". Just like have downsized my road frame after starting on a 54cm square steel frame many years ago, my road and track frames are actually the same size now.brawlo wrote: The size smaller is a long outdated concept and apparently relates to the older frame that had seat tube = top tube measurements. The size smaller was to get closer to the bars and the shorter head tube for the lower handlebar position. These days, the front triangle is smalller to increase stiffness and so head tubes are inherently short anyway, and the seat tubes are steeper also.
What is your road frame harmonix?
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