I’m looking for a type of race that my family can attend, and not have wait 20 minutes to watch me whizz by twice during a TT, so I’m considering a return to track racing this summer. That way they can actually watch.
I’ve had my eye on the Felt TK2’s for a few years, but now Fuji has the sweet new Track Pro, but with bottom bracket issues. Any Trackies out there with opinions on these bikes or alternatives?
I ride the Felt TK2 and love it. As do about 5 of my teammates. Another teammate really likes his Fuji and there are a few new Fujis at our track. I’d say either one would be fine.
Which track?
clm
There’s nothing wrong with the Fuji but given those options I’d go with the Felt.
Northbrook Velodrome in Northbrook IL is closest to where I live, and I was on the then Northbrook/Garner/GT team about 10 years ago. I used to ride there from Chicago, race, then ride back. I didn’t do too well.
I think they resurfaced the track a few years ago. Hopefully that west end is no longer like the lunar surface. I had a sweet Serotta CPI Custom track bike that got stolen right out of my basement, so I have a soft spot for track bikes, and which also may be the reason I have stayed away from track racing for so long. I don’t think I can deal with that kind of loss a second time.
One of my teammates raced a couple of times at Northbrook last summer. That totally sucks about having a bike stolen out of your basement! I think you’ll like the Felt. It’s a good bike.
clm
I’m looking for a type of race that my family can attend, and not have wait 20 minutes to watch me whizz by twice during a TT, so I’m considering a return to track racing this summer. That way they can actually watch.
I’ve had my eye on the Felt TK2’s for a few years, but now Fuji has the sweet new Track Pro, but with bottom bracket issues. Any Trackies out there with opinions on these bikes or alternatives?
There is also the Tk3 for the budget minded. Almost the same frame details.
-SD
Wow. And the TK1… what a bike! Is Felt now making those for the masses?
I like my Trek T1, iv’e done a tri on it and plan on doing the whole season on it, fixed.
The felts have a shorter wheelbase and the Jamis Sonik has an even shorter wheelbase. I thought the Trek T1 was a good compromise as far as overlap was concerned, but if it is purely for the track, it might not matter to you.
Wow. And the TK1… what a bike! Is Felt now making those for the masses?
Yes, one by one with many hand made, USA sourced parts. It is a painful process with no real mass production. We make 'em just like we did for the Olympians. There are a few dozen done now, with more being made. The problem is demand is growing faster than production. They are indeed amazing bikes.
-SD
I was going to ask about your old track bike as not much has or can change on a track bike for a beginer or a returner. Bummer.
I used to race at Major Taylor in Indianapolis. It is the best bang for the buck for your family - ASSUMING they want to sit around and watch you race. Summer nights under the lights!
I have a very old fully chromed Gitane with Record components that I keep in working condition. I think the bike may be almost 40 years old. Some year the bike and I will make a return.
I did try going back one time for training a few years ago and it really really hurt. Worse, somehow the banking was much more steep and scary than I remembered!
David K
Tell me about Major Taylor. That’s where Masters Nats will be this year.
clm
I have not visited any other velodrome so I have nothing to compare it to - It has hosted the Pan-Am games among other big events. Concrete, smooth, 333 1/3 meters. Well lit. Large wide apron - they raced r/c and small go-carts there once. It is just of I-65 on the way into downtown Indy. The banking and transitions seemed great long ago when I was a Cat 3 track racer.
Play with google maps and street view on Cold Springs Road for a glimpse.
Davd K
If I really wanted a TK1 in a size SM, what do you think would be my best bet: order now, or wait until I have the $$$ and by that time hope they are in full production?
Head over to Fixed Gear Fever, they have lots of resources there, track database, etc etc:
http://www.fixedgearfever.com/
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If I really wanted a TK1 in a size SM, what do you think would be my best bet: order now, or wait until I have the $$$ and by that time hope they are in full production?
They’ll never be in “full produciton” The frames/parts are made on two continents and 4 different countries, impossible to coordinate a mass production schedule.
Fortunately we’ll never plan on selling thousands a year.
The size small is in stock and shipping, actually just got a note from a colorado dealer that they have them in stock (!) in all sizes.
They are out there, use our dealer locator to find a Felt dealer, or choose your preferred dealer and have them order one.
Regards,
-SD