I’m currently working in Atlanta, GA and am looking to pick up a fixie/track/commuter bike that I could ride to work and also take out on Atlanta’s velodrome. Do you have any recommendations on shops to go with?
I’m looking to spend around $500 (hopefully not too much more.) Shops in my area have had Bianchi Pista available for about that price.
Also, any recommendations on track bike brands would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark
Outback Bikes in Little 5 Points deals with a lot of track bikes. I know they sell a lot of Bianchi Pista and Pista Concepts, and Specialized Langsters; however, you may find slim pickings this time of year. They are also a sponsor of the Dick Lane Velodrome. I’m not sure about $500 for a new track bike though. I know the Bianchi Pista Concept sells for around $1500 new. Try www.fixedgrearfever.com for more track info and used bikes/parts.
here are some places to check out:
No Brakes specializes in track stuff.
Faster Mustache is a local urban cycling group with lots of information. They can help lead you to some local resources.
SOPO is a local bike co-op. Good choice if you want to build up your own bike instead of buying a complete one.
-=mte=-
The pista is probably your best bet. **theReflexx **has a good recommendation there with No Brakes. They are the only fixie specialized shop I know of.
I hate to say this but check out Performance Bike. They had some schwinn’s that were on sale for 450 not too long ago. Also, I think Bicycle South has some fixies. Getting everything for under 500 means you’re probably going to have to be patient and find something on sale.
Building up a bike from an old frame is not a good idea. The velodrome only allows track frames. They claim that road bike geometry has a lower bottom bracket. Watching someone strike a pedal on the bank, fall over, and take out a pace line once was enough for me to take their advice to heart. So if you have a choice I would go with shorter than normal crank length!