The Milton, Ontario, Canada world class velodrome is almost finished and it looks like an awesome place to train in the winter. Where should I start trying to find an inexpensive track bike? I have a 2009 S2 that I could convert? Or an old 51cm P2K w 650cc wheels that I could try and squeeze my 6’ body on.
Inexpensive is the name of the game here. Not even sure which events I’d like to race. I’m probably better suited to the longer events.
Ken
You may want to post a range of what is inexpensive to you.
don’t convert anything, it is a pain in the ass and you can find used steel or aluminum track frames for like $300 easy
.
Purchased a steel track bike at The Bicycle Shop in Brantford Ontario 'Fuji Track Classic" in Jan 2012 for $580.00. I have been using it at the Forest City Velodrome. I too am looking forward to the opening of the Milton velodrome.
Under $1000 for sure, and cheaper is better.
I would look for something used, but might be a bit tougher to find them now that Milton is opening up. I bought a Louis Garneau a few years ago off the London Centennial Wheelers classifieds. I would check there as the London guys seem to go in and out of track cycling.
Don’t forget to buy a couple extra cogs because you will want to be able to change out gears for the type of effort you plan on doing that day.
Ebay is prob your best bet! if you keep your eye out enough you will find a good deal!
Bikesdirect.com They don’t ship to Canada but you can get a free PO Box at Cbiusa.com and pick it up in Niagara Falls.
Not hard to find a used Cinelli Vigorelli or Dolan under $1K
Affinity Kissena, Dolan, Unknown bikes, Cinelli Gazetta should come under $1K
Used H3s are great bomb proof wheels on the track as well
.
The above posters have nailed it. Perfectly functional and race-able track bikes can be purchased for $500. We purchased a very nice Cannondale Caad5 track bike last spring on eBay for about $500.
Before buying look into renting a bike from the new velodrome. They likely will have a fleet of pretty good bikes available.
I do not think you can realistically expect to convert a road or time trial bike to track use unless it has rear facing drop outs. For instance, a Cervelo P2 has appropriate drop outs but the S2 does not. We converted a P3 SL over the summer that will be raced tomorrow in a collegiate event.
I have yet to see a 650cc wheeled bike raced on the track. I do not know if they are allowed in mass start events but I do know that I have not seen it done.
Good luck and keep us updated.
David K