Track Bike to Tri Bike?

Triathlon Forum
1

Question: Can a fixed gear track bike be converted to a decent tri bike?

Background:
I’m a newbie following the beginner’s program to do my first TRI (26 mile bike leg) in early October. Following Dan Empfield’s advice, I was planning on doing the first tri on the Trek Multi-Track that I had bought a while back as a commuter bike. Well a little light reading on the bike fitting and a few 40+ mile rides on the Trek and I’m looking for a new bike. So I start hitting ebay, LBS and consignment shops for a bike that fits on the serious cheap.
I come across a KHS Aero Track Bike in as new condition for near free. Steel frame, funky curved seat tube, deep aero rims. No brakes but holes in the frame to hang the brake from. It’s a fixed gear but the steel should have enough flex to accept a new cassette.

Are the geometries close enough for a conversion to be worth it? Or should I just resell the thing and save my cash for a road bike?

Thanks!

2

I doubt it. You are missing the RD hanger, cable stops for brakes/shifters and the rear triangle is at 120 MM rather than 130.

You could modify the bike by having a frame builder add the missing items and repaint but I can’t imagine that it would be cost effective.

Consider buying a tri specific bike, already built.

3

I don’t think this is an option unless you plan on using the bike as a single speed.

-SD

4

Unless you really know what you are doing don’t ride that bike without a brake. Fixe bikes sure are fun, but don’t lead to good run splits post ride. I would get the bike for a fun project anyway. G

5

Thanks to all for your replies. I’ll probably buy it put some front brakes on it and give it a spin to see how it feels.

After looking a round I did find a derailer with old-style mount with adaptor claw, for older frames that don’t have a built-in hanger. The same site (Harris Cycles) had a how to on expanding a steel bike from 120mm to 130mm spacing. So it sounds like a slightly nutty project that the gear head in me loves to do.

6

Also, there is no front derailer mount on a track bike. If the seat tube is aero, as in a Cervelo P2K, you can’t mount a front derailer. IMHO, you’re asking for problems converting a track frame to a tri frame. Too many other good deals on tri frames for the work involved in that conversion.