jrockey2

Hello All,
I am looking to build my first track frame, and I was wondering what size seat tube-top tube would fit me best. I am 182cm tall with an inseam of 84 cm, and my leg length is longer than my torso length. I am looking at an NJS frame 55cm square, with a 110mm stem. Will this be a good size for me? I am looking forward to hearing your recommendations.

veganbikes

Why NJS? I dig those frames they do look cool and a new one from Nagasawa (or someone else but I love Nagasawa's work a lot) would be super neat but a used dented frame for boku bucks is a little bit off. NJS simply certifies the component in question is able to be used in betting sport in Japan. It doesn't mean it is good or bad necessarily.

For me I would look at the Gunnar Track Star for $1100 and I am getting a new bike made by the folks at Waterford who make some of the finest bikes and have for a long time and I can customize it for a bit more to my own geometry. Or I could look at one of the many track frames out there that is new and either custom or semi custom for a lot less and spend more on components.

You do you but for me the allure of a used heavily raced and potentially highly abused bike unless I am in Japan and can find one a bottom end pricing is just not really there. A new one yes would love it but those can go for good money as well and then why not have it built here in America by one of our many many talented builders and get it custom to me however I want it.

jrockey2

I converted an old Raleigh International to a fixed gear for my first fixed gear bike and fell in love with the ride quality of steel and the beautiful lug work. For my first real track bike I want to continue that trend of quality craftsmanship and springy ride feel of lugged steel. I found a great deal on a brand new njs frame to build up so there will be no dents or blemishes on the paint. I appreciate your comment, but I really wanted to know from someone who has experience with these frames if a size 55 would fit a person of my stature.

Koyote

Just fyi: there's a subforum dedicated to track cycling, and another one dedicated to bike fit issues.

urbanknight

I have very similar proportions to you (slightly shorter legs) and all my track bikes were 54-56cm with the 56 being a tad too large for me. 55cm should suit you well.

veganbikes

Lugged steel is good stuff so can't fault you there and glad you found a good deal on a new one.

If you have a geo chart that will help with sizing a little. However a 55 may work though it could be a touch big and a 54 might be better.

rydabent

Dont most serious track racers buy the absolute smallest frame that will work, because it will be lighter?

veganbikes

Yes they do and they also eat nothing but corn flakes and discarded pizza crusts before a race (unless on a Tuesday, then it is Wheatabix skipping leap years). I also have a fine bridge that I will sell you at a very reasonable price.