Looking for a quality track frameset for urban riding
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Looking for a quality track frameset for urban riding
Looking for track frame advice!
I recently purchased a Leader 721 from a friend because the price was far too good to pass up. He is considerably taller than I am, so the bike is a little too big for me. I would like to sell the frame and fork and use the money to help buy a track frameset of a more appropriate size, using the components from the bike I just bought. I'd be willing to spend about $400, preferably less. What are some decent track frames that I should consider? Do you think I should just look for a smaller 721 or 725? having a hard time finding information about track framesets that are comparable in quality to Leader.
Thanks in advance for your input!
I recently purchased a Leader 721 from a friend because the price was far too good to pass up. He is considerably taller than I am, so the bike is a little too big for me. I would like to sell the frame and fork and use the money to help buy a track frameset of a more appropriate size, using the components from the bike I just bought. I'd be willing to spend about $400, preferably less. What are some decent track frames that I should consider? Do you think I should just look for a smaller 721 or 725? having a hard time finding information about track framesets that are comparable in quality to Leader.
Thanks in advance for your input!
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How tall are you?
This one on E-Bay would make a sweet frame.
Colnago Master Piu | eBay
Just keep your eyes open for used track bikes.
This one on E-Bay would make a sweet frame.
Colnago Master Piu | eBay
Just keep your eyes open for used track bikes.
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I have the 721 as a warranty replacement for the 725. The bottom cut of the double seat post clamp was cracking on the 725 and this apparently may be a batch-wide problem. The 721 I got in return is solid and holding its own in a build of decent quality components.
Looking for track frame advice!
I recently purchased a Leader 721 from a friend because the price was far too good to pass up. He is considerably taller than I am, so the bike is a little too big for me. I would like to sell the frame and fork and use the money to help buy a track frameset of a more appropriate size, using the components from the bike I just bought. I'd be willing to spend about $400, preferably less. What are some decent track frames that I should consider? Do you think I should just look for a smaller 721 or 725? having a hard time finding information about track framesets that are comparable in quality to Leader.
Thanks in advance for your input!
I recently purchased a Leader 721 from a friend because the price was far too good to pass up. He is considerably taller than I am, so the bike is a little too big for me. I would like to sell the frame and fork and use the money to help buy a track frameset of a more appropriate size, using the components from the bike I just bought. I'd be willing to spend about $400, preferably less. What are some decent track frames that I should consider? Do you think I should just look for a smaller 721 or 725? having a hard time finding information about track framesets that are comparable in quality to Leader.
Thanks in advance for your input!
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Consider buying the new Leader Cretin frameset. It costs only $299, and includes a i803 carbon fork, headset, bottom bracket, seatpost and stem. The headset is garbage, so I had mine replaced with an FSA ZS-3, which is the same as used in the more expensive 725 and 735 for $48. The quality of the welds, paint and frame alignment is at least as good as the 721, and the geometry is nearly identical.
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Aventon Mataro is in that range, for a similar frame. If I was going to spend $400 on a frame, I would save up an extra 50 for a Soma Rush.
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Problem is OP wants to reuse the parts from the Leader, and the Soma Rush will require a threaded headset, quill stem and probably a new handlebar, which will break his budget.
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I really like the way a steel frame feels for urban riding. Not a fan of aluminum for city roads. And too poor for carbon.
Although, Tejano makes a good point... the Cretin looks like it could be a lot of fun. Nice that it comes with a carbon fork too. Leader Cretin frame kit | Retrogression
Although, Tejano makes a good point... the Cretin looks like it could be a lot of fun. Nice that it comes with a carbon fork too. Leader Cretin frame kit | Retrogression
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Consider buying the new Leader Cretin frameset. It costs only $299, and includes a i803 carbon fork, headset, bottom bracket, seatpost and stem. The headset is garbage, so I had mine replaced with an FSA ZS-3, which is the same as used in the more expensive 725 and 735 for $48. The quality of the welds, paint and frame alignment is at least as good as the 721, and the geometry is nearly identical.
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Aero tubing isn't necessary, but I do love the look of it. I am mainly looking for something lightweight (so probably aluminum, can't afford carbon), and aero tubing would be a nice bonus.
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I agree. The Aventon is pretty ugly. But I think if you like the way the Leader looks, than you'd probably like the way the Aventon looks too. Personally, I don't think of aluminum bikes as being a bike for "urban" riding. Suburban maybe.
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I ride an aluminum track bike in a suburban setting (what would be urban for most of the country), and I'd rather a steel bike, with a carbon fork.
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Seems to me like steel is the answer here. Buy it nice, or buy it twice... or in this case, thrice.
https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...block-frameset
https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...block-frameset
Last edited by nocluejimbo; 03-30-15 at 11:29 AM.
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Big Block or Steamroller get my vote. Sold my Trek T1 frame set in preparation to move out to Seattle. Bought a Steamroller frame set and some 35c tires for summer commuting. Salsa Fargo for the wet days up there. Big tires for the crappy roads and steel to dampen the vibrations. I found a used steamroller frame set for $125 on CL. I can swap tires and have a halfway decent track bike as well. I am never going to win anyways.
These frames can be had for $420 or so online.
These frames can be had for $420 or so online.
#20
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Seems to me like steel is the answer here. Buy it nice, or buy it twice... or in this case, thrice.
2015 All-City Big Block frameset | Retrogression
2015 All-City Big Block frameset | Retrogression
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Again, what are you basing this on? Did you actually own one? Have you ridden one? Did your sister's friend tell her about it and she told you? The geometry chart looks pretty reasonable and the aluminum is 6061. There do seem to be some people saying the seat post clamp is bad but you didn't mention that.
Last edited by prooftheory; 04-01-15 at 11:32 AM.
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That said, I'd still get a Leader instead. I just think they look better for about the same money.
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personally i would prefer a big block or steamroller. but op already has a steel single speed and wants something "light and stiff." cretin would make sense, especially if you already know that you like the 721, and it has somewhat similar geometry. STILL I WOULD GET A SHINY NEW BIG BLOCK AND LOVE IT EVERY-DAY