lawt0n

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!

CliffordK

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.

AlexGS1

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.

TejanoTrackie 

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.

thedapperest

*obligatory #kilott post*

prooftheory

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.

TejanoTrackie 

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.

prooftheory

Good point. Cross the rush off the list. Are you only interested in aero tubing?

nohandlebars

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

lawt0n

I'm liking this option, very affordable and nice looking. Thank you all for the responses so far. I am looking for something light and stiff, because I already have a steel cross bike and a steel single speed. I really like the feel of a light, stiff track bike for certain occasions. And to answer CliffordK, I am about 5'9"

lawt0n

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.

thedapperest

Aventons are absolutely atrocious

thedapperest

Dolan Pre Cursa is a fair bet

TejanoTrackie 

What is your basis for making that statement ?

T13

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.

Jared.

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.

nocluejimbo

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

Unkle Rico

jonpear6

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.

Wspsux

came in to say this, like I always do

Chappys4life

Not to hijack but I am looking at leaders maybe too and wanted to ask whats the difference between the 721 and Cretin?

thedapperest

Bad geo, bad aluminum, forks are about as dangerous as a spinergy. You could do better for the money

prooftheory

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.

Carcosa

A friend has a Mataro frame built with nice parts. I've ridden it, it's a solid, fun bike. Sure it doesn't have any Aventon parts left on it besides the seat post, but I don't think Scrod would sell a bike with dangerous forks.

That said, I'd still get a Leader instead. I just think they look better for about the same money.

nohandlebars

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