11 replies to this topic

[Russian Bear]

I just started cycling this year and have been having a ton of fun competing during the 'cross season recently. I'm interested in trying out track riding, but am not sure I want to make the investment for a bike. Is there a rental option at Penrose?

[your_mother]

Russian Bear, on 03 December 2011 - 10:53 PM, said:

I just started cycling this year and have been having a ton of fun competing during the 'cross season recently. I'm interested in trying out track riding, but am not sure I want to make the investment for a bike. Is there a rental option at Penrose?

There were some options of free bikes to use last year (thanks to the promoter and spark plug, Stephen).  Don't know what the situation will be this year, but you can basically slap together anything that will work safely as a fixed gear bike and ride it for the season at the 'rose.  Wheels have to be bolt-on axles (rather than quick release), no brakes, fixed gear single speed with racing handle bars.  Other than that, it can be an old Schwinn with horizontal dropouts, a vintage lugged and soldered track bike or the latest carbon whiz-bam, space-age creation.  They'll all work, and no one is too particular about what you ride, as long as it is safe.

Someone might even have one you can borrow.

Keep checking back here, as others with more experience will chime in.  

Also, I know several folks are still training there until the weather gets really nasty, so you might be able to work out a meet-up.

Welcome to Mr. Bumpy-face.

[robertm]

I have a frame or two for sale as well if you ride a 53cm... Also complete entry level bikes are very affordable, more so than any cross or road bike.  I've ridden nice steel, cheap steel and mid grade alloy frame sets on penrose and have to say that actually the steel bikes ride a little better in regards to the bumps.  We'll see what a carbon frame does this year.

[Russian Bear]

I'm 6'4 and ride a 61cm cross frame. Not sure what that translates to in track terms but I don't think it's 53 , thanks for the offer though! I'll keep an eye out on the sales forum as well.

[robertm]

This might fit. Unless you need longer than a 59cm Top Tube.

You would spend about 750 on an entry level Raleigh, Masi, Felt, Bianchi, etc. etc.  And they wouldn't come with as nice of stuff.  Greatest hubs ever made.

Edited by robertm, 04 December 2011 - 09:29 AM.

[jojo]

Robert is right Russian Bear, that bike is a GREAT deal if it fits you.  A 59 should be right in your wheel house size wise, if it fits, snatch it up.  Super hubs on the wheels and nice cranks.  Steel is a great choice for our bump daddy track,  I am going all steel this year, track, TT and road!

[Russian Bear]

So very tempting! I think I'll see if I can do some track riding on a borrowed/rented bike in the coming season and if I like it.. then if the purple sparkling alien will still be up for sale I might just snatch it up.

[billh]

Russian Bear, on 05 December 2011 - 05:11 PM, said:

So very tempting! I think I'll see if I can do some track riding on a borrowed/rented bike in the coming season and if I like it.. then if the purple sparkling alien will still be up for sale I might just snatch it up.

couple seasons ago a local shop had a rent-to-own program that was pretty sweet, maybe they will offer it again.  

I have a 60cm steel Masi that is a step down from the 58cm that Jason has listed; you're welcome to try it out, think it is pretty much indestructible.  I rode my alloy road bike in a 15 lap practice race with friends, and it was painful.  No fun, definitely go with steel on Penrose.

[Russian Bear]

billh, on 05 December 2011 - 05:27 PM, said:

couple seasons ago a local shop had a rent-to-own program that was pretty sweet, maybe they will offer it again.  

I have a 60cm steel Masi that is a step down from the 58cm that Jason has listed; you're welcome to try it out, think it is pretty much indestructible.  I rode my alloy road bike in a 15 lap practice race with friends, and it was painful.  No fun, definitely go with steel on Penrose.

I'll have to take you up on your offer sometime. Are you guys braving the cold out there nowadays? When do people generally start riding out there(if they ever even stop)

[robertm]

Russian Bear, on 06 December 2011 - 03:43 PM, said:

billh, on 05 December 2011 - 05:27 PM, said:

couple seasons ago a local shop had a rent-to-own program that was pretty sweet, maybe they will offer it again.  

I have a 60cm steel Masi that is a step down from the 58cm that Jason has listed; you're welcome to try it out, think it is pretty much indestructible.  I rode my alloy road bike in a 15 lap practice race with friends, and it was painful.  No fun, definitely go with steel on Penrose.

I'll have to take you up on your offer sometime. Are you guys braving the cold out there nowadays? When do people generally start riding out there(if they ever even stop)

its not worth it for me to try to make it up there in the afternoon's what with it getting dark very early and being bitterly cold, but I was a lone fixture up there twice a week from september all the way until the second week of november.  Now the ergo, rollers, gym and the road will have to suffice until spring, or if we get a 50-60 degree day on a sunday or something.

[billh]

robertm, on 06 December 2011 - 06:34 PM, said:

Now the ergo, . . .

Robert, what's the story on your ergo?  my brief google search turned up stationary bikes for triathletes!  why do trackies use ergs instead of regular fluid trainers, they handle more power, standing starts?  

(apologies for thread highjack)

[robertm]

billh, on 07 December 2011 - 01:18 PM, said:

robertm, on 06 December 2011 - 06:34 PM, said:

Now the ergo, . . .

Robert, what's the story on your ergo?  my brief google search turned up stationary bikes for triathletes!  why do trackies use ergs instead of regular fluid trainers, they handle more power, standing starts?  

(apologies for thread highjack)

I PM'ed you.  I made one.