New Track Rider

20 June 2004, 12:01 UTC

Hi there,
I am looking to start training on the track through the winter, and possibly a few races through the summer. I need to get a bike. The budget i am working to is rather tight and dont really want to spend much over £300. Second/third hand of course!! I live in Staffordshire but go to university in manchester. Does anyone know of any bikes for sale in this area. the size i need is 21" cc seat tube and 21.5" cc top tube-or anything clost to this.
I have been advised by some trackies that it is advisable not to go for a bike with a cheap chainset such as a miche as they dont have the same quality or chain type specific to the track.
Any help would be most helpful.
Cheers guys.
Phil

15 July 2004, 22:24 UTC

Hi The Power,
Check out the classifieds section on the forums, http://www.cyclingforums.com/classifieds/.
Or just ring around a few bike shops and see what the have to offer.
Good Luck.

16 July 2004, 06:39 UTC

Phil

This might be a bit obvious, apologies if you already are aware, but if you're going to train/race at Manchester Velodrome, you need to get a bike which has a high enough BB to cope with the banking (their rules not mine). If in doubt call the track & ask to speak to someone about it. They can give you tyre advice too which is important on the boards. You can always hire a bike at Manchester if needs be. To do the SQT training you will need to get accredited too. Info here.

http://www.manchestervelodrome.com/

They also have a buying/selling noticeboard at the Velodrome. Alternatively, for £7 you can go for an hour's 'taster' session, bike hire included, with a coach thrown in. Brilliant value & a good intro to get you through the skills/induction process to get accredited.

If it's Newcastle you're going to be training/racing at then BB height isn't as crucial a factor.

Suggest you keep your eye on here for bikes....

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/classifieds/2003/classified_contents.shtml

or here

http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=8

or here

http://www.veloriders.co.uk/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=3

or sometimes even here

http://www.arborwood.com/awforums/show-toparea-1.php?fid=6272&taid=12&ut=1089954233

Good luck 🙂