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@arebennian
Just how crazy do you have to be to ride an OTP track bike on the road?
I've pretty much boiled my purchase down to two possible bikes, which are very different from one another.
The first is the Langster Steel 61cm: http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=65570&scid=1101&scname=Road
The second is the Felt TK3 60cm: http://2011.feltracing.com/United-Kingdom/2011/Track/TRACK-Series/Tk3.aspx
One is a total poser bike for hipsters (but, I am afraid to say, love the look of with the stickers removed) and the other a machine built for speed (ok, it's an entry level track bike.... but it looks fast). I'm very much into athletics of all sorts and feel that the TK3 suits my desire to whip through the London traffic.
I also feel that it will cope with my 6'4" (194cm) 16stone (220 pounds, 100KG) better than the Langster. The alu frame seems bomb proof.
I'll put bull horns on either bike I buy for riding through the city (although I am also interested in trying out Herne Hill). The question is if it's stupid to try and ride the Felt as a commuter/transport type bike? Would a carbon seat post help at all?
Also, what sort of components would I have to change? Tires (can anyone tell if they are clinchers or tubs)? Front rim for a brake? Gearing so it isn't quite so hard to pedal on the road? etc.
Anyone with a similar bike I could try out on the road before I put the money down?
I have the Langster and it's fine on the street, indeed it's designed for the street rather than the track. I've ridden it at HH and found it to be perfectly usable if a little sluggish, it's not the stiffest of frames. Having said that I'm a similar size to you, albeit slightly lighter, so you shouldn't expect excessive flex. I've swapped out the chainring, handlebars, front brake, seatpost and saddle.
Totally agree on the aesthetics once the decals have been removed, a lot of people double take as you pass.
Wheels for both bikes are clinchers.
These days, not at all. Road and track geometry are essentially the same apart from a slightly higher BB and slightly more trail on track frames, and neither of your suggestions will be stiffer than a high end road race frame. The Felt is much the better track bike, so if you're going anywhere near a velodrome that's the one to get. You don't need a new front wheel, the anodising on the Felt wheels will wear off soon enough.