OTP lovers!

innit a usual way things go here?
and i think the budget is whatever you could get for that plug

It is not the toe overlap that is the problem, it is the geometry/handling.
A speedway bike is intended to ride around a small track for one minute which doesn't have much in common to riding on the road unless you absolutely love roundabouts :-)

Its not the first time I disagree with you kerley, but I'm afraid I have to again.

Just like track bikes are meant for track cycling, doesn't not exclude them from being the preferred road bikes of many. With the simple swapping of handlebars, fork and adding brakes, the Archie Wilkinson would be fine for commuting. The frames are strong, and luckily they're pretty cheap.

ah, but track races can be an hour long. And just because track bikes are the preferred bikes doesn't make them a good choice.

A speedway bike is a step too far from it's intended use, you will be suggesting one of those circus/trick bike things next :-)

And don't be afraid to disagree, people usually disagree with me!

speedway bicycle are different than track bicycle, with it's zero rake fork and the slack seat tube, Kerley is quite right that the speedway bicycle may be diffcuilt to ride on everyday.

the clue is in the fork - zero rake.

Track bike are (generally) fine on the road, the difference is that they're stiffer/more aggressive/higher bb than a road bike.

even 70's track geo are similar to modern road bike (mostly because road are much better nowadays than in the 70's).

although GA2G has suggested a fork change the geometry is still bad for road. It is made for quick sprints on 20 metres followed by sitting over the back wheel to keep traction around corner.

I have ridden a few speedway bikes and they are good fun but I wouldn't want to ride 10 miles on one. Admittedly they were all setup as proper speedway bikes, right down to the flat griptaped pedals!

ed, ffs, read what I wrote.......post 364. I KNOW the headtube angle is very tight.

***Due to the too-tight clearance of the front wheel to the downtube, you will need to swap the speedway fork provided, for a touring fork.

***AND, I never said that a speedway bike and a track bike were in any way similar in design. I just said that they could both be ridden on the roads. The speedway bike needing more mods to do so, obviously.

why would anyone want to start reading what you write :-)

kev83 is in for a shock when he returns to the thread and finding out he now has to buy a speedway frame and take up racing.

Seriously though, what does a 700c touring fork do to the handling of a speedway frame built for smaller wheels and completely different raked fork?

He's not in for a shock. He's reading the thread.

too shocked to post then

A touring fork puts the wheel further away from the downtube, thus minimising toe-overlap.

Along with with having the saddle positioned higher than the handlebars (which is the opposite for speedway), this would totally change the dynamics of the cycling experience.

A touring fork puts the wheel further away from the downtube, thus minimising toe-overlap.

Along with with having the saddle positioned higher than the handlebars (which is the opposite for speedway), this would totally change the dynamics of the cycling experience.

minimising toe overlap but completely destroying handling potentially? Fork rake, HTA and handling is not something that should be guessed at IMO.

Assume you have built one up and ridden it otherwise you wouldn't be suggesting it

kerley, most things are worked out first by guestimation.

That you didn't actually know this................

Anyway, changing a bikes attitude, which happens when raising or lowering the saddle, changing tyres, and raising or lowering the stem or handlebars, is normal. Yes, it will change the feel of the bike, but anyone would quickly get accustomed to it. Think Pashley Guv'nor.

Cheers for the advice guys, I think the frame size on the plug seems to be alright for me- it's just a case of perfecting my sitting position- I'm not a real speed demon or anything so aren't that bothered about being really low.

The speedway bike does look cool, though I'm not sure on that near 1:1 gear ratio!

Ed has suggested I try a shorter stem, so I'm going to give that a whirl come payday.

Point taken on the saddle height, I did have it a couple of inches higher but I was getting a pain in my shoulders, so I slammed it. I've raised it an inch or so now, so will see how that goes over the next couple of days. I've also adjusted the angle of the saddle so it's straighter. Straight away I can tell it feels more comfortable. Cheers.

kerley, most things are worked out first by guestimation.

That you didn't actually know this................

So suggesting a guestimated, half baked idea of a bike frame and fork is wise then?

yes kerley, guestimates are wise. Its how things have been for millenia.
The exact measurements and science comes later, if it is actually deemed necessary.

kev83, no bike is stuck with just one gear ratio. It can be changed.

guesstimates are wise for you maybe but suggesting to others who haven't got the experience?

you know that is not a good form, now just admit it :-)

kev83, no bike is stuck with just one gear ratio. It can be changed.

I know ;) but it would be another part to change and another cost!

omg now it's time to leave this - kev said he could get the seat up a bit so it's ok now

True, but this way you would have started out with a £200 bike, and still ended up with a bike that fits and rides well, but for less than £300 all in.

no way, it has only just started. It will only finish when GA2G buys the speedway bike fitted with touring fork and then admits how shit it is.

What bike(s) do you own/use kerley?

GA2G, you know perfectly well that this is an ill-suited way to get a bicycle that fit, especially when there's actually a good option of 650c bicycle out there.

I am currently riding a Kona Major One which I intend to actually keep for more than 10 minutes.

I need to keep it until mid September as I am planning to race it!

true, but we learn from our mistakes! Personally, I think it's a nice frame and fits well enough. I've ridden worse bikes thats for sure.

Next time I take some pics i'll whack the seatpost right up, and won't admit how short I am!