1st Fixed/free. Some Q's

Minds made up, I want a fixed/free road bike.
I race, got the race bike and got the trainer.
This is to replace my 'retro' bike which is impractical as a modern training bike, and too good for a hack.
I live in the Chilterns; so hills and I'd be doing 40/60 mile rides.

The big question is this. Are there road going track bike frames AND normal track frames?
I was looking at the Condor Potenza, or should I just get a cheap On-One Macinato?
I have a 42t track chainset, un used brakes, bars, stem and Brooks. So not a lot else is required.

The Macinato is made for riding on the roads over really on the track, there are quite a few frames made for road fixed riding, just depends what you want it for.

If you want really responsive and track like, then go for a track frame but if you want something a bit layed back for the road then a track frame made for the road is a decent choice. We just built up a macinato for a friend and they aren't bad frames at all.

If you're looking cheap then a good road/fixie is Macinato, a cheap 'proper' track frame is Dolan Pre-Cursa, or fish around until you find one you like.

It's also worth looking for stuff like (a) water bottle mounts and (b) eyelets for mudguards.

OK, so zip-tying on some mudguards is alright but OMFG my track bike on the road is a pain in the ass with one v. dubiously attached bottle cage.

Yeah, the Macinato's got bottle cage mounts so on that front you're ok. In terms of mudguard eyelets I'm not too sure because we used the roadrace mudguards (Rubber bands)

Make sure it's a fast colour too.

I've had a Potenza for a few years now - its the least comfortable and least practical bike I own.

It rides like a road drill and won't take race blades - not enough clearance on the down tube - no bottle cage bosses, no clearance for tyres >25c etc

That said its also the most exciting bike to ride in my shed (I also have a couple of LOOKs, a Pegoretti and a few other humbler numbers) - it is fairly light, very accelerative - climbs like a scalded cat and looks beautiful. Handling is super twitchy - however stock wheels were way too inflexible for the road - just changed them for Open pro handbuilts - made a world of difference.

Go get a test ride from Condor - also try the Pista - which IMHO is a much better all round proposition (but for me far too similar an experience to my Condor Italia conversion pub bike).

Also the new colour schemes look great.

Thanks sound advice, especially on the Potenza. I see the Pista has a full road going cousin so it probably is a better choice.
Still the bargain On-One seems a pretty good choice for a long ride alone in the countryside. And a breath of fresh air from racing and training.
Ta.

Just get the On-One Pompino and change the fork into a carbon one.

If you like Condor, go for the Tempo which is pretty much the mudguard and rack version of the Pista;

I have a 2nd hand pomp , with mud guards and a flat bar. I also own a Macinato. The "mincer" looks nice , but to be honest I prefere the pomp. I've never had a drop bar bike before and don't really like riding it.

I'm thinking of making the "mincer" flat bar and putting the drop bar on the pomp and perhaps getting a 3 speed hub creating a sort of tourer type bike.

http://www.tokyofixedgear.com/products/196-Tokyo-Fixed-Frames-2012/5162-Tokyo-Fixed---Dream-Machine-2012---Black/

Both the Macinato and Pompino will be very handy to get you started. Personally i'd go for one of the 2006-2011 Langsters. Cheap as chips, ridiculously light for the price (both mine cost £200 give or take when 1 year old) and decent resale value (sold both mine for what I paid for them).

Yep - I got a totally mint 2009 Langster Monaco (gotta love the paintwork) for £220 from ebay this year - it is a fantastic bike - does everything and in comfort.

Now I need a bigger shed.

GOT a brand new genesis day one if you are intrested right price

Please don't thump your head on the desk. I bought a second hand frame yesterday. A Echelon alloy frame with carbon forks. It seems bob on for my needs, it even has two sets of bottle mounts and mudguard eyes. Found it on an audax site. Just need wheels and some full guards.
Would have loved to have been on it today.

they're the future!