Roboto's Track Machine - Dolan DF3

So, when I originally bought this frame a couple of years ago it was going to be my slave build and it served its purpose well. A fantastic, light Alu frame that was responsive and fun to ride.

However, I replaced it with a more slavey Unknown in January and I planned to make the Omnium my track bike.

I started my track training this season at Herne Hill and enjoyed it so much that it's made me want to upgrade the bike again in time for next season and Lee Valley Velopark opening.

So at the end of last season I had this.

Crankset/Bottom Bracket: Sugino 75 Grand Mighty/Campagnolo Centaur
Pedals: Shimano 105 SPD-SL
Drivetrain/Cog/Chainring/Chain: Sugino Gigas 14t/Sugino Zen 51t/KMC K710
Handlebars/Stem: Pro Vibe 7S Track Drops with Cinelli Mike Giant tape/Thomson X4 -10º 110mm
Saddle/Seatpost: Fizik Arione/FSA carbon seatpost
Front Wheel/Hub/Tire: H+ Son SL42/Gran Compe/Vittoria Rubino Pro
Rear Wheel/Hub/Tire: Velocity B43/Goldtec Track/Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick

I now have most of the new components and it's looking like this.

New bars (3T Scatto), seat post (Ambrosio aero carbon post), rims (90mm carbon tubs) and bottom bracket (Phil Wood). Hubs (Novatec) are being shipped over as we speak. Then I'm possibly looking to get a carbon stem like a Zipp SL Sprint or 145 as the Pro Vibe Track stem is too wide for the clamping area of the Scattos. The last choice will be what tubs to go for. Probably Vittoria Pista CS to start with as they have had good reviews and are only £30.

Got some bits on their way in the post this week, so I might build it up with the training wheels at the weekend if all goes well, and if it stays dry I can try and dial in my riding position with the new bars and seatpost.

Not sure on which way to go with the spokes. Will CX Rays really be that much better than double butted spokes at 216mm and 249mm lengths?

Do I need to go 3 cross on the rear wheel or will two cross be enough for a 90mm carbon rim?

go for cx ray

Vitorria Pista CS's are good tubs - raced and trained on them for most of last season.

I have exactly the same frame - though I think it's a size bigger (yours is a small?). Considering I paid 240 for the F&F and crankset I've been so impressed by how light and stiff the frame is. I've considered upgrading to a carbon frame a few times but concluded that I would have to buy something pretty expensive to significantly improve on the Omnium.

Ran Miche cranks last season, have some 7710's to go on over the winter.
I broke my rear 50mm carbon rim in a crash at track league, so Jimbilly is replacing it with a 88mm rim for me. Going to stick with the 50mm on the front for now as the front end of the Giant is so light that things get a bit dicey when the wind picks up (even with a 50mm). Plus I only have this wheelset, plus a set of 7710's to mavic reflex to choose from so they need to be reasonably versatile.

Vitorria Pista CS's are good tubs - raced and trained on them for most of last season.

think I read something from you about them on here somewhere and they seemed to be the best value for rolling resistance and grip on wood and concrete.

I have exactly the same frame - though I think it's a size bigger (yours is a small?). Considering I paid 240 for the F&F and crankset I've been so impressed by how light and stiff the frame is. I've considered upgrading to a carbon frame a few times but concluded that I would have to buy something pretty expensive to significantly improve on the Omnium.

Yeah, I love the frame. Mine is a small I think. I paid about the same, but had a 75 bb in there originally. I changed it to a centaur as my clincher rear wheel is a Goldtec hub and has a funky chainline. I'll be installing the Phil bb soon and just dealing with a chainline issue or swapping my training wheels for something with a 42mm chainline.

I have weighed up the pros and cons of going for a carbon frame, but you're right. For the money, the Omnium is ridiculously light and stiff.

Ran Miche cranks last season, have some 7710's to go on over the winter.
I broke my rear 50mm carbon rim in a crash at track league, so Jimbilly is replacing it with a 88mm rim for me. Going to stick with the 50mm on the front for now as the front end of the Giant is so light that things get a bit dicey when the wind picks up (even with a 50mm). Plus I only have this wheelset, plus a set of 7710's to mavic reflex to choose from so they need to be reasonably versatile.

I'll probably ask Jimbilly to build these wheels up. Not sure I'll be using these wheels outside, but I'll keep the wind factor in mind if I ever race them at HH.

You should definitely give racing a go - it's a lot of fun. Apart from the falling off - but that can happen just as easily in training so..

do you still have the pro track bars btw? Might be interested if so. I've got compact road drops on which are good for general racing and training, but would like some track bars for sprint stuff.

I've got two pairs of Pro's if you're interested in a pair?

The old pair I've been using were hand me downs from Spatr and a brand new pair that I bought ages ago, but ended up being able to get a great deal on the Scatto's recently.

Both are 42cm wide btw.

c-to-c, or o-t-o?

c-c

Ah - too wide in that case. Thanks though.

Decided to build it up with what I've got ready so far.

New stem, bars and seat post with a Tester slamdatstem bearings cover and top cap. The reach is a bit lower and longer than the previous setup, but not too much more. I went for a quick spin around the block this morning before the heavens opened and then took the pic.

I'll hopefully get the new deep carbon wheels built up in January, still need to buy spokes. I'm also about to try out an Antares to see how it feels on the ol' sit bones.

Spot on.

Need more decal

Will CX Rays really be that much better than double butted spokes at 216mm and 249mm lengths?

Not sure but they do look great! Pricey though. Paid over £100.00 for 44 spokes for mine. Double butted would be fine I'm sure.

If you no like Antares I can haz?

Spot on.

Thank you kind sir.

Need more decal

There might be more decal later.

Not sure but they do look great! Pricey though. Paid over £100.00 for 44 spokes for mine. Double butted would be fine I'm sure.

I actually worked out spoke measurements wrong, but I think I should be able to get hold of them for sub £80. Pretty set on CX Rays now.

If you no like Antares I can haz?

Sure thing. It's carbon braided rails but a tad scruffy. I'll probably try it out on the Unknown to get a better feel for it. When I tried out the unscientific flexibility tests from the Fizik site I found I was inbetween snake and chameleon.

I get on with my Antares versus but as I've a second bike coming along, I need another one. But I don't really fancy paying £100+ for another Antares versus...

go for cx ray

Do it! I love mine! =)

Looking good Roboto

A small but not so minor update on this.

KAPOW!

Had to be done really. I'm sure they'll match the 90mm crabons when they've been built. (They are currently in the very capable hands of Jimbilly).

In other news. This means the old Sugino cranks and Phil Wood bb are up for sale if anyone would like some HHSB/Awesome stiff track setup.

https://www.lfgss.com/thread120324.html

Also, if anyone is selling a used Antares 00 then let me know.

Need black chainring, but looking good mate, can't wait to see this bad boy back at the track! =)

Need black chainring

:)