I have to wonder how many of these track bikes actually get ridden very much. There aren't that many velodromes in the country and I can't believe that these are all being bought by NYC bike messengers. I think maybe it's the same principle as the guys here in Texas who buy the 4WD pickups with the exra wide 4-rim rear axles, then never take them off the payment. Some people just think it is important to be cool, even if the vehicle is never used for its intended purpose. I hope the buyers at least ride them occasionally on the road, although that often requires drilling the fork for a front brake to do so safely.
I would think on really expensive track bikes that would be another factor causing them to be wall-hangers. The owner might be reluctant to drill an undrilled original fork, but if there is no velodrome nearby, it is not safe to ride the bike otherwise. And even if there is a velodrome, I don't know anyone who rides on the track regularly who has not crashed at least a few times, which one hates to do on a $3500 bike. Of course for road use, one could switch to a road fork to avoid drilling the original, I guess. I haven't really faced this dilemma, as my only expensive track bike, a Romic I had custom made in the mid 80's, I had drilled originally as I anticipated doing some road training on it.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Bob Hanson <theonetrueBob@webtv.net> wrote: Once in a while I'm awakened to the realities of 2006 prices.. like when I see ads for a TREK Madone carbon-fiber frameset "On Sale" for over $3,500.
Being a TRACK frameset really does make the Cinelli especially desirable in today's rather odd market. Always nice to see old steel frames worth a bit more than just scrap-metal rates.
Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA