I did a bit of research into this as I was planning out my own project which I mentioned in a recent post. Although people use the terms "Path Racer" and "Road/Path" more or less interchangeably (at least here in the US), they really aren't the same thing. In British parlance, a "path" refers to a track, such as a velodrome -- so "path racer" basically means "track racer." Whereas the "convertible" or "hybrid" concept of a bike that we've been discussing in this thread -- one that can be used on the road with brakes and maybe fenders (or mudguards), and then be stripped down for racing use on the track, or possibly a time trial, would more accurately be called a "Road/Path." So, Ed, your understanding on this is correct.
Kyle Brooks Akron, OH
________________________________ From: "edvintage63@aol.com" <edvintage63@aol.com> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 8:11:22 PM Subject: [CR] "Path Racer" "Road-Path" nomenclature (Ed Granger)
I would appreciate it if Norris (or someone else knowledgeable on the subject) would weigh in on this, as two different terms seem to be extant in the thread regarding KOF road-path frames. It's my understanding that "path racer," the term that inaugurated the discussion, properly refers to a "pure" track design - no braze-ons, higher bottom bracket, steeper angles. A "road-path," on the other hand, refers to a "hybrid" design that uses track ends (allowing the bike to be entered into races on shallower tracks), but with a lower bottom bracket, braze-ons, and more relaxed angles, to allow for use in time trials, club rides, and training. Some clarification here from the British cycling experts would be appreciated (by me, anyway).
Ed Granger
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA