steel Fuji Track 650c

[silversurfer]

Hello. I've just joined TE but been visiting for a while and find it very helpful. I just wanted to ask if anybody here is about 5' 2” and rides a steel Fuji Track 650c? I want to get a singlespeed bike for commuting and fitness training but it's really quite difficult to find one that fits due to the geometry, particularly the standover height. The Fuji is looking attractive but I'm wondering if it's overkill for me since it only seems to come in one size, 43cm. Does it have a sloping top tube? Sorry if this is a daft question but I don't understand 650c bikes.

Also, how is it for road riding? I normally ride a 700c road bike with a 46 or 47cm frame depending on top tube length as I have the short arms and body build.

I'd be really interested in your experience of this bike.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi silversurfer and welcome to a super Forum.

I cannot help you with your question but am sure somebody will.

Enjoy being here. :)

[silversurfer]

Thanks for the welcome. And thanks for the review Muirenn. Very useful. The high standover height is exactly my problem! I was wondering if a 43cm 650c bike was a bit small but apparently not.

[emmact]

Hi!

I may be able to help you out a little. I've had my Fuji Track 650 for about three years, and I am 5'0". For a short person though, I have decently long legs, and the standover is perfect for me. The reach is very short on the bike, which is good when you have raptor arms like myself. Depending on your own body type, it could work out quite well for you. I would suggest looking at the geometry on Fuji's website, and comparing it to a bike that you like and that fits you well. As far as how it rides, I really enjoy cruising around on it. It handles really well, and I've taken it on 20-mile road rides without problems.

Here's a little page I found that has pictures of them; the 4th photo down is a good representation of the size/geometry. http://fixedgearbikes.blogspot.com/2009/07/girl-3-fuji-track.html

If you have any more questions, let me know! Hope this helps!

[silversurfer]

Hi emmact. This is really helpful thanks. I looked at the Fuji website and couldn't find the 650c bike. It lists the track classic which is a 700c bike. All the pictures e.g. at Evans Cycles that stock it here (I'm in the UK) also show the 700c version. Just gone back and had a second look at the website and the geometry chart does actually include the 43 cm size. Those measurements work for me and from the webpage you mentioned, the top tube doesn't seem to slope much which is great from my point of view. The review mentioned by Muirenn also suggests that it's fine for someone my height. Going to try to test ride. Thanks again.

Edit: I haven't seen one in the flesh yet but hopefully one of the bigger stores will have one.

[moderncyclista]

Why do you need a track bike? Source a vintage Fuji frame, there are tons out there and turn it into a fixed-gear. Unless you're doing some very specific riding, I don't know that you'd need one.

Sometimes I think bike shops sell people bikes they don't need, ie. the guy with the $5000 Madone that never races and has a beer gut.

If you're not a track racer and rolling at the velodrome, why bother?

It's track bikes are just "hot" right now.

Get a stellar fixie, bling it out with some color and call it good.

Track geometry is uncomfortable for daily riding and commuting, if it's going to be your "primary bike" I'd look at other options. (Edit: now that I look at the photos, it's not really track-geometry, per se. So, if it feels comfortable - I guess go for it.)

[silversurfer]

Hi. Thanks for the feedback. I read your thread on your Fuji Espree singlespeed. Nice bike. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding a steel frame with horizontal dropouts that is the right size. I've been scouring the web for vintage frames but they either have too long top tubes or too high standover heights or both. The Fuji Track 650c is an affordable OTP option for short people like myself wanting a singlespeed ride, which was why I was interested in it. I also was worried about comfort with a track bike but the helpful posts above suggest that it will be fine for my commute and as you've pointed out, it's not a pure track bike. However, I haven't been able to find one to test ride.

I have now decided to build up my old steel road bike frame using a clever hub that does away with the need for a chain tensioner. It will cost more but will fit and be comfortable. The wheels and components can also be transferred to a range of frames in the future so I'm treating it as an investment.

[moderncyclista]

Hi. Thanks for the feedback. I read your thread on your Fuji Espree singlespeed. Nice bike. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding a steel frame with horizontal dropouts that is the right size. I've been scouring the web for vintage frames but they either have too long top tubes or too high standover heights or both. The Fuji Track 650c is an affordable OTP option for short people like myself wanting a singlespeed ride, which was why I was interested in it. I also was worried about comfort with a track bike but the helpful posts above suggest that it will be fine for my commute and as you've pointed out, it's not a pure track bike. However, I haven't been able to find one to test ride.

I have now decided to build up my old steel road bike frame using a clever hub that does away with the need for a chain tensioner. It will cost more but will fit and be comfortable. The wheels and components can also be transferred to a range of frames in the future so I'm treating it as an investment.

Thx for the compliment.

Also, if you get puncture-resistant tires, I finally did after a shred and puncture - 45 mins away from home - don't get Specialized puncture resist tires. They roll slower than my cheap Cheng-Shens. Kind of disappointing for all that cash.

And, fxyation tires don't work with deep v rims. Found that out the hard way. Now I'm sittin' on a pair of those. *grumble*

Just trying to help by pointing out my mistakes. Other than that, I love the bike.

Good Luck!!!!