Buying a track bike

[shmike]

Originally Posted by azoomm

If you're racing. If you're doing immediate wrenching to solve a major issue. If you are going to field-strip your bike due to a major oops.

Kel isn't going to do these [now]. Sure, maybe down the road. But, by then she will have a better idea of the performance she wants - and probably have a connection or someone at the track that she'll buy from. Right now, I'd have to go with getting another of the same bike. I mean, get a few spares [clip-ons, levers, master cylinders, rear-sets, etc] of items that will potentially snap off in a get off so you can just bolt back on what you need. For a major break and fix there are parts available for her bike. It's not like an exotic Italian where the entire country shuts down for the summer.

There is something to be said for confusion and muscle memory. Go with what YOU are comfortable on.

I know that she isn't racing and my perspective may be different but I also know a number of people that do track weekends a great distance from home and easy-to-source parts is still a huge advantage.

Not everyone has the funds to drop an extra $500 - $1500 on spares and being able to buy or borrow a part as needed is often more financially feasible.

I understand your point about muscle memory, but give me a break on the confusion bit. We aren't talking about a bike with brakes on rider's left and a foot clutch. We are talking about a slightly different rider position, rake and seat height.

While it is certainly easier to have two of the exact same bike, I actually think that the mental "switch" from street bike to track bike can also be a benefit.