I’m currently riding a Level frameset with a decent array of parts. Spent quite a bit of time and money putting it together…
Though, I need to sell it for this guy’s surgery.
I really love everything about the bike. So much smoother compared to the my previous Kilo and Fuji Track. Though, I’m not sure if it’s the parts that make it feel like that, or the actual frame… or even a combination of them both.
So after my dogs surgery… it’ll take me awhile to build up something even comparable… and I’m not sure if I want to wait that long. It took me about two months to build the Level.
That being said, I’ve been thinking of just getting a cheaper frame with some nicer parts. Something like an IRO… or maybe Surly.
I know Keirin frames are all hyped up and what not, and I certainly like the one I have. But let’s say the frame had similar geometry to an IRO or Pista or something. Am I going to notice that much of a difference?
The level probably wont have similar geomoetry to any of those frames, maybe the pista, but i would doubt it.
I would say the “smooth” you are feeling may or may not be a combination of frame and parts, or just placebo. When I switched from my old conversion to my bareknuckle, I really only noticed the stiffer back end on climbs and such and the touchier steering besides the better fit. Smoothness could be attributed to a newer/cleaner chain and drive train parts, and that would be my bet. Having a bike at all is better than having none.
I have no helpful information to contribute to this thread, but I wanted you to know that your dog is adorable. Scrolling down the page I actually "aww"ed.
That’s what I ended up doing. I have no regrets. For the amount and type of fixed riding I do a nicer frame just didn’t make sense. I got a little silly with the build but I also got some pretty good deals on stuff.
^^^CK headset, Open pros, S 75s. The only thing you skimped on was the frame, but the bike still looks great.
To OP,
When I got my NJS frame is rode significantly smoother in both a drivetrain kind of way because of the perfect chainline, as well as a steel is real and rides like buttuh sort of way.
I have always been told, the places to splurge on a build are first the frame, and then the wheelset.
That’s what I ended up doing. I have no regrets. For the amount and type of fixed riding I do a nicer frame just didn’t make sense. I got a little silly with the build but I also got some pretty good deals on stuff.
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Exactly what happened with my Kilo build. I started out with, “oh hey, cheap build!”
Didn’t turn out that way at all… At least the Chris King will outlive the frame and can easily go on another set up in the future so I really don’t have any regrets.
First off, I hope your dog is ok or will be ok. As far as frame sets I do not have anything to contribute but have you already sold the Level? I’m interested if its the right size
Hmm. Here’s my two cents, and I’ve owned 3 keirin bikes and now a KHS (Kilo TT):
A couple of things probably made your keirin bike feel smoother. I’d say first and foremost the frame, since it’s classic tubing diameters, is not as stiff as the Kilo TT and gives a more forgiving ride.
Bike fit could also be in the equation, if your older bikes didn’t fit as well.
Wheelset wise, wheels make a big difference in how “smooth” something will ride. Lower profile rims like Aeroheads or Open Pros and nicer spokes like double butted ride nicer than Deep V’s and straight gauge. True wheels obviously feel better than out of true ones. I’m still up in the air about bearings. I’ve been interchanging my Formula to IRD Cadence Aero rear / Fusion front wheelset with my Dura Ace to Aerohead wheelset on my KHS, and I’m not sure if the reason the Aerohead wheelset feels faster is because of the lighter rolling weight, or the nicer bearings. I swear it rides a little quieter than my Formula wheelset but that could be in my head - this is all with the same cog and chain by the way.
It could also be that you just had higher end components across the board on the keirin bike than the other ones. Did you keep a lot of the same components or change everything out?
Apart from all that you could be getting a placebo but I don’t think so seeing as I’ve been in the same boat as you.
Just so you guys know… my dog isn’t dying in that picture or anything. He’s just being a fat ass and didn’t want to walk anymore. I took a picture and he was making that funny face… I thought it was hilarious.
The bike I was riding was a stock Fuji Track… compared to my new Level… (superbe pro HS,BB,cranks,rings… phil hubs/open pros).
It’s probably super hard to tell what was making the biggest difference. I went from two completely different bikes, but I definitely feel a difference. I’m not sure how to explain the difference other than it being smooth and quiet.
Wish I could do the whole experiment myself… but, I only have one bike at the moment… (the Level) and I need to sell it.
I made this thread cause I can’t decide if I should wait and build up a bad ass bike again… or go with a lower end frame and good parts. Leaning towards the 2nd option cause I don’t want to wait and save up all that money again. I just got that Level built up and I already need to sell it… I would rather not do that again.
Do you need to sell the whole bike or just the frame? Even if you need to sell the whole thing you might consider parting it out. It could be worth more that way if you have nice parts on it.
You may have an easier time selling the components separately, and if you make enough this way you might even get to keep a few things to get a head start on your next build.
OP, have you considered not selling your stuff and getting a Care Credit card for the vet bills instead? i got one when i had to take my old dog to the hospital, and it’s been great to have around for the animals vet needs and shit.
[quote=“tarckeemoon”]Do you need to sell the whole bike or just the frame? Even if you need to sell the whole thing you might consider parting it out. It could be worth more that way if you have nice parts on it.
You may have an easier time selling the components separately, and if you make enough this way you might even get to keep a few things to get a head start on your next build.[/quote]
Not sure yet really. I need a bit of money for my dog ($800) and I JUST got a call and I need to go to Canada this weekend for a family emergency. So there goes another like $400 for the ticket.
It’s on craigslist and I mentioned being able to part out. I don’t really have enough time to list it all individually and get the most out of everything.
Thanks for the suggestion though.
With that being said, for my next bike… I’ll be aiming to get identical parts as the Level. I’m just unsure if I should skimp on the frame.
[quote=“jim”]OP, have you considered not selling your stuff and getting a Care Credit card for the vet bills instead? i got one when i had to take my old dog to the hospital, and it’s been great to have around for the animals vet needs and shit.
just a suggestion.[/quote]
Jim, I’ll look into that. Thanks for the suggestion. Shoulda looked into it from the beginning…
