Sorted in: E.T. approved, apt11 approved, cycling, fixie, transportation alternatives
Recent news about the unfortunate mis-sizing of the bike frame I was going to get meant I have been thrust back into the market for a new ride. I’ve been looking at quite a few bikes from Japanese Keirin to Italian to off the shelf complete bikes to classic track and rare finds. There are plenty of options out there but for my tastes I wanted something a little more exclusive, something different. Unfortunately, this meant my search was getting fairly complicated.
Lately, Chris and I have been talking about a little plan we have. It involves us taking our passion for bikes to the next level. With that in mind, I’ve simplified my search: clean, simple and - the big one - affordable. This brought me back to a bike that has been on my mind for more than a year: Sparton.
Sparton frames are hand-built in Chile under the supervision of “El Maestro”. These bikes have only recently been made available here in the states. The frames come in a range of basic color choices. If you are looking for a custom spray, it will cost you $65 more and set the delivery date back to about 4-6 weeks.
The frameset itself isn’t extremely light nor is it ridiculously heavy at just under 7 lbs including the fork. The geometry, unlike some track bikes, is extremely relaxed. Head tube angle is 71.5 degrees, seat tube angle is 72.22 degrees and the fork is 3.2. This means the bike is somewhat stiff but has enough flex to be comfortable for long rides (as in 50+ miles a day) or as a nice daily commuter; think track bike with a road bike feel. This aspect alone has always intrigued me about Sparton frames.
Track bikes in general are awesome. Super stiff, tight geometry, exceptionally agile and quick. The problem is that the combination of these elements does not make for the most forgiving extended ride. Some would argue that that is the reason you have more than one bike. And, well, I agree with that, but for most people one bike is enough and that one has to do many things. If “the one” is decided to be a fixed-gear bike, I often encourage people to look at bikes with less “track” and more “function”.
Another huge plus: all the decals are completely removable - they are placed over the clearcoat. If one so chose, you could remove the stickers and let the subtle “Sparton” stamp on the seatstays provide ultra minimal advertising.
Anyway, I’m preaching, what I’m trying to get across is that my next frame will be a Sparton. A lugged steel track frame for just under $200? Sounds like a deal to me…sold!