Velodrome track bikes, and why they are illegal on the road
A true velodrome track bike has no brakes fitted. Braking is done by resisting the pedals, which are locked to the rear wheel by the fixed gear. This is fine on a banked wooden track where all riders are going the same way and no external obstacles exist. It is illegal on UK public roads, where bikes must have two effective braking systems fitted.
The quick fix is simple. A front brake bolted on. Some track frames have drilled front forks that will accept a caliper. Some do not, and require a drilling operation that is not always straightforward, particularly on carbon forks where drilling can compromise the structure. If you are buying a track bike for road use, check whether the fork is already drilled or buy a fixed-gear road frame instead.
Brake-free track bikes seen on the road are not compliant with UK road traffic law. The penalties are small fines in most cases, but your insurance, both personal and third party, is affected, and in the event of a collision, responsibility may be assigned differently.
Fixed gear road bikes, the sensible cousin
A fixed-gear road bike looks similar to a track bike but is built for road use. The fork is drilled for a caliper brake, there may be mudguard mounts, the bottom bracket sits a little lower, and the geometry is slightly more relaxed. For riding on British roads, this is the bike you want.
Condor, Charge, Mercian, Brother and Fuji have all made dedicated fixed-gear road bikes at various points. Steel frames dominate this market, partly for aesthetic reasons and partly because steel is easy to repair and modify. Older frames from the 1970s and 1980s, often from British brands like Holdsworth, Bob Jackson or Mercian, are particularly prized.
The single-gear, fixed-cog arrangement is not a gimmick. A fixed-gear forces you to pedal constantly, which builds a smooth pedalling style, and to think ahead about gradients and traffic flow. Many road riders use a fixed-gear through the winter for these reasons, even if it never becomes their main bike.
Typical prices on Cyclesite
Under three hundred pounds you are in older steel frame territory. Roberts, Holdsworth, Falcon, Peugeot. Condition varies wildly. A decent older frame with a new chain, tyres and cables can be a pleasure to ride. Check the bottom bracket and hub bearings before committing.
