I recently traded my (first) Eddy Merckx in for two new bikes, a road bike and a track bike. Here they are:
This is my new Specialized Tarmac. It is the Comp model, with SRAM Rival components, but with upgraded Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels and Continental GP4000S tires (my favorites). I kept the old wheels (Mavic Aksium Race) as back-up wheels in case of a mechanical at races or if I have to service my Ksyrium SL’s. I switched out the saddle to a Specialized Romin SL, which I’ve been riding for the last few months, and upgraded to the Look Keo2Max Pedals. Also added to the bike is a Mavic WinTech Ultimate USB computer/heart rate monitor. I’m testing it out, and after I run it through the paces, I’ll give it a proper review.
Next up…
… the Jamis Sonik track bike. It’s not a really huge picture here, but you can still get the basics out of it. 7005 aero aluminum frame, carbon fork/seatpost, American Classic Aero420 track wheels, FSA Carbon Track crankset, and Deda bar and stem. I put on a Specialized Romin SL saddle, once again, to keep things normal. It’s a track racing machine… and I’ve never raced on the track before.
I’ve been dying to get on the track since the first time I visited the Dick Lane Velodrome in 2003. My former boss, Jeff, was calling races down there, so a bunch of us guys from Clemson made our way down to Atlanta to check out the festivities. Ever since the first night I banged the boards, over six years ago, I’ve been wanting to get myself onto those banked turns. Heck… I’ve even officiated track races at the velodrome as a USA Cycling Official, but never been on the track myself! Looks like I’ve got the right bike for the job. Now, to make use of it…
I’m planning on taking the Beginner’s Class at the velodrome at the end of the month. My buddy Jeff Hopkins (former World Junior Track Champion and former Jittery Joe’s rider), is the director of operations at the track, so it’ll be good to head down and get some pointers from him as I start racing this discipline.
Stories and pictures to follow…
PROBIKEWRENCH 
I remember 3 of us in my old pickup riding down that night. Good Times! Come up to T Town.
So why did you trade in the Merckx? Where you worried about racing on it, or something else. It was a pretty sweet ride with some super trick wheels on it. Regardless, your two new rides look pretty awesome, esp. the Jamis! Good luck on the track.
No concerns about the Merckx. It was a great bike. Sometimes we just shuffle our bike brands at the shop… Merckx was one that got shuffled for the time being. I traded the whole bike in order to make the two bike deal, primarily because I want to do some track racing this year.
The wheels were really trick… you’re right. Matt from WheelTags is ready for me to pick up some new carbon rims later on. He’s itching to get me rolling with some new ‘Tags!
How do you like your sonik? I’m thinking of getting one for use at the new giordana velodrome, but there aren’t many reviews. Could you email me your thoughts or something?
thanks.
The Sonik was awesome! A lot of bike for not too much money. Only got to race it a few times before I had to sell it to pay some bills.
Kai,
Sorry I’m so late getting back to you. I haven’t updated the blog in a while and didn’t read your comment until now.
I got rid of the bike, but it was great. A great bike for the money. Great build, great feel to it.
How’s the new velodrome? I’m itching to get up there and check it out.
-Josh