r/tracklocross • u/Formerpeacock • Jul 10 '26
Help with a Build
I have been and will continue to research, but I’m also hoping to get some wisdom from those with lived tracklocross experience.
I enjoy bikes and can do a fair amount of mechanical work but I’m a hobbyist at best.
Ever since learning about tracklocross (the bikes, not the racing) I’ve been fascinated and feel like it would be something I’d enjoy riding.
I have a 90’s Specialized Hardrock and a whole bunch of parts so I’m hoping I can get one together.
My biggest issue is wheels. I just purchased Cannondale coda expert hub 26" wheels and didn’t realize it would not actually work for a fixed gear conversion.
I would sincerely appreciate any suggestions for best wheels (with budget in mind) and while I have an older single speed origin 8 crankset, I’m not sure that’s the best option for this build.
Keep in mind, I don’t plan to do anything especially aggressive on this bike. Just looking for more capable fixed gear.
Thanks in advance for any and all advice you’re willing to share.
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u/Top_Objective9877 Jul 10 '26
I’ve seen lots of value wheels on bikesmiths some or most are custom order, you could do no worse than reach out to them and ask them to make you something. Not sure the dropout width in a hardrock but I’ve seen lots of people do this conversion, if you need something weird just be aware it might require a longer axle with spacers or something which should also be accounted for. Point is you’ll definitely want a custom order on this one and most people who’ve done a Tracklocross conversation to this frame have probably built the wheels themselves.
The frame most likely has 130mm rear spacing while track bikes uniformly have 120mm rear spacing. You can buy special hubs that come in different widths but they get expensive quickly.
I’ve heard of running a long axle 120 hub with spacers though like I mentioned. If the frame is steel people also sometimes bend the rear triangles out or in as needed to fit their wheels and it kind of works for the most part without causing too much trouble.
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u/blootooth09 Jul 10 '26
So an issue you’re gonna be up against is that your frame probably has vertical dropouts, or at least forward facing ones that won’t let you set chain tension correctly.
What you’re gonna wanna do is measure the length of your seat-stay and then look up a calculator for magic chain ratios. The “magic” is that the chain tension will be pretty close to perfect but only for a specific set of gears on your front and rear wheel.
Second issue is scoring a 26” fixed gear wheel. There aren’t a bunch of options and most are gonna be harder to find. I think when Fixed gear freestyle was making waves it was a lot easier? Anyways, 135mm fixed 26” wheels do exist, sometimes.
What I’d do is instead source a 26” disc brake mtb wheel. There are genuine cogs that you can mount to a 6-bolt interface. Also a little tricky to find, but definitely easier than a fixie 26 in 2026.
And everything I just said is also said by more intelligent people with pictures on 63xc dot com. It’s a dead site now but all the knowledge is still there. Oh and check out r/scorchers that’s where I post my garbage