What frame should I get to race?

[glpinxit]

Here in Hertfordshire we have a series of local races in the summer and I’m keen to enter at least one ‘go race’ event next year. While I’m tempted to take it as an opportunity to buy a new bike I’d like to explore the retro options first. Part of me wants to ride an older frame with newer parts and it needs to cater for 10 or 11 speed.

Does the Retro Community have suggestions for frames for me to consider? I could use the 531c bike as it stands (see signature) but I’d welcome suggestions for interesting, reasonably priced and potentially competitive frames to consider. Steel or aluminium, 130mm rear spacing and I’d prefer English threads to make it easy to swap current running gear. In a large-ish size (58cm).

 

[Old Ned]

I take it these are Time Trials you're referring to. Why do you feel the need for 10/11 speed? BITD a 5 speed set up was fine for TT'ing and most of the time only 2/3 of these were actually used. If it is a flattish course then 'retro gearing' will be fine. I TT'ed a few years ago on my retro steeds with 5 or 6 speed gearing. Got a few funny looks from the hi-tech carbon brigade - but that's the fun of riding retro.

BTW, is Retrobike still affiliated to British Cycling and Cycling Time Trials organisation? If so then you could ride Open Events or get a Road Racing license using RB as your club. That's what I (and several other members) did.

 

[KermitGKona88]

Re:

What distances are the races?

 

[glpinxit]

Street circuits, bunch racing, 45 minutes plus 2 laps. I’m only familiar with one of the circuits which uses the road round part of a village common which the Cat 2s get round in 70s. (I set the lap record a few years ago- 60s from a standing start and they asked me to race at the time.)
http://thebikeloft.co.uk/fete-du-velo-2 ... -1st-july/
I agree about 10/11 speed being unnecessary but I want the dependability of newish indexed gears (otherwise I’d ride the Raleigh). I would find the decision much easier if it was a time trial and either build a lo-pro or ride my modern TT bike.