Classic Tracklocross Frames: Tyre Clearance to 33mm

Previously, on Fiefdom Tracklocross, I discussed the idea of classic versus progressive tracklocross. I played with some definitions of what I felt was classic compared to progressive. I’ve thought about this a bit more and felt like a UCI rule is an interesting changing point. I know, I know, we should never say anything that can be misconstrued as positive for the UCI. The rule I am going with is from cyclocross; tyres should not be wider than 33mm for a classic tracklocross bike. That nicely encapsulates many of the more “classic” tracklocross frames. The progressive frames will be along in a week or so.

If you want to know about frames larger than 33mm clearance, the guide is here.

8bar KRZBERG 

The Krzberg probably makes a lousy place to start for the classic list, given that it comes with a tapered headtube and a choice of carbon fork, but life is designed to question your ideas.

8Bar suggests the frameset, with clearance for 32c tyres, should be used mainly on the road but is also capable of gravel. Gravel, I feel, is becoming the new trendier part of tracklocross, probably because it is an easier sell to people than, “Come ride down the side of a mountain on a bike with no brakes, and you can’t stop pedalling on.”

The fact that you can fit a 52-t front chainring helps to make this the frameset of choice for miles of flat gravel roads, which I have heard is a feature in countries not called Scotland. However, you will need a hydration pack as there are no water bottle mounts. 

Affinity Metropolitan

We’re back on track with Affinity Metropolitan, a frame that looks classical and with 33mm tyre clearance (knobblies fit fine) the Metropolitan fits right in on the end of our scale. Built from 4130 tubes, as you would hope, and with a nod to Premium Rush, this frame is a nice nostalgic nod to the hipster culture that overtook the world a decade ago. 

Affinity X Terry B

OK, so it isn’t out yet, or it might be at the speed I actually get around to putting these out. The Affinity x Terry B is the perfect child from the previous two framesets. With clearance for 32mm tyres and a classic steel frame but with a tapered headtube to carbon fork, we have the meeting ground between classic and progressive tracklocross frames.

If you want to get loose on the streets and then hit some dirt trails, this is possibly the choice for you; you probably don’t even have to tape cameras to your head.

Darkside Mannheim 

For the last few years, when I’ve been compiling this list, I have mainly looked at steel frames. I’m bringing in aluminium this year, as you may have guessed. Also, don’t call it alloy, as steel is also an alloy.

With clearance for 32mm tyres, you can get fast urban looks on a bike that can handle the ground when it gets a bit lumpier or an urban ride through Glasgow.

MASH AC-4 

The MASH AC-4 has room for 32c tyres. The AC-4 is part of MASH’s AC series of track frames and the fourth edition of the series. The AC-4 is another classic-looking track bike with a modern twist through the use of a tapered headtube.

Bring some Bay style steeze to your tracklocross build with a Mash frameset.

Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Orange One 

Jumping back to skinny steel tubes, we have the Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Orange One, thankfully as an ode to the original frame and not some misguided narcissist. The slim steel tubes reflect the fact that this frameset has clearance for 32c wide tyres.

The frames are also made in Wisconsin, so you can lower the carbon footprint of your new frame if you live in America.

Pake Rum Runner

Fancy a no-frills, no ridiculous logos, and a steel frame? The Pake has you sorted with the Rum Runner. A classic 1 1/8″ frame with 32mm tyre clearance. It just looks right as a frame and is an excellent choice for the introverted among us, as no one will pay you a second look. Flying under the radar is best when we’re out sneaking through the woods.

Soma Rush

Do you like the Pake Rum Runner but want it to look just a bit more flashy? Thankfully, their sister company, Soma, has thought about that and has created the Rush frameset. The current bronze colourway is all kinds of bling but on an unassuming steel frame with 32c tyre clearance.

I keep thinking I should get one, but they never have the smaller sizes available in the UK when I have the spare cash for one.

Tsunami/Weapon TC03

If you like the looks of steel but the weight of aluminium, then the Tsunami/Weapon TC03 might be the choice for you. It is much heavier than an aluminium frame and comes with a carbon fork, with clearance for 32c tyres.

Tsunami SNM100 Elite

Over in their aluminium line, Tsunami has some nice choices, all with clearance for 30mm tyres. First up is the SNM100 Elite; make sure it is the Elite and not the standard SNM100, as it only has clearance for 25mm tyres.

Tsunami/Weapon Bullet

Do you really want a fast, urban-looking tracklocross bike? Then the Weapon Bullet, with its 30mm tyre clearance racey aluminium frame and carbon fork, might just be the choice for you.

Tsunami/Weapon Nuclear

OK, this one may be a push, and it is the first plastic bike to make any of the lists I have created, but here we go with a world first. The Weapon Nuclear is what I would call a rapid carbon fibre track frame with clearance for 30c tyres. Please feel free to send me any videos of you riding tracklocross on one.

Wabi Classic 

If your path to fixed gear cycling and tracklocross came from YouTube, you are probably aware of Wabi Cycles through everyone’s favourite YouTuber, Zach Gallardo. Now you can ride a skinny tubed 725 steel frameset with clearance for 32mm tyres in YouTube red.

Wabi Special 

Fancy something a bit nicer than the Wabi Classic, well then they have the Special. It lives up to its name by coming with a lugged construction. Which is an excellent way to finish our look at classic frames by having a frame that harks back to an even more classical period in bike manufacture.