Fuji Track Elite: Nimble on the boards

Together with my coach Emanuel Raasch, I had the opportunity to test ride the Fuji Track Elite . This track bike is a visual highlight. Even upon unpacking, red, white, and gray stripes peek through the plastic film, which is meant to protect the bike from unsightly scratches during transport. Beneath the film, the UCI seal is visible. This means that this track bike fully complies with the regulations of the world cycling federation. Once the bike is unpacked, its true beauty is revealed. The colored stripes are adorned on a matte black carbon frame, which impresses with its robust construction and strikingly rounded top tube, somewhat reminiscent of similar models from Corima and FES. The components are also impressive. It's immediately clear that this bike was developed in collaboration with professional cyclists. The first impression simply demands a test ride.

// Furnishing

The front end features the 3T Scatto handlebar, an international benchmark that I, as a sprinter, am naturally delighted with. Even the smallest details have been considered. For example, the seatpost surface is textured to prevent it from slipping into the frame under centrifugal forces at high speeds. The bike has a great feel and a uniform paint job. My only complaint during the setup process is the lack of adjustment screws on the rear dropouts. These prevent the rear wheel from shifting during really hard sprints.

To be fair, this would only be necessary when sprinting, where power outputs around 2500 watts are common. Even in professional endurance racing, adjustments to the rear dropout are unnecessary. As a sprinter who frequently changes chainrings and sprockets, I'm naturally eager to see how the Track Elite performs in training. The bike lives up to its looks. Shifting gears is effortless. The handlebar tape, chain, and saddle are of good quality for the price and perform well in use. The oval wheels are fitted with Vittoria Pista Evo tires , the choice of top British sprinters.

// Conclusion

At the Berlin Velodrome, you can really push the bike to its limits. The plan includes both flying and standing starts, as well as high-speed training . Even at a gentle roll, the bike impresses with its smooth ride. The first few laps are enjoyable and filled with various maneuvers. It becomes clear that the Track Elite is easy to control. However, at lower speeds, the short wheelbase on my small frame (I ride a size 49) feels somewhat restrictive. I have to be careful that my shoes don't hit the front wheel when steering. I'm pleasantly surprised by the frame's stiffness. The bike provides excellent support during both standing and flying starts, allowing me to optimally transfer my power to the track. Only the included wheels slightly dampen the fun, as they are simply too flexible and flex under the stresses of sprinting. With the wheels I normally use, everything fits, and speeds of almost 80 kilometers per hour can be reached behind the Derny without feeling unsafe.

All in all, I can draw a positive conclusion and recommend the Fuji Track Elite : a bike suitable for both beginners and ambitious riders. For the purchase price of around 4700 euros, you get a really solid package that will certainly provide many years of enjoyment.