Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

My local club had the first of its 'Come and Try' nights tonight at the velodrome - 485m outdoor track.

My bike was ready a couple of days ago. I was still building the lad's as time to leave came.

But we got there, half an hour late but we got there. This wasn't our first time on the track but our previous experiences were either on our own or just circulating. Tonight was a bit more organised and more fun as a result.

The lad's new bike (photos and story tomorrow) went well, as did he. He was able to blow off everyone except three 'proper' racers - there were a lot of new comers there tonight. They did a one lap time trial near the end and he was in the top quarter of competitors ... though beaten by 4 seconds.

I went much better than expected. The gearing wasn't overly low. Lined up for the time trial They counted down. I stood to power away and something slipped. Sat and pedalled away. Seemed okay so stood again and yup, something slipped alright - my fixed gear track bike became a free wheel track bike. I'd stripped the hub. Serves me right for buying second hand wheels (from a shark - I've always been wary of him, more so now). So the wheel is off to the doctor's tomorrow for a new hub. It's a flip flop hub but the other side doesn't fill me with confidence either.

It was fun having people come up, look at the hub and say things like: "I've heard of this happening but never seen it before." I'se a hero, it's all that power in me legs

Richard

Sounds like you had some fun!.I would love to add to my two rides on the track,but it just seems to be too much effort to drive to the other side of sydney for such a short time on the bike...maybe I will change my mind!.

And I thought it was gratifying to get wheel spin on the MBT... That's like blowing a diff in a car

In all seriousness, that's nasty... Reminds me of a thing I read a while back about some dodgy fixie builder in the states who was spot welding hubs to cogs.