Trying track riding

[Lazyweek]

Went track riding for the first time tonight. An interesting experience. I just went cruising around on the flat section so nothing amazing. Looking forward to getting into it, seems like fun. Problem is, I may feel the need to get a track bike now. I like the simplicity of track bikes and they sure go fast.

[bigfriendlyvegan]

Just wait until you race. You'll buy a track bike then, trust me. Here is my intro to the sport.

[foo on patrol]

Just do it mate!

The difference for me with track racing was, the speed and sharpness in your reflexes during the race and overall variety of races!

[Lazyweek]

Well I haven't read many bad things about track riding so there must be something addictive about it. I believe this style of riding should suit me. I have only had experience in mountain bike riding which is about as far away from track riding as you can get. I do like mountain bike riding since you get to see interesting things and have some fun coming down hills. It is hard though to get any real speed because of all the rocks and sharp corners.

Do many people ride their track bikes on the road as well? Is there much fiddling around to just remove the brake before heading out on the track?

[HappyHumber]

Do many people ride their track bikes on the road as well? Is there much fiddling around to just remove the brake before heading out on the track?

I can't speak from experience, but I think people who do ride the same bike on the track as on the road - generally the bike is higher geared when used on the track, and lower generally for practical reasons of stopping & starting for on the road. This where a flip-flop hub can also assist. Depending on the dropout and adjustment range, you could probably get away with a ~3 tooth difference on the rear cogs without having to change chain length.

What you want is all doable and reasonable.. just gotta know the gotchyas; allowing for few additional expenses to go with a bike bought for such dual purpose.

Oh yeah.. and make sure the fork crown at least is drilled for a brake.

[brawlo]

Don't do it. It's highly addictive. Taking up heroin may be cheaper and easier....

But seriously, it's a fantastic sport. After sitting on the sidelines watching my eldest girl have a go, I decided to get involved too. What a rush! I love the competition and the people I've met have been fantastic. I only wish I'd got involved in this sooner.

Riding a track bike on the road is fine as long as you have at least a front brake (I may be wrong on this so may be corrected). The brake should be easily removed in 5 min or so. Dedicated track forks won't have a drilling for a front brake though so if you're purchasing a bike, that's something to watch out for.

[toppity]

Just do it. It's great fun. Hard, but great fun. Love the fact you can have 4 races in a day. Beats road racing where you get one chance every 80km race.

[foo on patrol]

^^Plus two!^^

[brentono]

Go!

[foo on patrol]

That's better than 45 degrees.

[brentono]

That's better than 45 degrees.

200m with 58 degree banking. Wild!

[brawlo]

Sprints would certainly be interesting, and no doubt quicker!

What would be the accepted BB drop?

[brentono]

Sprints would certainly be interesting, and no doubt quicker!

What would be the accepted BB drop?

Massive centrifugal force changes through the bends.
BB, have no idea these days, up to you.
Short 165mm cranks though, are the go.

Main thing, if you drop low, below the black line, at speed-
your left pedal may clip the white area, if that happens, it shakes you up.

[mikesbytes]

That's better than 45 degrees.

200m with 58 degree banking. Wild!

Where is it?

[brentono]

That's better than 45 degrees.

200m with 58 degree banking. Wild!

Where is it?

The States.

[Eddy current]

glad i came across this thread. everyone's positive comments is exactly the push i need
to go & have a crack at the Speed Dome here in Perth.

i hear thursday night is the right night for newbies to go? is that correct?

[tterbw]

That is incorrect, Tuesday night is newbie night. $10 fee, plus $5 if you need a hire bike. 6pm till 8pm
Newbies are put in a group and taught track etiquette/how to ride the boards etc.

Oh and make sure if you come, don't show up between the 6-13th June, its shutdown for maintenance (finally!)

[gretaboy]

hi all....am interested in this track riding too...seems a good way to get some k's under the legs and build overall fitness during winter

do track clubs have "test" bikes that you can have a go on?

how does it all work..the gradings and so forth, what are they based upon?

does anyone know what clubs in the newcastle area do it and on what nites?

[bigfriendlyvegan]

http://velodrome.hunterdistrict.com/

[ldrcycles]

Where is the nearest track with a newbie program to the Sunshine Coast qld? I'm keen to try it out (especially after reading this thread) but if the nearest track is 150k away...

[bigfriendlyvegan]

Sunshine Coast Cycle Club:- Caboolture Outdoor Velodrome

[gretaboy]

thanks for that info..will look into it..best thing is that the race night works for me

[brentono]

...best thing is that the race night works for me

... best thing is, more oxygen in the air on race nights, faster racing.

[foo on patrol]

X2 to that!

[Sh4rkbait]

After 2 years off from riding anything, I did my second session at Perth Speed Dome last night on the track bike I picked up on E-bay 2 weeks ago. Awesome, I had only been to a track once before in Newport in Wales, this and Manchester were the only indoor velodromes around and the nearest was 350kms away. I was hooked on it after that taster session 5 years ago.

Living so close to the Speed dome I had to give it another go, now all I need is to get my fitness back after 2years off, I lost interest in solitary training for time trials and drifted away from training and racing. Now 10kg heavier I have rediscovered my interest and it is all down to the track, great people, great fun and a safe environment (the two guys who touched wheels in the C grade 15 lap bunch race last night might not agree on the safe part ). I have started going out with a local shop ride on saturday mornings too.

Anyone thinking about doing it don't, just do it it is so much fun. You might surprise yourself, I did!