Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi all, I normally communicate on the Retro Bike section and have just asked this same query: I am looking at buying a track bike as I am keen to have a go at it, but of course loving steel framed Italian bikes from the 80's, that is what i am looking for.
I have seen a couple of bikes of this era with 700 rear and 650 front wheel sets, obviously to angle you down for aerodynamics, however from my triathlon experience I know this setup is disallowed, no longer legal. Rules state front and rear wheels are to be of the same diameter.

Just wondering if the same rules apply in track cycling?

I was going to say yes, the rules are the same, but I can't find anything in the rules. Have a look for yourself.

1.3.018 Wheels of the bicycle may vary in diameter between 70cm maximum and
55cm minimum, including the tyre. For the cyclo-cross bicycle the width of
the tyre shall not exceed 35mm and it may not incorporate any form of spike
or stud.

I don't know whether this rule means that you can use any sized wheels (i.e. 24", 650c, 700c etc) or whether you can use mixed wheels. Maybe I'm missing something somewhere else.

Reading it again, does this mean that 27" wheels are out?

Found it:
1.3.006
The bicycle is a vehicle with two wheels of equal diameter. The front wheel
shall be steerable; the rear wheel shall be driven through a system
comprising pedals and a chain.

That's good, thanks for the information, but now I am wondering what you call bikes with different size wheels if you they aren't deemed as bikes? Also does it mean you can compete with a bike that has an electric motor as they are also driven through a system with a chain and pedals? Not that I am willing to challenge the rule in reality.

faustorider wrote:That's good, thanks for the information, but now I am wondering what you call bikes with different size wheels if you they aren't deemed as bikes? Also does it mean you can compete with a bike that has an electric motor as they are also driven through a system with a chain and pedals? Not that I am willing to challenge the rule in reality.

There are more rules than those I quoted and one of them specifically states that it must be propelled by your own physical exertion. I call it the Cancellara clause.

faustorider wrote:That's good, thanks for the information, but now I am wondering what you call bikes with different size wheels if you they aren't deemed as bikes? Also does it mean you can compete with a bike that has an electric motor as they are also driven through a system with a chain and pedals? Not that I am willing to challenge the rule in reality.

In short, illegal.

ha, these 'funny bikes' (like funny cars in drag racing) are awesome, and I would love one. I have a Lo-Pro / Pursuit geo (forward sloping top tube) frame now and it's awesome, however it is dual 700c.