Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - how does a track bike work?

ok i am finally gonna ask this. now they have no brakes on them so i assume it has no free wheel as well? or does it freewheel? if you stop pedaling do your feet just keep going and to stop do you put pressure on the pedal backwards?

i want to try a track bike because i want one but im also afraid becuase no brakes is no good.

i like the windsor "the hour" im sure you guys have seen it. can you get one for under 300bucks? and does it not freewheel? and is that a good track bike or would i be better off useing my sarthe?

dont hate me cause im asking stupid questions

thanks,
Steve

No freewheel. No coasting. Don't know how much the Windson is, but I'm sure it's more than 300.

I hope there isn't too much hate for your questions. ;)

ok i am finally gonna ask this. now they have no brakes on them so i assume it has no free wheel as well? or does it freewheel? if you stop pedaling do your feet just keep going and to stop do you put pressure on the pedal backwards?

i want to try a track bike because i want one but im also afraid becuase no brakes is no good.

i like the windsor "the hour" im sure you guys have seen it. can you get one for under 300bucks? and does it not freewheel? and is that a good track bike or would i be better off useing my sarthe?

dont hate me cause im asking stupid questions

thanks,
Steve

Track bike are direct drive which means it goes only one way. when you pedal backwards the bike goes backwards. You apply pressure on the pedals to slow down or to cause the rear tire to SKIP or SKID.

There is no stupid question when one is looking to expand one's knowledge. You can go to Single Speed forum also for help too.

Try with a brake til you feel comfortable with it. or use a light gear aka 46 x 19 .

practice,PRACTICE!!!


S/F<
CEYA!

Check out sheldon brown's web site there is alot of information on track/fixed gear bikes. If you have a older bike you can convert it to a fixed gear to try it out without spending much at all.. You can put a brake on the front and start off that way then if you are comfortable later on you can take it off.

I just recently got into riding the track as well. Let me tell you it is a different world in many ways.
It's another level of depth.
Many people have remarked that going from road bike to fixed gear is a revelation, well going from riding fixed on the street to riding a proper track bike on a track is just as mind opening.
I've started to have velodrome dreams.

Find a velodrome near you. Call or check them out online.
Go to an open day. When there are no races/team practice/instruction scheduled.
Usually the velodrome will have a shop where you can rent track bikes.
bring your pedals and a pedal wrench since most of the time the rental will not have pedals so people can bring their own. maybe the shop can also rent track pedals, clips and straps as well.

check out the fixed/ single speed forum as well. there is plenty of helpful people and lots of good advice as how to get started.

yeah, check out sheldon's site,
http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed/index.html
also http://www.63xc.com/gregg/101_1.htm

if you want a track bike to ride on the streed, the single speed/fixed gear forum is mostly fixed gear (converted road bikes) and track bikes for the street which is diffrent from riding on a track.

dont hate me cause im asking stupid questions

thanks,
Steve
no hate - you are sub-chicago? come to the northbrook velo sometime. we'll show you!

']no hate - you are sub-chicago? come to the northbrook velo sometime. we'll show you!

i take it your a chicago local as well? if i go to the velodrome can i bring my sarthe or do i need a a track bike? also is their any type of free riding on the velo or is it always racing? and if so what does some down time on the velo cost?

fyi - I've been looking for a track bike for a while myself. I've heard the Windsor frame is nice (I think you've seen the ones on ebay?), but I've heard the components are crap. Just something to keep in mind. Wish I could be of more help.

i take it your a chicago local as well? if i go to the velodrome can i bring my sarthe or do i need a a track bike? also is their any type of free riding on the velo or is it always racing? and if so what does some down time on the velo cost?
I am usually at the velo on Sunday mornings, between 9-10am ish start time. The velo is open, although there are some practices and the like going on. Other wise, during the week it is open unless marked as reserved or there are races. You can always check the website: http://www.northbrookvelodrome.org/ for more info.
There are Friday nigh races that are open to any style bike I believe, and during the open hours, you can ride whatever bike you want. Usually good synergy there so far.