Silly wheel question

[superstator]

What's the rule-of-thumb for using road wheels on the front of a track bike? Is there a difference beyond using nuts instead of quick releases? Is using a quick release frowned upon for some other reason?

I ask because I just bought a shiny new track frame, and I've assembled all the parts except the wheelset. I've got a passable rear from a street fixed gear, but I'm wondering if I can get away with using the front from my rolfs until I buy a dedicated track wheelset...



Nevermind - just found the answer in an old post... Thanks anyway.

[Jonny B]

Just go out and by an allen key skewer (just a long bolt with a little collar under the head and a fancy nut). As long as you're wheel can't 'fall out' you should be ok.

[11.4]

You can't ride a quick release skewer in a sanctioned track race. However, referees generally let you get away with the front skewer that tightens with allen keys on both ends. Note that this isn't any stronger than a quick release -- one thin rod that can break (and that you can't torque like you can track nuts on a 9 mm solid cromoly axle) -- but you'd have to have very bad luck or be a very powerful sprinter to have a problem with it. It's worth moving onto proper track hubs just so you (and those around you) have the security of equipment that's clamped down well. I've only once ever seen one of those allen key quick releases not work in a race, and the rider probably hadn't been able to tighten it properly on an aluminum frame that already had some issues with galling on the fork ends. Just be sure that everything else (such as the condition of your fork ends, your tire glue job, etc.) are all in excellent shape and you should be able to do intro racing without a problem.

[bitingduck]

QR's are legal for time trials on the track, just not mass starts.

It's unlikely that anybody is going to break the skewer, but I can imagine one getting caught on a foot and pulled open during contact that might not otherwise cause a crash.

[superstator]

I can imagine one getting caught on a foot and pulled open during contact that might not otherwise cause a crash.

And that's exactly the kind of thing I'm just paranoid enough to worry about. I ordered some allen key skewers from nashbar for now. It'll be at least a week or two before I can race the thing anyway.

[Gummee]

rode those allen key skewers for years at Sandy Eggo's track. Not a problem.

Lets you switch wheels with your road bike(s) if you're limited on wheelsets.

Track hubs ARE better tho... (speaking of which, I have one in the For Trade thread)

I really like older Am Classic FW hubs. They convert over to FG/Track use fairly quickly with the addition of the Am Classic track axle kit. The only thing they don't have is a lockring... which hasn't been an issue for me.

M

[superstator]

The (mostly) finished product, just to show off:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=17331&stc=1&d=1149713372

I've had a hellacious cold ever since I finished putting it together, so I have yet to ride it :(

[humble_biker]

And that's exactly the kind of thing I'm just paranoid enough to worry about. I ordered some allen key skewers from nashbar for now. It'll be at least a week or two before I can race the thing anyway.
Good choice. Skewers evolved from the need to get a quick wheel change in a road race situation. Something that isn't needed on the track. The danger of a flipped lever is the same on track or off.