Newbie Track racing Question

[Not the Slowest]

Okay, I got this thought in my head that I would try Track racing. I work near enough to the Kissena Velodrome and that its not out of the way for the weeknite races. I figure to give it a shot.

Of course I lack a Track/Fixed gear bike and I do understand that Track Rules prohibit brakes.
For those worried, I plan to ride the bike a bit before I race.

Since this may only be a faze I want to try out, I prefer not to invest Big Money in a track specific bike that may just gain dust. If the track racing thing kraps out I would use the bike for commuting etc.


So any ideas where I can get a decent (safe) bike that I can ride or lessons from others that did the same?
I need a 56 or 58 if anyone wants to part with their mobil clothing rack in the corner?

Thanks

Rob

[bitingduck]

Kissena almost certainly has an intro to the track class and rental bikes. I haven't ridden there, but pretty much every track in the US has both in some form or another.

Does Kissena let you race on the rentals? If not, ask around people there and see if you can pick one up cheap. Track tends to be a buyers market because people buy new bikes faster than new people come into the sport.

[Not the Slowest]

They have one standard training class on Saturday's which I can not attand, so I have to do this the
tough way.
I am not sure if I can race on the loaners, but I'll hand around a few nites and ask some questions.
The one time I was went they had about 20 or less racers.

Rob

[queerpunk]

NTS - yes, you can race on the loaners. There are a handful of Bianchi Pistas and a handful of GT GTBs.

Monday nights have races for women, juniors, and masters; Wednesday nights are open.

Don't worry about throwing down much dollars on a bike you might not stick with - there are plenty of entry level track/street fixed bikes being produced. A basic steel bike is fine for Kissena, and you're not going to lose out on any meaningful performance by not buying bling.

Good luck. Say hi if you come out - I'm a short kid on a Felt TK2.

[Not the Slowest]

Thanks Queerpunk,
I'll check it out and try to get over the fence and say hi.

When do you race and what catagory?

Rob

[queerpunk]

Hi NTS, sorry for not responding - didn't see this till just now.

Feel free to introduce yourself next week. My name is matt, and I'll be racing in the 4s. Short kid, TK2, usually wearing a black and yellow NYMinute jersey.

If we chat, I'll just be convincing you to get yer arse on the track the following week. Just so you know.

[Not the Slowest]

Hmm,
I guess its a chance I have to take.
I hope to get there. Sounds like you ride on Wednesday.

A friend is loaning me a bike to test my Fixed riding skills.

Rob

[stevefaletto]

i'm thinking about getting into this also. i've never ridden on the track; any tips on how to avoid looking foolish or causing an accident?

[queerpunk]

well, that question is best answered by the instructor during a beginner's lesson or training session.

but, briefly:
*hold your line.
*know where other riders are around you.
*attain paceline/drafting/close riding skills before shoving into a tight pack or going for small gaps.
*if somebody's in the sprinter's lane in the final 200m, you've got to stay outside it, and they've got to stay within it.
*no sudden moves - ride predictably. leave yourself plenty of time to get comfortable riding in packs and riding on the track's surface before you start riding aggressively.

[dutret]

i'm thinking about getting into this also. i've never ridden on the track; any tips on how to avoid looking foolish or causing an accident?

group rides with roadies and an hour or so on a fixed gear.