Track Cycling - Well suited body?

Around the LA bike scene some people have suggest I take up track cycling. Usually their reason for suggesting this to me is because I'm tall, 6'5''. I assume they see my legs as very adventagous, is this true? I forgot my inseam length( could be around 100cm ) and I fit really well standing over a 67 cm frame.

I guess my length enables me to put more work with each push and if I pedal fast enough I can put out more power than the average rider.

Unfortunately the closest velodrome isn't very close by and I haven't riden fixed very much, but is this something worth giving a shot?

give it a try. but being "big" does not automatically make you suited to the track, or ill-suited to any other discipline.

just try lots of things and keep in mind, you're never going pro so just have fun.

I didn't think height had anything to do with it. I thought it was more to do with who's lucky enough to be born with more fast twitch muscle fibers (FG and FOG), since track is usually much shorter than road racing with the exception of long points/scratch races which overlap with road criteriums as far as fitness...

The 3 guys I ride with regularly that are 6'5" and up are all more endurance focused. Could just be coincidence. they can hold a high pace and tear me up in longer events, but when its time to sprint I drop them all...

Successful track riders come in all different sizes and shapes. Just look at these three riders in the same discipline (sprint/keirin): Hoy (huge!), Bos (tall and lean), Awang of Malaysia (small and lean). If you wanna try it, just do it, whatever your size.

Also, if you're in LA it means you've got Encino, ADT and San Diego within a couple of hours-- that's as good as it gets in the US. I've heard of some people that regularly to 5+ hour drives to their nearest velodrome, so complaining is not allowed for you! Enjoy.

Also, if you're in LA
maybe Louisiana?

67cm frame? that's more for someone who is 7 foot tall.:eek:

and a 100cm inseam that's a 40" inseam...I have a 36" inseam at the same height so you must be freakishly long legged with NO torso.

no clue if we are "built" for track riding.



I've heard of some people that regularly to 5+ hour drives to their nearest velodrome, so complaining is not allowed for you! Enjoy.

man I count myself lucky I live literally 2.4 miles to the Velodrome:D

Chad

maybe Louisiana?

Is there still a track in Baton Rouge? The only LA I can think of where a track may be impossibly distant would be Lewiston-Auburn, Maine.

Here is a link to a review article titled "Characteristics of a track cyclist", it contains alot of information, however success in any sport comes with ability training and discipline. I hope people who say that you should do track cycling recognize your ability and encourage you to race for this.
Article is linked throug web site fixed gear fever.
http://www.fixedgearfever.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=11

67cm frame? that's more for someone who is 7 foot tall.:eek:

and a 100cm inseam that's a 40" inseam...I have a 36" inseam at the same height so you must be freakishly long legged with NO torso.

no clue if we are "built" for track riding.




man I count myself lucky I live literally 2.4 miles to the Velodrome:D

Chad

I have a 94cm inseam and I stand over the 67cm with a couple centimeters of clearance. It's a close fit but it feels comfortable. I only wish it's extra height would also mean it was a bit longer. I have a long torso so and I need long frame length, but 61-62 cm seems to be longest I can get without going custom.

I have a 94cm inseam and I stand over the 67cm with a couple centimeters of clearance. It's a close fit but it feels comfortable. I only wish it's extra height would also mean it was a bit longer. I have a long torso so and I need long frame length, but 61-62 cm seems to be longest I can get without going custom.

well @ 6'5 I have a longer Torso with a 92inch cycling inseam and don't have a problem finding a proper fitting bike...yes I do need to use a longer stem 130-140mm but it works.

measuring your fit with stand over height is laughable.

I ride a 60 cm caad9 as the 63cm frame only has .5cm longer top tube with the slacker seat tube angle with the larger frame...:rolleyes:

my TT is 59cm with a 120mm stem currently but that is slightly to short.

the track bike I borrowed is a 57cm size but a 59cm top tube with a 130mm stem and DEEP drop bars and fits decently.

Chad

well @ 6'5 I have a longer Torso with a 92inch cycling inseam and don't have a problem finding a proper fitting bike...yes I do need to use a longer stem 130-140mm but it works.

measuring your fit with stand over height is laughable.

I ride a 60 cm caad9 as the 63cm frame only has .5cm longer top tube with the slacker seat tube angle with the larger frame...:rolleyes:

my TT is 59cm with a 120mm stem currently but that is slightly to short.

the track bike I borrowed is a 57cm size but a 59cm top tube with a 130mm stem and DEEP drop bars and fits decently.

Chad


I did buy the frame because it does have a 62cm top tube, and was $40, which feels great for me with 130mm stem

you'll need 200mm cranks at least.


good luck finding those!

you'll need 200mm cranks at least.


good luck finding those!

How much of a difference do you think there will be from 175mm cranks?

25mm probably

How much of a difference do you think there will be from 175mm cranks?

As long as you don't go with a Hollowtech crank, custom crank rods would be easy to make.