Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Track bikes...

For some reason i really want a track bike. Not a "fixie", not some old peugeot frame thats been converted. I just love the look and simplicity of track bikes. I also want to ride it on a track (sadly the only velodrome is hours away). It almost feels wrong to want a track bike....maybe thats the roadie in me...i dont know..

I really wish track cycling was more popular here in the states.

It's getting more popular. There is a movement to get a couple of tracks built in the heart of the bay area (we've had one in San Jose, an hour + drive from SF or Oakland). I think the "fixie" kids and their trick riding will eventually lead to more spill over into riding track. One thing that would help a lot is an American sprint star. We really don't care much about sports outside of football, basketball and baseball until there is a star. Michael Phelps is going to get more kids in the pool, it would only figure that if we had a Chris Hoy it would help.

One thing that would help a lot is an American sprint star.

I'm afraid we're a long way from that again, since USAC and the USOC have basically dropped the ball on this. It's been a long time since a Marty Nothstein has come along. However, we do have stars like Taylor Phinney and just need to give them more local press. Also, track is locally very active, such as Trexlertown, where they hold a lot of elite international events, and get large spectator turnounts and media coverage. At my home track in North Texas (Superdrome in Frisco), we have a very strong youth and junior development program, which is crucial for the rebirth of track racing in the USA.

To the OP, get a track bike and go to the track no matter how far away it is. You'll get hooked, I guarantee you.

Ya the frisco superdome is the closest track to me....its kinda frustrating...

Ya the frisco superdome is the closest track to me....its kinda frustrating...

You have a lot of company. Many people come from that far or even farther. The Alkek (Houston) racers routinely come up here and we go down there. Earlier this year we had a sprint tournament and several racers flew out from Colorado. Come out for the next DEVO class; a track bike will be provided so you don't have to buy one right now. For more information go to www.superdrome.com

if we had a Chris Hoy it would help.

we did...

http://www.grahamwatson.com/2000/other/images/track/image13.jpg

You have a lot of company. Many people come from that far or even farther. The Alkek (Houston) racers routinely come up here and we go down there. Earlier this year we had a sprint tournament and several racers flew out from Colorado. Come out for the next DEVO class; a track bike will be provided so you don't have to buy one right now. For more information go to www.superdrome.com (http://www.superdrome.com)

I've actually looked into the intro class. I want to take it..

Would a Leader frame make a terrible first track bike?

do the devo class
you can rent a bike for $5 at the superdrome
do that before you buy a bike

yeah man, just rent the bike. They have GT track bikes w/ Sugino 75 cranks, so they are pretty solid rentals! Aluminum at least w/ stiff cranks (not that this really matters for your first trip). I go up there from Austin sometimes. I'll be up there on the 15th I think.

I second (third?) renting a bike. I wish I thought about renting more earlier before I got really into track racing here in WA. In hindsight of my own actions (buying bike 1st then racing), I would have rented, made my way thru CAT5, then in CAT4+ I could truly justify buying a bike a little nicer than an entry level Pista (which I sold/traded rather quickly).