Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Kilo tt handling

Can anyone tell me how the kilo tt pro handles on a steeply banked track? I know it's cheap and heavy but I plan on using it for training for now and if I really like the track scene I will upgrade no problem. Thanks

For your first time on the track you wont know much about nothing, so using what you have is your best bet. Make sure it fits and is safe, but after that just ride.

The geometry is fine. Make sure to put on some nice tires if it came with cheap ones.

Since u are considering that bike, don't understand why u are so worry about handling, for me is pretty awkward because sure u don't know how to ride no hands in the bankings for example.

For the record u can ride a 45 degree banks using a road bike too, the bike you picked is a road bike with track dropouts AKA as a single speed or any other name people knows them, yes it will work just fine for what u want, for more serious trackers that frame is not in the top 10 list but for beginners is just ok. Accidents happens and is better just sacrifice something in that price range than a 5000 carbon frame for example.

The only advice i can give you is learn how to ride the track really well, always be focus because u never know whos coming behind pretty fast. If you are a roadie your peripheral vision will improve a lot with the track, never seen a tracker or a ex tracker using a darn fred mirror to know and see who is right behind them ever.

Good luck in the track, I envy you i have nothing here in my area, besides i retired like 20 years ago but I still miss the track and the pain generated and inflicted by other riders hehehehe :)

Thanks for the reply.Well up until 5 years ago i was a roadie, also mtber , raced some cross and bmx.I had a thr of my right hip and its been a long road back. And for the record i have a garage full of bikes and spare parts and my wife would have a cow if I went and dropped some real money on a track bike without trying it first to see if I was going to stay with it. Just mainly concerned with pedal strike and if front end was twitchy at speed. But like was stated earlier I guess I wont know til I get on the track. But thanks for the info.

Joakley,

To address your concerns:

- Yes, pedal strike is an issue. It is not horrible, but you will definitely have to stay on top of it with that bike. It will bite you on a 45 track if you get lazy. Stay aware and you are OK.
- I don’t find it twitchy at all. On the contrary it is rather a bit slow and needs more manhandling than something that is more directly a track bike.

It's a great bike for a year or two. If you decide you don’t want it any more you can get much of your $$$ back on the used market – that bike has an appeal much beyond the velodrome.

Glad you back in the saddle. Have fun learning the track, I think you’ll have a blast!

Appreciate that chas58- thats the info I was looking for.

Does your track have rentals? That would be the cheapest way short term.

I just read today that they will be getting rentals , but what models was not stated. But I already have a kilo pro (still boxed)sitting in my garage. Maybe a newb mistake, but I can set it up and build it to my specs for now just to give track a go. Realistically I am 53 and I don't plan on setting the world on fire , I would just like to be competitive at the master level. I really just want to see how much I enjoy it and how much time I can put into it before I pull the trigger on a competitive machine. I do appreciate your response though and you do make a good point

Realistically I am 53 and I don't plan on setting the world on fire , I would just like to be competitive at the master level. I really just want to see how much I enjoy it and how much time I can put into it before I pull the trigger on a competitive machine.

Hey, young fella. I'm 66 this year and you've got plenty of good racing years ahead of you. Competition is very strong in the masters, and you'll need to work hard at it if you want to be good. The most important piece of equipment is you, not the bike. There are national caliber guys who race and win on steel track bikes like the Kilo TT, albeit with upgraded wheels. That bike has a high bottom bracket so it will be fine on a steeply banked track. What you will find, however, is that it lacks the stiffness of an aluminum frame with oversized tubing, which will be most noticeable in events like match sprints and the 500m TT. Like Carleton suggested, definitely replace the cheap stock Kenda tires with something sticky like Continental GP4000s or similar. Also, use good road clipless pedals like Shimano SPD SL (not SPD mtn) and shoes that have very stiff soles and fit your feet like a glove. The other thing you will need to do is figure out your gearing for training and racing, but that will happen once you get out there and start riding. Take your certification course, and start enjoying the sport.

Thanks for the reply. I have the tires , pedals and shoes covered. Still pondering gearing probably start with 48x15 and go from there. But I know what you mean about the masters. I use to look forward to moving up to the masters classes. But the thing is alot of those older boys were regional and national champs and could still ride you in the ground haha. Learned the hard way

Thanks for the reply. I have the tires , pedals and shoes covered. Still pondering gearing probably start with 48x15 and go from there. But I know what you mean about the masters. I use to look forward to moving up to the masters classes. But the thing is alot of those older boys were regional and nation champs and could still ride you in the ground haha. Learned the hard way

You will need multiple gears. I posted some gear info a in a thread maybe 1 or 2 pages back if you can find it.

Basically, you'll need a quality 48t, 49t, & 50t chainrings and 14, 15, 16t cogs. Those will keep you busy for a while :)

FSA Pro chainrings are high quality and a fair price. They'd be more expensive if they were lighter. Invest in 144bcd cranks before you buy any chainrings. I think stock on the Kilo are 130BCD. Not sure.

Read this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/785939-Chainring-size

Thanks . Actually I have already read that thread and took your advise. I currently have 48,14,15 and 16. I also have a 144bcd crank. Man I am stoked to get started. Trying to keep up to speed on the tracks opening( Giordana) but not alot of information floating around right now. Are you aware of any contact info on the track director?

Thanks . Actually I have already read that thread and took your advise. I currently have 48,14,15 and 16. I also have a 144bcd crank. Man I am stoked to get started. Trying to keep up to speed on the tracks opening( Giordana) but not alot of information floating around right now. Are you aware of any contact info on the track director?

I heard about 6 months ago that a guy had been appointed as the track director. But, I can't recall his name.

I don't know much about what's up with the track outside of the occasional tweet or facebook post of progress photos. The last photos that I saw (about 2 weeks ago) showed that the track's surface had been laid, the rails had been attached, and the apron, infield, and warmup/cooldown track had been poured. It seems like the major work is done. Now probably lots of relatively minor things like planting grass, installing benches, stadium seating, water fountains, etc... Putting on my armchair foreman's cap, I'd say that stuff can be done in about 4 more weeks then there would probably have to be inspections and whatnot.

Yeah I think the guys name was Fischer. I guess it's just wait and see from here out. But let me say I really appreciate all the help you have provided , you are a real ambassador for the sport.

Yeah I think the guys name was Fischer. I guess it's just wait and see from here out. But let me say I really appreciate all the help you have provided , you are a real ambassador for the sport.

No problem at all. I'm glad to help :)