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Search: Posts Made By: Brian Ratliff
Showing results 1 to 50 of 95
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Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
07-12-17, 12:07 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

5kph out of 77kph is 6.5% faster on the track...

5kph out of 77kph is 6.5% faster on the track than the road. Power relates to velocity by the cube, so a 6% increase in speed is represented by a 21% increase in power. The difference between 1400W...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
04-01-15, 09:55 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

The rule of thumb I use is "go hardest when you...

The rule of thumb I use is "go hardest when you are slowest". This is simply because you spend more time going slow. So I would do the second option: go hard into the wind, recover with the wind. You...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-31-15, 06:08 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

1+ Almost suicidal at Alpenrose. If you are on...

1+
Almost suicidal at Alpenrose. If you are on the blue going into the corner... 9 times out of 10 you'll end up on the ground. You'll get relegated real quick for passing on the apron.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-30-15, 09:43 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Deflate, for the sake of sidewall cuts. Rubbing...

Deflate, for the sake of sidewall cuts. Rubbing sidewalls of tires at 150psi+ against things will cut the cords easily.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-30-15, 09:42 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Yea... that's not allowed and pretty sketchy. If...

Yea... that's not allowed and pretty sketchy. If he was still below the black coming into the corner, there's a good chance of a crash. Dude should have been automatically relegated; even if he was...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-23-15, 09:58 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

We call it "track hack" here in Portland. It's...

We call it "track hack" here in Portland. It's common. Water doesn't really help. Your body just learns to adapt after a time. Sucking on a hard candy to get moisture into your mouth helps a bit.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-20-15, 02:10 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Bring your shoes, pedals and helmet.

Bring your shoes, pedals and helmet.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-06-15, 01:36 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I think Campy packages crank bolts with their...

I think Campy packages crank bolts with their cranks, not their bottom brackets.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-04-15, 01:12 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I assume this depends on the track. On a shorter...

I assume this depends on the track. On a shorter track, like a 250 or Alpenrose, there is little or no advantage (and maybe even a disadvantage) of being in the trail position. On a 333 or 400m...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-04-15, 11:02 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Why not do this in the parking lot? I would say...

Why not do this in the parking lot? I would say don't do track stands on the track surface at all if there is anyone else on the track. You know people don't have brakes out there, right?
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-02-15, 01:07 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I have a full set of both FSA and DA rings. Some...

I have a full set of both FSA and DA rings. Some observations:

DA ring teeth are hobbed. FSA's teeth are machined. This gives the DA teeth a more accurate profile for better chain meshing (there...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
02-19-15, 02:06 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

A "get-off". I like it. If it is just road rash,...

A "get-off". I like it. If it is just road rash, you can ride immediately. It's just potentially messy with leaking bandages and all. If you crash again... it'll just hurt again.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
12-19-14, 10:02 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

On a regular road, because of the variable...

On a regular road, because of the variable terrain, it would be hard to discern a single tooth difference in the chainring. On the track, you will notice, which is why many track sprinters carry all...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
12-16-14, 05:53 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

If you use anything other than the Omnium ring,...

If you use anything other than the Omnium ring, you have to replace the double chainring nut with a "single" chainring nut.

The knurled nuts are really nice. Dealing with both nuts and bolts...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
12-16-14, 01:58 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Just make sure your frame can accept the Omniums....

Just make sure your frame can accept the Omniums. They seem to have extra thick arms which interferes with some frames.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
12-04-14, 01:19 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Gotta pay attention on rollers. I was zoning out...

Gotta pay attention on rollers. I was zoning out the other day and felt my leg brush the table I ride next too; looked down as I was correcting and my tire was on top of the belt track. Whew... close...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
12-04-14, 10:02 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

1) is the track end made from aluminum? 2)...

1) is the track end made from aluminum?

2) did you crash or otherwise bash the track end? I've had situations where the bottom part of the track end gets bent. It can be bent inwards, but it can...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
12-03-14, 01:05 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

As I understand, aerodynamically a helmet has to...

As I understand, aerodynamically a helmet has to work with your body position. Just from aero fundamentals, if your helmet is sticking up over your shoulders, you want something with a tail. If it's...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
11-17-14, 10:39 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I saw a video where keirin school students were...

I saw a video where keirin school students were doing something similar. I think it was stair sprints or something like that.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
11-11-14, 02:15 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I really like the "gear inventory" idea and...

I really like the "gear inventory" idea and matching road gears to track gears. Incredibly useful.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
11-11-14, 10:34 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Just checked out Carlton's iPhone app for gear...

Just checked out Carlton's iPhone app for gear ratios. Doesn't deal with the whole math vs. convention thing, but it is cool. I'll never have to calculate chainrings and cogs again!
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
11-11-14, 10:04 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

The "correct" gear chart by convention is the...

The "correct" gear chart by convention is the ratio multiplied by 27. When you hear people on this forum and on the track talk about a 90" gear for instance, they mean a 50/15 or 47/14. Using...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
10-31-14, 03:41 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I've got a set on my training fixie. Only problem...

I've got a set on my training fixie. Only problem is they are't the stiffest bar in the world. If you are going to use road bars on the track, I highly recommend PRO VIBE 7S bars. They come in three...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
10-27-14, 03:52 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Shimano track chainwhip. The key feature is the...

Shimano track chainwhip. The key feature is the single length of chain coming from the nose of the whip. It wraps all the way around the cog and both gives the chain more leverage on the cog and...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
10-17-14, 08:17 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Not sure your point, since it is a small miracle...

Not sure your point, since it is a small miracle he didn't crash. Dude did a good job a keeping it upright. Like I said, same thing happened to me and I ended my day at the ER. One instance does not...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
10-11-14, 04:51 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I think once you're married, your parents don't...

I think once you're married, your parents don't accept donations to their basement anymore ;). But yes, keep it. Break it down to a frameset and you can store it easier. Also, it's a hell of a lot...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
08-29-14, 08:56 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Man... I can't remember the last time I used a...

Man... I can't remember the last time I used a lock ring at the track.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
08-25-14, 05:08 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

My first couple years were on a Raleigh Rush Hour...

My first couple years were on a Raleigh Rush Hour (similar to the Bianchi Pista; budget track frame built up originally as a fixed gear street bike). I didn't upgrade until I was a 2. There are...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
08-11-14, 10:08 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I heard there was some gamesmanship going on...

I heard there was some gamesmanship going on there as well; Foerstemann called for a mechanical at the line (after he drew second position) and geared down to get a super fast start.

You get one...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
06-18-14, 05:56 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

The current upgrade system really penalizes...

The current upgrade system really penalizes sprinters who specialize too early.

So, in response to others... yes, a regional sprinter could probably be competitive in the Cat3 field. BUT, said...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
06-17-14, 11:15 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Have you really not done an elite level 10 mile...

Have you really not done an elite level 10 mile scratch race? Not sprint. Nope. I saw one of the scratch races at Alpenrose (slow track, mind you) average 29.3mph for the entire race. A couple of the...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
06-13-14, 08:35 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

^^^ It would probably be fine. Might handle...

^^^
It would probably be fine. Might handle funny if the track is steep. You may need to watch the bottom bracket height though.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
05-30-14, 12:55 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Power is accurate, but the methodologies to apply...

Power is accurate, but the methodologies to apply power in some meaningful way to training is not particularly accurate. I can use a powermeter to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, but that can be...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
05-30-14, 12:33 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Yea, I trained with a powermeter for a while a...

Yea, I trained with a powermeter for a while a several years ago. It was great to illuminate what I was actually good at. I could peg 1600W regularly and I could stay above 1kW for (at least) 25...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
05-30-14, 12:05 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I think that's just the same as correlating kJ at...

I think that's just the same as correlating kJ at various intensities to perceived fatigue. Or using a clock (hours on the bike or time at intensity). Anything that can tell you you are doing "more"...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
05-30-14, 10:40 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

TSS is bullsht. The units make no sense at all....

TSS is bullsht. The units make no sense at all. You can make your TSS anything you want by padding or chopping zeros. You can cut your ride into two back-to-back pieces and the TSS calculated from...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
05-20-14, 05:01 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I dunno about that. I regularly switch between...

I dunno about that. I regularly switch between short cranks on the track and long cranks on the road. But here's the thing: I don't generally ride a road bike the same way as a track bike.

When I...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
05-20-14, 04:45 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Both are stiff. DA is lighter (probably stiffer...

Both are stiff. DA is lighter (probably stiffer too), but it'll also make your wallet float away. I use Sugino 75.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
05-20-14, 01:41 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I've heard that Campy track cranks were not for...

I've heard that Campy track cranks were not for sprinters. Too flexy or something. I would go DA or Sugino 75. You'll like 165s. Nice and zippy.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
04-29-14, 02:08 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Start hitting up omniums. Sprinters can do well...

Start hitting up omniums. Sprinters can do well in anything that is not a long points, scratch or madison. Shorter stuff, pure sprinters should be able to have some success.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
04-29-14, 01:49 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

My problem is I'm afraid if I apply for a USAC...

My problem is I'm afraid if I apply for a USAC license having only raced in OBRA, I'll have to fight my way even into Cat3. I'll have to do some more inquiry this year.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
04-29-14, 11:28 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I'm pretty sure match sprints are Cat 2+ for...

I'm pretty sure match sprints are Cat 2+ for elite nationals. I was looking at this a little last year. Because I am OBRA, it is unclear to me what my category would be if I were to buy a USAC...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
04-07-14, 11:05 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

There is a schedule; some coaches are better at...

There is a schedule; some coaches are better at working with outside riders than others. But it is an open track. You can ride any time absent a scheduled race. However, if the track is reserved,...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
04-02-14, 06:17 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

I change gears all the time. Usually I'll have...

I change gears all the time. Usually I'll have two rear wheels with flip hubs for the possibility of four different cogs, and I'll change rings as needed. Also, there is a vast difference in the...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-25-14, 01:49 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Well, he ain't a noob... but he is modest.

Well, he ain't a noob... but he is modest.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-18-14, 12:29 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

No... Mavic IO/Comete are in. Mavic chose five...

No... Mavic IO/Comete are in. Mavic chose five spokes for whatever reason (probably compromise between stiffness and aero, but probably an element of marketing in there too). Hence... 5 spokes.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-10-14, 04:28 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

On the track, I think the fit of the bike is more...

On the track, I think the fit of the bike is more critical than on the road. Not only do you have to have your body in the right position, but your balance has to be correct as well so you are...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-10-14, 10:22 AM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

An 88" gear (46/14) is actually fairly sizable...

An 88" gear (46/14) is actually fairly sizable for a beginner. Until you get used to things, try a 46/15.
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-06-14, 01:54 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

MTB pedals are designed with quick release/quick...

MTB pedals are designed with quick release/quick entry in mind. Road pedals are designed with retention and power transfer in mind. Track sprinters are the extreme; they usually have pedals which...
Forum: Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
03-06-14, 01:47 PM
Replies: 5,944
Views: 783,695
Posted By Brian Ratliff

Actually, I was just suggesting some straps to...

Actually, I was just suggesting some straps to attach to his BMX pedals. Just something to minimally keep his feet from flying off the pedals. Like Holdfasts or something. Kinda depends on the...
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