Youngin

I talk to my mom today and she approved lessons at the not so local local velodrome. I'm 15 and this is a complete dream of mine! I've got a fixed gear, but it's a conversion, so that's one of my questions. Here they are.

1. What kind of bike is legal for a velodrome? Can I use a brakeless conversion with horizontal dropouts and no quick release wheels, or just use one of theirs?

2. SPD-SL Pedals or toe clips?

3. What can I work on now before I go there? Should I be doing intervals, or just riding more?

4. Is there anything that's helpful to have or bring?

Thanks!

Chris

huerro

Sounds great!

Now go ask your questions in the track forum where people who ride track will give you better answers than the hipster ******bags© who post in here.

dobber

You posted here.

huerro

Yes, but you'll note I didn't pretend I could tell him anything about riding on the track.

bonechilling

1. Depends on the track, but it's probably best to get yourself a decent, entry-level track bike.

2. SPD-SL, Look, Speedplay track, etc. Clips and straps are for guys with thighs so large that they break the pedals.

3. Intervals, long group rides. Weight-lifting.

4. They should give you a list. Helmet, water bottles, energy bars, etc. Just the normal stuff you'd take to the gym.

felldownthewell

I can't pretend I know anything about the track, but in all my training for other sports (hockey, skiing), you want to start by working on basic endurance and muscle building. I'm sure if this is a beginner's class they will give you track-specific exercises to work on, but in the meantime, just do some general fitness.

As far as other things go, you probably know better than me, but don't show up in jeans and a t-shirt, make sure you have track (or at least bike) centric clothes.

TimArchy

Definately go for an entry level track bike. If you get into it at all, you'll want a selection of cogs (and maybe chainrings) as well.

Spd-sl pedals will work great and are more practical/cheaper than most other road pedal systems. If you're into commuting or offroad biking, mtb style clipless pedals will work also (not SPD though).

For now, ride as much as you can. Weight training can be dangerous at your age unless you've got someone who knows what they're doing guiding you through it.

So, pretty much what bonechilling said.

And awesome for you for getting into track!

jmichaeldesign

1. Ask the track. If they have bikes there and it's not going to cost you more then go for it. If you want your own bike get a Kilo TT frameset and put your conversion parts on it, or just buy a kilo they aren't that expensive.

2. Keep the clipless.

3. I don't know. Riding can't hurt though.

4. Bring tools to the track, get all the cogs you can afford.

::velolove::

some good advice so far.

Plus i agree the guys in the track forum are much less inclined to rip into everything you say.

But yeah, I'd recomend an entry level track bike like the kilo to start (make sure you get sized, it makes all the difference because track bikes really respond to the fit of the rider (torso, inseam, etc...))

oh yeah, HELMET. You won't get on the track without one (they aren't a bad idea in general, believe it or not)

jdms mvp

i dunno what it's like at your velodrome but our local tracks requires drops and horizontal dropouts. so i don't unless it's different there, you won't be able to use your conversion...

jemather

horizontal dropouts are different than track fork ends. I don't race but I'm pretty sure most tracks require track (rear facing) fork ends and a helmet, and drops are a must in any mass start event.

i'd focus most of my time on building up your aerobic base. longer stuff (heart rate ~155) at a pace you can go for 75min or so.

jdeane4

I just finished getting my Beginner's Track Cert this weekend at Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta. The first thing is you will need a track bike (horizontal dropouts). The track you are going to may have student bikes that you can use during your class. As far as pedals go, clipless is great. I use SPD's but most of the people at the track used Look's or Speedplay. Speedplay is going to be your higher end options. Remember though that speedplay and look pedals only work with road shoes. Make sure you have plenty of water. Also, jeans and tshirts are great for running around town in, but I recommend having more cycling specific clothes for the track. You are going to be going a lot harder and sweating more. You want something that will wick moisture and breath well. This will make you feel more comfortable. I am currently running a 47x16 gearing but plan on changing to a 49x15. Your gearing is going to determine a lot upon your strength. The main thing is you don't want to be spinning to hard that you loose too much energy, but you also don't want to have a gearing on your bike that will wear you out too much. Best thing is to get a little collection of cogs. Find that one chainring that works best. Other than that, good luck. Its a lot of fun! We had about 30 people come out and most of them were coming from the local Atlanta fixed gear scene. Check out www.fixedgearfever.com and there is a lot of great advice and tips on there.

EivlEvo

1. Where are you?
2. Most tracks will rent you a bike so you don't wad up your shiney new ones.
3. Where are you?

Youngin

1.Minnesota
2.Thanks
3. (See 1.)

TRaffic Jammer

Bring your clipless pedals and shoes and helmet. Water and snacks are a must. I was so excited to do my first track class I had to force myself to eat. Use one of their bikes until you have completed your courses and then you can decide if you want to build up a track specific racer as generally they don't want tires that have been on the road on the track (indoors especially). Like sking or snowboarding it's totally better to learn (and crash) on rented gear.

It'll be a blast!! Listen to the bosses and don't balls out the first time, despite totally wanting too. Above all else HAVE FUN!!!

EDIT if it's indoors find out how heated it is. The track nearest me is freezing cold and requires cool weather gear to ride comfortably.

mander

Youngin, I hear that one of the best ways to get serious about training is to get a cheap HRM and learn to use it for targeted workouts.

queerpunk

oh, geez.

dropout:


track end / fork end. AKA, NOT a dropout:


anyhoo: clipless pedals. ride a lot, because you definitely want to be comfortable on your bike. practice riding in low and higher gears. bring food and water to the track. don't stress out about it - you'll learn as you go.

TRaffic Jammer

spin spin spin

dayvan cowboy

i wish there was a track near me.

carbonjockey

you can get a cheap track frame- there are nice inexpensive fujis out there- i wish there was a velodrome near my house but i still mix it up with the group rides a little

goldenskeletons

good for you for getting into track racing. i can't wait for the season to start this year.

all the basic stuff has been covered so far, but if you have a jersey and cycling shorts to wear, wear them! you don't want anything loose fitting and you certainly don't want to sit around sweating to death in anything cotton.

plenty of tracks will allow conversions as long as you don't have quick release skewers on your wheels, but if your track has rules against this, they'll most likely have a loaner or a rental bike for you.

good luck this season!

anomaly

Many velodromes will have youth programs where you can rent bikes. Contact the velodrome to find out.

That being said:
1. You will need a rear facing track end.
2. Ride which ever clipless pedals you feel most comfortable with, SPD-SL, LOOK Keo, etc.
3. Intervals, distance, climbing, mileage, everything
4. Shade, drink

anomaly

Edit:
I'm glad I could say the same things everyone else said!

willypilgrim

he's in minnesota, so it's an outdoor track.

have fun man, i was thinking of maybe hitting up some velodrome lass action this summer.

deathhare

What the hell is this?
Not one smart ass comment or OT joke?