Go Back  Bike Forums > The Racer's Forum > Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
Reload this Page >

Ask your small, random, track-related questions here

Notices
Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area Looking to enter into the realm of track racing? Want to share your experiences and tactics for riding on a velodrome? The Track Cycling forums is for you! Come in and discuss training/racing, equipment, and current track cycling events.

Ask your small, random, track-related questions here

Old 08-19-14, 07:50 PM
  #1201  
Elitist
Thread Starter
 
carleton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15,965
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1386 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 77 Posts
Originally Posted by MrMinty
I was running 50x15, but I felt that I didn't have enough to kick on things such as a devil race or warm
up sprints. I've changed to 49x15. How much difference will losing the 2 inches make?

I've 50, 49 and 45 chainring and a 15 & 16 tooth sprocket. At the moment a beginner but feel quite strong. What would be the ideal gear set up for an enduro using these combos? (They all came supplied with the bike)
Optimal gearing is a combination of the following factors:
- Rider strength
- Rider endurance
- Rider leg speed
- Track dimensions
- Type of race

And to a lesser extent:
- Weather
- Time of year (seriously)

So, it's really difficult to offer gearing advice from the internet. You'll get better advice from your friends at your local track.

The best thing to do is try it out. Some races you'll be under-geared, others over-geared, and others just right.



I wrote a gearing (and equipment purchasing) primer that can be found here: https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...ack-racer.html
carleton is offline  
Old 08-19-14, 08:35 PM
  #1202  
Cen
Member
 
Cen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: CDMX
Posts: 41

Bikes: Cervélo T1 (n+1 in bio ;)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Track Stand Learning

Trackstand Masters, do you have tips to learn track standing?

I like to practice track stands after trainings and I would like to improve my technique.
I am riding a 48x16 and I can only hold it for about 2 seconds (Not really a track stand yet? )
One of my questions: is it easier to track stand on bankings or on flats?

Any advise is greatly appreciated!!!
Cen is offline  
Old 08-19-14, 11:08 PM
  #1203  
Senior Member
 
derek.fulmer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 465
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I attended my first track clinic last night and had a blast. Dove right in and felt like I held my own with the more experienced riders.

My biggest concern, which also held me back from getting on the track, are my knees. They aren't injured but the left one makes some clicks when bending it. Doctor checked it out and said all was okay. However, due tongue nature of track bikes, I was concerned riding a fixed gear drive train could irritate my joints/knees.

So, my question is this: What pedaling/riding (and stopping) technique can I employ to be efficient and take the most amount of undue stress off of my knees?
derek.fulmer is offline  
Old 08-20-14, 09:13 AM
  #1204  
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 44
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Trackstand Masters, do you have tips to learn track standing?

I like to practice track stands after trainings and I would like to improve my technique.
I am riding a 48x16 and I can only hold it for about 2 seconds (Not really a track stand yet? )
One of my questions: is it easier to track stand on bankings or on flats?

Any advise is greatly appreciated!!!


Easiest to learn on a slight incline, as you can learn to balance the pressure on the pedals against the slight incline. Gear choice really doesn't make much difference when learning to track stand, just the amount of effort needed to get it moving again once you've finished track standing
jods is offline  
Old 08-20-14, 11:07 PM
  #1205  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 53
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My knees are making noises for 30 years now. It sounds as if they were was sand in the joint. It doesn't hurt, the doctor can't find anything.... so what..

Stopping technique, that's easy: Don't stop! Seriously, the more often you race the less need for stopping you are going to have.
Pedaling in general: You can choose a small gear (less forces on your knee), if you are good at spinning (I'm not).
Frankly speaking I don't think that track is worse than road. The stopping is no issue because you will rarely need it. I know in the beginning it feels as if you have to slow down all the time, but that doesn't last long. Go have fun!
Tman1965 is offline  
Old 08-20-14, 11:18 PM
  #1206  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Kanazawa
Posts: 1,700

Bikes: Marin Stelvio, Pogliaghi SL, Panasonic NJS, Dolan DF4, Intense Pro24 BMX

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 365 Post(s)
Liked 87 Times in 58 Posts
Re: Knee concerns– Best thing here is to make sure your bike fits well, and in particular that your cleats are adjusted properly. I've had a funky knee for 20+ years and track cycling irritates it far less than road cycling used to.
Baby Puke is offline  
Old 08-21-14, 09:05 AM
  #1207  
Elitist
Thread Starter
 
carleton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15,965
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1386 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 77 Posts
For those wondering about colored cogs:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=525626264250437

Notice 2 things:
- The color signaling the tooth count, and
- The rider's initials so that it doesn't go home with a teammate by mistake.
carleton is offline  
Old 08-21-14, 03:43 PM
  #1208  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 175

Bikes: '04 Bianchi Pista, '14 All-City Thunderdome

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I went to Kissena for the first time the other day after a few years of fixed experience on the road. I fell in love and want to pursue racing as a serious hobby.

What advice do you have for a total newbie?
Shotland is offline  
Old 08-21-14, 03:51 PM
  #1209  
Elitist
Thread Starter
 
carleton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15,965
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1386 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 77 Posts
Originally Posted by Shotland
I went to Kissena for the first time the other day after a few years of fixed experience on the road. I fell in love and want to pursue racing as a serious hobby.

What advice do you have for a total newbie?
Welcome!

1) Until you complete the beginner's course, please don't ride the track when others are there training. If another person shows up to train, politely get off the track...even if they are just warming up. Track training and racing isn't difficult, but you can do something unexpected and make a mess. ALL of the rules and etiquette are rooted in safety. Until you learn them, you won't know them. Imagine a guy who drives a tractor on his farm for years then takes a car out on the highway without having a driver's education course. It's very similar to that.

2) Take the beginner's class. Find the website or facebook page with info. (Maybe someone here has a link?)

3) Read this: https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...ack-racer.html

Last edited by carleton; 08-21-14 at 03:59 PM.
carleton is offline  
Old 08-21-14, 04:03 PM
  #1210  
Elitist
Thread Starter
 
carleton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15,965
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1386 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 77 Posts
Originally Posted by Baby Puke
Re: Knee concerns– Best thing here is to make sure your bike fits well, and in particular that your cleats are adjusted properly. I've had a funky knee for 20+ years and track cycling irritates it far less than road cycling used to.
+1

I've been using zero-float cleats since 2010 for road and track bikes. No knee issues (knock wood). I think this is largely due to the controlled nature of cycling and the fixed cleats.

Also, as mentioned above, you'll want to gradually slow down (using subtle back pressure) and not try to abruptly stop or skid like the youngsters do.

Knees weren't happy when I started jogging recently.
carleton is offline  
Old 08-21-14, 04:06 PM
  #1211  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 175

Bikes: '04 Bianchi Pista, '14 All-City Thunderdome

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by carleton
Welcome!

1) Until you complete the beginner's course, please don't ride the track when others are there training. If another person shows up to train, politely get off the track...even if they are just warming up. Track training and racing isn't difficult, but you can do something unexpected and make a mess. ALL of the rules and etiquette are rooted in safety. Until you learn them, you won't know them. Imagine a guy who drives a tractor on his farm for years then takes a car out on the highway without having a driver's education course. It's very similar to that.

2) Take the beginner's class. Find the website or facebook page with info. (Maybe someone here has a link?)

3) Read this: https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...ack-racer.html
Thanks Carleton! What's the beginners class? Is this a universal thing? Is it taken on the track?
Shotland is offline  
Old 08-21-14, 04:47 PM
  #1212  
Senior Member
 
derek.fulmer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 465
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by carleton
+1

I've been using zero-float cleats since 2010 for road and track bikes. No knee issues (knock wood). I think this is largely due to the controlled nature of cycling and the fixed cleats.

Also, as mentioned above, you'll want to gradually slow down (using subtle back pressure) and not try to abruptly stop or skid like the youngsters do.

Knees weren't happy when I started jogging recently.
Thanks, Carleton. I was hoping you'd chime in. After watching some races before trying the track I definitely learned how to slow myself down and then stop and unclip as I normally would before ever getting on the track. Thanks for the tips, guys! Now, I just need a bike of my own and I'll be ready!
derek.fulmer is offline  
Old 08-21-14, 06:20 PM
  #1213  
Elitist
Thread Starter
 
carleton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15,965
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1386 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 77 Posts
Originally Posted by Shotland
Thanks Carleton! What's the beginners class? Is this a universal thing? Is it taken on the track?
Yes. It's a universal thing. Even guys/girls who are seasoned road, MTB, or CX racers have to take the track into class. Certifications generally transfer to other tracks, espeically if your home track is steep (like Frisco or LA). But, being that Kissena is relatively flat, you'll probably be asked to take a quick refresher at a steeper track when you go visit. You won't have a problem racing at TTown (Trexlertown, PA) after being certified at Kissena.

Kessena locals were monitoring this thread. Maybe ask for info there: https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...rent-bike.html
carleton is offline  
Old 08-22-14, 08:54 AM
  #1214  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 175

Bikes: '04 Bianchi Pista, '14 All-City Thunderdome

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Awesome, thanks my man!

Another small question. What do you think of phil cogs? And what's your cog of preference?
Shotland is offline  
Old 08-22-14, 09:05 AM
  #1215  
Senior Member
 
bmontgomery87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Roanoke, Va
Posts: 997

Bikes: 2013 leader 721. 2015 leader 725. 2012 fuji feather

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Any links or info on some good training sessions to do on rollers?

My first set is coming in the mail this weekend. I know there will be some learning curve, but I'm interested in some training ideas.
bmontgomery87 is offline  
Old 08-22-14, 11:08 AM
  #1216  
Elitist
Thread Starter
 
carleton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15,965
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1386 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 77 Posts
Originally Posted by Shotland
Awesome, thanks my man!

Another small question. What do you think of phil cogs? And what's your cog of preference?
I like Dura Ace. I do have a Phil cog and it's nice, too. Euro Asia Imports cogs are also very good.
carleton is offline  
Old 08-22-14, 12:21 PM
  #1217  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 175

Bikes: '04 Bianchi Pista, '14 All-City Thunderdome

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by carleton
I like Dura Ace. I do have a Phil cog and it's nice, too. Euro Asia Imports cogs are also very good.
Ok, great. Thanks for all this info. Having a seasoned racer to explain and help you learn things is really amazing.

And chainrings.. Sugino Zen really necessary or should I just get a 75?

I'm also a very avid rock climber. I do a lot of bouldering which is very muscle intensive and works your biceps, forearms (a lot!), lats, and back muscles. At the end of my climbing sessions I do a a short work out (push ups, pull ups, blah blah blah). Is there anything I can add to that that may help with track cycling?

Last edited by Shotland; 08-22-14 at 12:54 PM.
Shotland is offline  
Old 08-22-14, 01:25 PM
  #1218  
aka mattio
 
queerpunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,586

Bikes: yes

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 344 Post(s)
Liked 58 Times in 35 Posts
S75 chainrings are very good.

As far as other workout stuff goes - squat jumps or other leg-based plyometrics are helpful.
queerpunk is offline  
Old 08-23-14, 05:56 PM
  #1219  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 76
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
why are there no corima vif, corima wheels, campagnolo drivetrain, or campagnolo discs in uci world cup events?
sergioflorez is offline  
Old 08-24-14, 12:08 AM
  #1220  
Cen
Member
 
Cen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: CDMX
Posts: 41

Bikes: Cervélo T1 (n+1 in bio ;)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Cen
Trackstand Masters
Related. lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_EaUSzdmSQ
Cen is offline  
Old 08-24-14, 09:11 PM
  #1221  
aka Tom Reingold
 
noglider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,691

Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem

Mentioned: 510 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7287 Post(s)
Liked 2,361 Times in 1,380 Posts
Hiya everyone. I've raced five or six nights at Kissena Velodrome this summer, each time entering three races or so. I'm now a Cat 4 racer, owing to the number of races I've been, not to any success I've had. (I'm fine with my humorous record of finishing last in every race. I'm there to have fun, and I'm succeeding at that.)

Do I qualify to race at T-Town somehow this coming Friday night? Or as a rookie, do I have to wait until Saturday? I can't figure it out from T-Town's web site. Thanks!
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog

“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author

Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
noglider is offline  
Old 08-24-14, 09:34 PM
  #1222  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: LI, NY
Posts: 485

Bikes: A little of each

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by noglider
Hiya everyone. I've raced five or six nights at Kissena Velodrome this summer, each time entering three races or so. I'm now a Cat 4 racer, owing to the number of races I've been, not to any success I've had. (I'm fine with my humorous record of finishing last in every race. I'm there to have fun, and I'm succeeding at that.)

Do I qualify to race at T-Town somehow this coming Friday night? Or as a rookie, do I have to wait until Saturday? I can't figure it out from T-Town's web site. Thanks!
Saturday is when you'll want to race. A lot of guys will head over Friday to watch the racing and then stay over to race Saturday, but Friday racing is for pros, 1s and invited 2s. Tuesdays are Pro,1,2,3 and Saturdays are masters,4,5. There's also women and juniors on those days, but I'm not too sure of the category breakdown for them.

Keep in mind racing at t-town might spoil your kissena experience. They're basically at opposite ends of the spectrum for quality of venue.
MarkWW is offline  
Old 08-25-14, 12:59 PM
  #1223  
Senior Member
 
derek.fulmer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 465
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Regarding crank arm lengths and fit; my road bike has 175mm crank arms. Should I match that on my track bike or go shorter to 170? If I do go shorter, will I just have to adjust saddle height to keep everything "fit-wise" correct?
derek.fulmer is offline  
Old 08-25-14, 01:11 PM
  #1224  
aka mattio
 
queerpunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,586

Bikes: yes

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 344 Post(s)
Liked 58 Times in 35 Posts
Originally Posted by derek.fulmer
Regarding crank arm lengths and fit; my road bike has 175mm crank arms. Should I match that on my track bike or go shorter to 170? If I do go shorter, will I just have to adjust saddle height to keep everything "fit-wise" correct?
People tend to go shorter on the track. It's a bit more comfortable at higher cadences.

Some people will tell you that 170s or shorter are necessary to avoid pedal-strike on the bankings, but that's not correct. I've known people who have used up to 177.5 on a 43-degree velodrome. It requires having a brain in your bucket during a neutral lap, but that's all.

If you are particular about millimeters, then yes, if you go 5mm shorter than you should raise your saddle 5mm.
queerpunk is offline  
Old 08-25-14, 02:32 PM
  #1225  
Senior Member
 
derek.fulmer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 465
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by queerpunk
People tend to go shorter on the track. It's a bit more comfortable at higher cadences.

Some people will tell you that 170s or shorter are necessary to avoid pedal-strike on the bankings, but that's not correct. I've known people who have used up to 177.5 on a 43-degree velodrome. It requires having a brain in your bucket during a neutral lap, but that's all.

If you are particular about millimeters, then yes, if you go 5mm shorter than you should raise your saddle 5mm.
Awesome thanks for the info. Is there a length you'd recommend for a beginner or is 170 ok in general?
derek.fulmer is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.