Velodad

There have been a few threads lately asking about getting started on the track. This should answer lots of questions for anyone looking to get out there.

Here's the link, enjoy. https://www.ridethetrack.com/pdf/trackracing_intro.pdf

paipo

Thanks, velodad....it was an entertaining read and I've printed a hard-copy to flip through andreview again and again when I don't have my computer with me. So...based on what I've read and comprehended, spinning on my roadbike in at least a mid-80" gear is a good thing and spinning 90+rpms on the road on my low-gear fixie is not a bad thing, either. And patience goes a long way.

I'm lucky that within a minute from my house I have decent stretches of flat-ish smooth and wide roadways to get my spin on and decent tailwinds depending on which direction I choose to ride. Now all I need is a track-specific bike to ride on the road to get myself used to the ergos and develope some muscle memory in regards to riding a tight track bike.

But enough "planning/hoping/dreaming" from me...I just need to stfu and go find a properly fitted track bike to call my own and sign up for intro/training at the nearest velodrome. And get to spinnin'!

carleton

I read that. It's a good primer.

chas58

That is a great read and perfect for a stickie!

Baby Puke

Anyone else find these gear numbers strange? I always thought 49X15 was 88", 49X14 was 94.6", etc. He seems to be about 1.5" short on what I thought were standard gear inch calculations.

TejanoTrackie 

Actually, those numbers are true gear inches based on the actual diameter of a typical 700c tire. The numbers we are used to are based on a nominal 27" tire diameter, whereas the typical tire has a diameter closer to 26.3". So, 49 x 14 is 49 x 26.3 / 14 = 92 gi rather than 49 x 27 / 14 = 94.5 gi. Still, it is common practice to use the nominal 27" number when comparing gearing and most gear charts are set up this way.

Baby Puke

Yeah, if we don;t have a standard way of talking about it then it just makes more sense to call it "49X15". I'm still gonna call that 88! In Japan they just say ratios, so that's 3.26 (to 1). More confusion.

baj32161

I have always enjoyed track racing, but never really understood it. This was a big help and a very informative read. I am doubly psyched because we are getting a brand new velodrome a few miles from here for the Pan Am Games in Toronto in 2015.

Woooo HOOOOOOO

rpf

This is very helpful, thank you.

Taking the plunge and going along to a local outdoor velodrome this thursday to have a chat to the track guys who meet there each week. It's something i've wanted to do for a long time and i've just gathered the nerve to do so !

allenvalse

This is a pretty good intro resource also: https://upupup.aboc.com.au/the-book
Navigation is a bit kludgy but good none the less.

carleton

In an effort to get rid of a few stickies, I've added a link to this thread from the "Pro Tips" thread.

I am unsticking this but it will remain open.