flayz

what is the optimal gear ratio for track cycling in the velodrome?

52-15 sound good?



also would i be allowed to ride on velodromes if im riding a conversion fixed gear frame (diagonal dropouts)

carleton

Optimal depends on a lot of things. Just go to the track beginner class and ask there.

A conversion will likely not be allowed, but it depends on your local track's regulations.

This means you will have to go to the track or the track's website and ask questions there.

Kayce

What track are you going to be racing on?

chas58

Maybe not - although it depends more on the geometry of the bike, the geometry of the track, and the local rules. Ya need to take the bike to the track and try it out. I have a fixie that I can't ride at the track. Aside from being way too upright and the long wheelbase, the biggest problem is that the pedals are way too low for a fairly tight track.

Take the bike to the track and ask them. I expect they will have loaners you can use, so either way you should be riding.

The question is, where?

tFUnK

Forward-facing dropouts are generally not allowed on the track, due to safety concerns. For open training, maybe they'll let you ride if you know the track organizers well; for racing, never.

Kayce

That maybe true at your track, but there is a whole variety in US tracks. Here in St Louis any brakeless fixed gear with drop bars is allowed.

bitingduck

I did my first races at Blaine (~20 years ago) on a Panasonic conversion with forward facing dropouts that was one of the rentals they had.

chas58

I agree, the dropouts are not a general concern. I don't really see the safty issue. On our track, it is the bottom bracket drop on road bikes that makes a conversion a problem. Sooner or later (probably sooner) a beginner is going to slap the pedal against the track and go down on our track. If they are lucky they won't take out a dozen people in a pace line.

tFUnK

I stand corrected. Thanks for the info.