Track Cycling Bikes: Three Things to Know Before You Buy
If you’re our shopping for track cycling bikes, the likelihood is that you’ve caught the one gear, no brakes fever. The Black Dog team has been going in counter-clockwise circles for quite some time (some of us for over ten years!), so we wanted to put together a list of three things you need to know while you’re out there shopping for your track bike. Now, keep in mind that this is just a basic list. Everyone’s needs, likes and wants will differ. The most important thing to keep in mind is that a track cycling bike should help you love the sport even more than you already do.
Track Bike Fit is Different From Your Road Bike
Odds are you’ve been on some other type of bike before you decided to head to the velodrome. And we’ll bet that the first time you got on a rental or borrowed track bike that it felt pretty different from what you were used to. That’s because the frame geometry of a track cycling bike is typically different from your road bike’s geometry. You’ll find that you ride a deeper drop handlebar, your seat post will be higher, your top tube might be shorter…overall, your track bike’s geometry will typically be more aggressive than your road bike. You may even take a different stock frame size. This is why it’s important to not only get fit properly for a track bike by someone who understands how a track cyclist needs to move and maneuver, but buy your track bike with a full understanding of the fit you need to be comfortable and in control.
Every Velodrome is Different
Did you know that, while there are common velodrome distances of 333m and 250m, every velodrome differs in shape, build and length? It’s this unique fact that demands your track cycling bike be adjustable. That means (for starters) it’s ideal to have a steerer tube where you can add and remove spacers and a seat tube that’s adjustable.
You may find that your bike handles better on shorter steeper tracks with a more upright position and in a more aggressive position on longer tracks with more shallow banking. As your on track bike handling skills improve, you may find less need for adjustments as you move from track to track, but even we make adjustments when we travel to the many tracks we race at in the U.S., Europe and worldwide throughout the year. It’s something to keep in mind as you look at different track cycling bikes, especially if you plan on visiting various velodromes.
You’re Not Done When You Buy the Bike
Track cycling bikes usually come stock with a 48/15 setup if you’re buying a complete bike off the rack. This means that your chainring will have 48 teeth and your rear cog will have 15 teeth. This equates to an 86.4 inch gear. For various types of riding, races, track lengths and training situations, you’ll need gears that are bigger and smaller than your stock gear. And this means buying an assortment of both cogs and chainrings. If you want to learn about gear ratios, you can download our track cycling gear chart.
Most track bikes come stock with chainrings and cogs in a 1/8″ while some riders who build their own prefer to ride a 3/32″. Be aware that there are two different sizes of chainrings and cogs (1/8″ and 3/32″) and know what your bike is equipped with. The 1/8″ configuration is the most popular, so if you happen to leave your gears and cogs at home, someone will likely have extras for you (not so common with 3/32″). Note that, in a pinch, you can use 1/8″ chains on 3/32″ chainrings and cogs but not vice versa. How do you know what size chainrings and cogs to buy? Ask around at your local track and see what everyone is carrying in their gear bag. And don’t forget to buy a chain whip!