Track Cycling Equipment: Spare Parts

Track cycling is, for the most part, easy on equipment. There are no issues with derailleurs, hard shifts, mud and rain, or a whole host of other things that we deal with when road racing. However, because of the sheer nature of track racing, the equipment has to take a lot of force. There are g force pressures from the banking, intense torque on the cranks from standing starts or sprints, as well as all of the things that go on with bikes when they’re often being ridden at speeds over 50 kph in very intense situations. However, perhaps the most damage that track bikes and their components have to endure is at the hands of the riders or mechanics working on them: chain rings come on and off, cogs are pulled off and on, bolts are loosened and retightened many times during every track session.

Consequently, there are some spare parts that every track cyclist should carry in order to eliminate mishaps or fix the inevitable equipment failures. This is a list of what I make sure that I have with me at all times. It is not a “bible,” so to speak, but what my experiences as a professional cyclist have taught me to keep in my track sack.

1) 5 chain ring bolts – fronts and backs

2) Chain – preferably cut to length. (I usually have two with me.)

3) Seatpost binder bolts – if you have a frame with a full clamp, you might want to bring a complete spare clamp

4) Wheel nuts and axle bolts

5) Headset spacers

In addition, you should always have the following tools:

1) Chain tool

2) Chain whip

3) Chain ring bolt backing tool

4) Allen wrenches to fit every bolt on your bike

5) Disc wheel chuck

And before someone writes in asking me about lock rings or lock ring tools, know that I never, ever use a lock ring. In my opinion, if you need a lock ring, you are doing something wrong.

~Ryan Sabga