Track cycling

I did indeed, got the frameset on a clearance deal and threw the rest together from PX parts. The great thing about a track bike is everything on it is so cheap. :) I've stuck an ISM saddle on it and moved it forward on the rails since the below pic though, made me realise my hip angle was very cramped.

 
Thanks!

I know I've only been to one session, but I'm already looking at building a track bike since I will need one eventually and I've never built a bike before. I've bought all of them off the shelf so far.

I've got my eye on the Cinelli Vig, Cinelli Mash or a Look 464. Off the shelf there is always the option of a PX or Dolan.

Did you have a guide you followed or a list of required parts?

(Maybe we should have a bike building/projects thread if this isn't relevant enough for the track thread?)
 
You need:

Frameset
Handlebars (most use standard road drops to start out)
Stem
Seatpost
Saddle
Wheels (tubs are better than clinchers, higher pressures are faster and they give you a slightly better chance of surviving if you flat. The PX alloy track tubs are a popular choice, or Miche Pistards)
Chainset (Stronglight 2000 from PX is good value)
Cogs (again PX or Dura Ace if you feel flush)

Optional:
Chain tugs (help you set chain tension and stop it slipping)

If you buy 47/48/49t front rings and 14/15/16t sprockets, that should cover most of your gearing needs. 47/15 or 48/15 are pretty standard combos for training/practice sessions then you can slowly increase the gear size for racing. I'd always fit the smallest gear I can get away with, because the accelerations kill your legs otherwise.

If you start pursuiting or sprinting then a 13t cog will give you bigger gear inches without having to worry about spare chains to accommodate dinner plate front rings. It's mechanically a bit less efficient but that's not my biggest limitation. :p

With track bikes, diminishing returns kick in very quickly on your gear so I wouldn't worry too much about buying nice stuff. Put the money you save towards nicer wheels!
 
What about little bits like headset, bottom bracket, lockring?

I know I'd just be paying for the brand and paintjob with something like Cinelli but I'd also want a bit of individuality in my bike. Otherwise I might as well just buy a Pre-Cursa and be done with it!

Condor Lavoro looks nice.
 
Headset should come with the frame (check).

Bottom bracket you'll need to buy with your chainset (will just be a standard square taper jobby with most track cranks).

Lockrings will come with your wheels.

You'll also need a chainwhip, lockring remover and a 14/15mm wrench for wheel nuts.
 
Cool, thanks for that.

I reckon if I go the route of self-build it'll be a valuable learning exercise for maintenance and by the time it's ready I might have done enough track sessions to justify having it.
 
There is a velodrome in Reading that ive been meaning to take a look at. I know its outdoor....but its better than nothing.

No idea where to start. I guess the Reading track cycling is the best place!
 
Herne Hill where I went last week is outdoors. It's not as steep as an indoor one and subject to wind but it's about 15mins cycle from me. Also, the accreditation doesn't apply anywhere else.
 
Had the taster session this morning. Overall it was great fun, but a little frustrating. There was a massive range of abilities in our group, and I didn't want to go racing off like a clown so stuck myself in the middle of everyone. Which was ok until we were up on the banking, quite a bit of the time I felt like I was going way too slow to be up there but could only do the speed of the person in front. Eventually got let loose and was able to go at a reasonable speed which was much more fun and more comfortable. Although the bike could have done with another couple of gears up as I was pretty much spinning out.

Good fun though, and I'll be going back for my stage 2 shortly I think.
 
I see this in your future. :D

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Thomas. PLease. said:
Had the taster session this morning. Overall it was great fun, but a little frustrating. There was a massive range of abilities in our group, and I didn't want to go racing off like a clown so stuck myself in the middle of everyone. Which was ok until we were up on the banking, quite a bit of the time I felt like I was going way too slow to be up there but could only do the speed of the person in front. Eventually got let loose and was able to go at a reasonable speed which was much more fun and more comfortable. Although the bike could have done with another couple of gears up as I was pretty much spinning out.

Good fun though, and I'll be going back for my stage 2 shortly I think.
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I found the exact same thing regarding the gearing. I think they use a 48x16, could really do with at least a 14.
 
That's because you're there to learn, not do the Worlds Omnium. ;)

I can sympathise with you Thomas as the scariest times I've had on track have been people riding too slowly. Nothing worse than when someone gets there turn at the front and backs way off, causes nightmares when you're at the back. It was the cause of my only crash too.

It's harder to slow suddenly on a big gear so they're safer yo an extent.
 
Well stage 2 done, was better than the first session a little bit faster which made it more comfortable. Pretty basic skills still, just moving from the front to the back of a paceline, and riding in pairs. Felt a lot more comfortable using the whole track this time which was good. Will probably book the next stage in soon.
 
Thomas. PLease. said:
Well stage 2 done, was better than the first session a little bit faster which made it more comfortable. Pretty basic skills still, just moving from the front to the back of a paceline, and riding in pairs. Felt a lot more comfortable using the whole track this time which was good. Will probably book the next stage in soon.
Click to expand...

Second session at HH was also a bit more advanced and a bit faster paced. We did some pair riding, some stacking, some half-lap changes in a group of 4 and some constant rotation drill. Annoyingly, a couple of times a coach nit-picked my riding in situations where I was at the mercy of slower riders!:mad: Next time, I'm riding for myself.:p

I'm also annoyed by the hire bikes/toe straps so have pulled the trigger on parts to build my own track bike.:D
 
Shamrock said:
Second session at HH was also a bit more advanced and a bit faster paced. We did some pair riding, some stacking, some half-lap changes in a group of 4 and some constant rotation drill. Annoyingly, a couple of times a coach nit-picked my riding in situations where I was at the mercy of slower riders!:mad: Next time, I'm riding for myself.:p

I'm also annoyed by the hire bikes/toe straps so have pulled the trigger on parts to build my own track bike.:D
Click to expand...

Niceone! What frame did you decide on? Thankfully, the ones at Lee Valley are Look Keo pedals, so will just stick with them through accreditation.

Edit: Stage 3 booked for next week now :)
 
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Do they use the Condor pictured above for hire bikes at Lee Valley?

I went with the Cinelli Mash Histogram. I just like the way it looks and potential for radness.:cool:

Shame I can't afford aero-spok!

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Nice, that looks pretty sweet. Yeah they use those Condor's seem ok, haven't really given one a sprint to see how flexy they are. I'm going to wait until I'm accredited but will probably buy something shortly after. Might just go second hand to begin with. Couple of Dolan precursa's on eBay for a decent price at the moment.

Stayed and watched a bit of some racing that was on after my stage 2, a lot of 5 spokes, and discs about.
 
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