Track bicycles are a special kind of single-speed racing bike that are designed specifically to perform in velodrome racing. Velodromes are wooden racetracks, usually 200 to 400 meters long, used exclusively for bike racing. The curves on a velodrome are banked at 42 degrees so racers can carry their momentum through the turns as they race around the track at maximum speed.
Components
With no derailleur, brakes or cables, a track bicycle is the simplest racing bike there is. Track bikes use a fixed gear drivetrain with a rear hub that doesn’t allow coasting, so that the wheel spins at the same rate as the pedals. Cyclists ride with a single gear that can only be changed by removing the wheel and replacing the cog. As bike guru Sheldon Brown explains, since there is no traffic in a velodrome and all the bikes stop at roughly the same rate, brakes are actually a safety hazard on the track and thus not included on a track bike. Many track frames are designed for aerodynamics, including special disk wheels and aerodynamic handlebars to put the rider in a position that minimizes frontal surface area.
Geometry
Track frames are stiffer than traditional road frames to stand up to the torque of an intense sprint rather than absorb the vibrations of the road. The angles of a track frame are also more upright than a traditional road frame, making them easier to maneuver at high speeds. Unlike road bike handlebars, the handlebars on a track bike are sloped at the top because the rider only holds the bottom section of the handlebar in an aerodynamic crouch.
History
Velodrome racing was a popular spectator sport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early track bikes had a longer wheelbase, making them less responsive to maneuvering in a tight pack and more prone to crashes. According to Todd Balf, biographer of the track legend Major Taylor, the bicycle was the fastest vehicle on earth for a brief period, and spectators flocked to velodromes to watch high-speed sprints, devastating crashes and grueling six-day races.
Other Uses
Track-style fixed gear bikes are gaining popularity on the road, especially among urban commuters because of their simplicity and ease of maintenance. Urban fixed gear bikes are rarely true track bikes, but use road bike-style frame angles to absorb shock from the road. They may also use traditional curved road handlebars or flat mountain bike or BMX bars, and often have at least one brake.
Benefits
Some outdoor cyclists use single speed bikes to build leg strength, since the same gear must be used on hills as on flat roads. Riding a fixed gear also develops more efficient and supple pedaling mechanics because there are no dead spots where the rider's leg doesn't apply force in the pedal stroke. Some road racers even train on the track in order to develop their sprinting skills.
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