1. Fixed Gear
Track cycling is a sport where cyclists race around an oval shaped track, also known as a velodrome. Since the cyclists only have one gear, they choose the ratio of that gear carefully. Track cyclists have different single gear settings, depending on their personal needs and preference. Lower gears have the advantage of a quick start, while higher gears sustain higher speeds with less pedaling. Each cyclist finds a balance between the two, and trains to maintain high turnover in pedaling and high muscle power for the starts on a fixed-gear bike.
2. Whoa Nellie!
Since track bicycles need less weight, track bikes eliminated features common to road bikes to add to the aerodynamics of the bike. The need for aerodynamics outweighed the need for brakes. To stop, riders slow down on the track area until their speed is slow enough to carefully use their feet to stop.
3. Tubular, Dude
The tires on track bicycles are tubular. These tires offer little protection against punctures, but since there is little to no risk of puncture on the track, this is not a problem. The tubular tires are lighter weight than the standard tires used on off-track bikes. Track cyclists prefer tires that are extremely narrow, and they inflate their tires to their maximum pressure to provide less rolling resistance during the races.
4. Frame
A track bike has to balance between rigidity and aerodynamics. The most common material used for track bikes is steel. Steel is rigid and low-cost. Professional and elite track cyclists choose a lighter and more expensive material, known as carbon fiber, for its low weight and rigidity. The seats on track bikes have steep angles that go towards the front handlebars, and the handlebars are lower than the seat. These features increase the aerodynamics of the bike, making wind resistance less of a factor. The pedal and its crank have minor adjustments so that the pedals don't scrape the ground on the banked curves of the velodrome.
5. Inspecting Gadgets
The International Cycling Union, or UCI, sets the rules and regulations for track bicycles. There are specific rules for the design, ratios and dimensions of the track bike. There are specific rules regarding the diameter and shape of the tubes that make up the bike frame. Before you buy a track bike, make sure that it meets the UCI standards for competition. Officials inspect bikes at every sanctioned event to make sure it meets the UCI standards.
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