Track Gear

If you are thinking about getting started in track cycling, you will need to get a track bike, as well as a variety of other track gear. Because there are many competing manufacturers of track gear, both online and in retail outlets, shop around for both the right quality and the right price for each track cycling accessory you need.

Some of the most popular producers for track cycling include Corima, FMF, Nashar, Shimano and Wipperman.

Essential Track Cycling Components

Some track cycling trainers recommend that you stick to basic track cycling components as you start practicing this sport.

The first piece of track cycling gear you will need is the track bike itself. While you can buy a fully assembled track bike, you may also want to buy the bike parts piecemeal and assemble them yourself (or hire an expert to do the assembly). Buying the bike parts separately allows you to fully customize each aspect of your track bike so that every part promotes speed and agility for your style of riding.

After the frame, other track bike parts you will need to get are:

• bar ends
• bottom brackets
• brakes
• chain-rings
• handlebar
• hubs
• pedals
• rims
• spokes
• tires (narrow, low-tread, tubular tires that are puncture-resistant).

One feature common to nearly every other type of bike that you wont need on your track bike is a set of gears. Because you will be riding on a smooth, groomed, relatively flat surface, you wont need to change gears. Putting gears on your track bike will only add weight to it, slowing you down with useless equipment, a factor that is especially important when it comes to competition.

As you are putting your bike together (or finding a pre-assembled track bike that is right for you), consider your riding style. Because you are likely to start the sport with a rented bike, ask your trainer what special features of the track bike you should customize to improve your riding style.

Other Essentials for Track Cycling

Track cycling is a fast-paced racing sport, so being as aerodynamic as possible is extremely important. As a result, clothing and accessories can increase your ability to be aerodynamic.

Here is are some more details about key gear for track cycling:

• Clothing: When it comes to clothing for track cycling, choose cycling wear that is form fitting, lightweight and breathable. Spandex, polyester blends and other similar stretch fabrics are all good materials for cycling clothes because they are all breathable, fast-drying materials. Try to stay away from track cycling wear made of cotton because, although cotton is breathable, it retains moisture, a factor that will make any cyclist uncomfortable. While you can wear jackets or long sleeves, most track cyclists avoid these items as they create more drag and are generally not needed. Clothing you do need includes padded shorts (to increase comfort while riding, especially for long distances), as well as a jersey with plenty of zipper pockets to carry any items you need along the ride.
• Helmet, gloves, glasses: Each of these items is meant to keep you safe as you ride. While the aerodynamic helmet will protect you in a crash, both the gloves and glasses keep you safe regardless of a crash. The glasses prevent foreign objects from getting into your eyes and the gloves ensure that your hands dont get blisters while gripping the handlebars.
• Shoes: Because track cyclists are racing, speed and efficiency is vital. Consequently, track cyclists feet are strapped to the pedals to make sure that all of the force they put into pedaling is transferred to the bike to make it go as fast as possible. The best shoes for these conditions are flat, cleat-free, stiff-soled shoes.

Non-Essential Track Cycling Components

Like other forms of racing, minimizing the equipment a riders needs (and needs to carry) promotes the most efficient, quickest ride possible. As a result, only carry the following non-essential items with you if absolutely necessary:

• emergency first-aid kit
• mini tool kit for easy bike repairs
• snacks, such as energy bars
• water bottle.

These items are usually only needed on longer track rides, such as the Century (100-mile) ride.

If you are, or are looking to become, a serious track cycling racer, one non-essential, yet helpful item to get is an electronic ear piece that allows you to communicate with team members on the side lines. An ear piece lets your crew tell you whos on your tail, as well as alert you to stay inside or outside of the track to avoid any crash ahead.

Resource

Brown, Sheldon (n.d.). Fixed Gear Bicycles for the Road. Retrieved April 18, 2008, from the Sheldon Brown Web site.