Beginner's Introduction to Track Cycling - Hints Tips Advice etc.

Home:Ballyhoura

Hi guys, I'm going track cycling for the first time quite soon and I was just wondering if anyone one here has done it before? I know nothing whatsoever about this area of the sport of cycling, so any hints tips or advice would be great. What did ye notice the first time you went on the track, anything you would have liked to have been told or warned of first (i.e. that I should know!). Basically, anything that would help me avoid disappointment, embarrassment and injury would be hugely beneficial! What are those track bikes like to get used to/cycle for the first time?

P.S. If I am going to get into it quite seriously, I would probably be best off getting my own track bike! I have rarely seen them for sale online, are they quite rare online (like only available in specialized track cycling websites), only available in LBS or is it just more common to rent them? The only ones I can see on the usual CRC, Wiggle and PBK are the following: these Dolan track bikes on PBK, the Tifosi CX Track Bike on CRC and more Tifosi Track bikes here on Wiggle. Is there anything special that I should be looking for in a track bike? I know the gear ratio is very important but leave that aside for the moment. The prices all seem to be around the same, so what makes a good one? If you could please let me know of any good dealers of Track Bikes online or in Ireland it would be absolutely great.

Thanks very much in advance for your help, I genuinely really appreciate it! Cheers!

TinyExplosions

Best tip is don't stop pedaling! (as some around here can attest to)

It's great fun, and I'm sure you'll be grand... with respect to bikes, I'd race a little on the ones they have first (will you be racing in Sundrive?), and then decide what you want from there. Will give you a better idea of gear ratios and stuff once you've raced a bit and got used to what you like.

The dolan frames are very good, and pretty cheap (it's what Sundrive rent out)

Most of all -have fun, and if you are in Sundrive, look out for me and say howdy

Morgan

One of the most important things (apart from keeping pedalling) is to look over your shoulder before moving up or down the track - otherwise you could be moving into somebody's path.

You'll need to get accredited before racing or training on the track and they'll cover all you need to know, so don't fret too much about it.

Wheelworx in Clondalkin have some track bikes on their site:
http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/index.php?cPath=1_157&osCsid=2859eb17033acaa6af3df16f63592b1b

http://www.wheelworxbikes.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=track+2009+model&categories_id=&inc_subcat=1&manufacturers_id=117&pfrom=1&pto=10000&dfrom=&dto=&x=23&y=11

blorg

Don't worry too much about the gear ratio, it is easy to change. Tiny posted this before.

SPINERGY

I was just looking up this topic on the web and I came across this thread. I have the exact same questions as "Home:Ballyhoura". I will be traveling to the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland! There is some info here on the velodrome we will be using, looks top of the range for someone who has never even been on a track or track bike before! Anyway, please keep the advice coming as I would love to hear what you have to say too! Thanks

beans

There is (was?) a very sweet-looking track-frame downstairs in Cycleways, Dublin.

Tommasini, I think. Black steel with polished lugs. This may be the link to the actual frame - if so, it's not cheap!