How to choose your track bike
1) Introduction: Choosing the Right Track Bike
When it comes to track cycling, every detail matters to optimize performance and create harmony between you and your bike. Whether you're an enthusiast venturing onto the velodrome for the first time or a seasoned competitor, selecting the right track bike goes beyond style or budget. It’s about investing in your experience, safety, and growth in the sport.
With our expertise, we’ll guide you through understanding how every decision impacts your experience, helping you find the model that makes the difference on the track. Whether you’re seeking maximum speed, optimal comfort, or the perfect balance between the two, this guide offers everything you need to make an informed choice.
2) What is a Track Bike?
Before choosing a track bike, it’s essential to understand its characteristics and how it differs from other types of bikes, such as road or gravel bikes. Designed specifically for velodrome riding—whether indoor or outdoor—a track bike meets the unique demands of a discipline where speed, control, and performance are key.
a) What is a Track Bike?
A track bike is a model designed exclusively for velodrome competitions, where the absence of brakes and the fixed-gear configuration play crucial roles. In this setup, control is entirely managed through pedaling, making the ride more demanding and technical. This configuration is ideal for track cycling, where riders often move in groups at varying speeds, making the use of brakes potentially hazardous.
Another central feature is the fixed gear: it requires constant pedaling with a single gear ratio as there is no derailleur. Without a freewheel mechanism, slowing down or stopping demands precise control and gradual deceleration, as you cannot stop pedaling until you’ve reduced speed to below 10 km/h.
Track bikes cater to various uses and disciplines but are characterized by a rigid design and a focus on the aerodynamics of both rider and machine. While they can be used outdoors with appropriate wheels/tires, they have significant limitations on the road, making them best suited for experienced riders (often used as “fixies”).
b) Characteristics, Features, and Configurations of a Track Bike
Though track and road bikes may appear similar to the untrained eye, they are purpose-built for entirely different uses. Furthermore, several types of track bikes exist:
- Frame Geometry: Track bikes have a rigid, responsive construction with a compact frame geometry designed to maximize power transfer. At LOOK Cycle, we optimize our frames for unparalleled responsiveness on the track, using high-quality materials that ensure both lightness and durability. The geometry prioritizes short chainstays for agility and dynamism, while the front triangle positions the rider aerodynamically.
- No Brakes: Unlike road bikes, track bikes lack brakes. Combined with a fixed gear, this requires a specific skill set that cyclists develop over time.
- Transmission: Track bikes are fixed-gear, meaning there are no gear changes. The size of the rear cog and chainring depends on factors such as the rider’s level, discipline, and build.
- Wheels and Tires: Track wheels are designed for fixed-gear use and optimized for rigidity and aerodynamics. Tires are tailored for track cycling, especially on indoor wooden velodromes. On outdoor concrete tracks, standard road tires may be used.
- Handlebars: Specifically designed for an aerodynamic position, track handlebars are often lower and narrower than road handlebars, facilitating a posture that minimizes drag.
Several disciplines exist within track cycling, which can be broadly categorized into three types:
- Sprint Events: Short, intense efforts focusing on explosive power and speed.
- Endurance Events: Longer efforts (several dozen laps) that emphasize aerodynamics, trajectory, and stamina.
- Mass-Start Races: Events where multiple cyclists compete, requiring maximum control and mastery of the bike.
3) Identifying Your Cyclist Profile for the Best Choice
Selecting the ideal track bike depends on various factors, with your experience level being one of the most important. Based on your skill level and goals, certain features will be better suited to your needs. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced competitor, discover the key elements to focus on to make the most of your track bike.
a) Beginner Cyclists
At LOOK, we recommend starting track cycling under professional guidance. Contact your local velodrome to explore opportunities for learning the basics and developing good habits. It’s essential to become familiar with the fixed-gear setup and the absence of brakes, which require a gradual learning curve for speed control and stopping. A stable frame offering good rigidity without being overly aggressive is ideal for building confidence.
Beginners might consider an aluminum frame such as the LOOK AL464 or a carbon frame like the 875 Madison, which are accessible yet high-performing and lightweight.
b) Intermediate Cyclists Seeking Progression
Intermediate cyclists looking to intensify their practice and enhance their performance should start investing in advanced materials and specialized components for increased speed and responsiveness. At this level, carbon frames become the most attractive option as they offer optimal power transfer and lightweight construction for enhanced speed and efficiency.
Intermediate riders can also benefit from carbon aero wheels designed specifically for the track. An ergonomic, compact handlebar further improves aerodynamic positioning, which is crucial for minimizing wind resistance. At this stage, you should also identify your preferences in terms of effort duration and type to tailor your choices accordingly.
c) Advanced Competitors
For elite athletes or those participating in competitions, every detail matters. A premium track bike, fully constructed from carbon with ultralight components and unmatched stiffness, maximizes every watt of power produced. LOOK’s high-quality carbon frames, featuring exclusive technologies, deliver optimized aerodynamics and immediate responsiveness—ideal for sudden accelerations and rhythm changes.
At this level, optimizing your position becomes critical. A custom handlebar, a finely adjusted saddle, and aerodynamic wheels can make a significant difference. Advanced competitors have access to models and components designed for peak performance, as used by professional cyclists on international stages.
By identifying your experience level and goals, you can make an informed choice and find the track bike that best supports your progression. LOOK Cycle offers a range of bikes and components tailored to every cyclist profile, enabling you to gear up with confidence, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned athlete.
4) Optimizing Your Track Bike for Maximum Performance
Once your track bike is selected, fine-tuning specific aspects can further enhance performance. From positioning adjustments to maintenance and aerodynamics, every detail counts when maximizing efficiency on the track. Here are some tips to get the most out of your track bike and optimize every session.
a) Adjustments for Comfort and Stability
Proper posture is crucial in track cycling, where an aerodynamic yet comfortable position can significantly impact speed and control. Adjusting the saddle, handlebars, and pedals ensures an optimal balance between comfort and performance:
- Positioning Adjustments: Saddle height, handlebar height, and stem length are essential for optimizing your position. Ensure you select the correct frame size and consult a bike fitter to achieve this. Handlebar width and crank length also contribute to performance through position optimization.
- Competition Adjustments: Tailor your setup to your preferred discipline. Sprint, endurance, and mass-start handlebars vary in design, each catering to specific requirements.
- Wheel Selection: Carbon wheels—whether disc, spoked, or tri-spoke—can significantly impact performance and bike handling. Choose wheels that align with your practice and constraints.
- Pedals: Clipless pedals are standard for track bikes. We recommend adjusting the pedal tension according to your level and effort. For powerful riders, reinforcement straps can provide additional control and stability.
b) Tips for Aerodynamics and Reducing Air Resistance
On the track, air resistance is the primary obstacle to speed. Small adjustments can make a big difference in improving aerodynamics and reducing drag:
- Position Optimization: The most significant aerodynamic gains come from achieving an optimal riding position tailored to your pedaling style and anatomy.
- Component and Accessory Selection: Wheels and cockpit setup are critical factors in reducing air resistance. Depending on your objectives, select components that minimize drag and enable faster rides.
- Clothing and Gear: Aero helmets, skinsuits, and gloves are effective additions to your kit, helping to limit air resistance and boost efficiency.
c) Maintenance and Durability: Keeping Your Bike in Top Condition
A well-maintained track bike ensures not only optimal performance but also greater longevity for its components. Regular maintenance can preserve the quality and safety of your equipment:
- Component Checks: Track cycling involves high-speed, high-intensity efforts, so it’s essential to check your bike before every session. Tighten bolts, ensure that wheel nuts are secure, inspect your tires for wear and proper inflation, and verify that the wheels are centered. These simple checks enhance safety on the track.
- Regular Cleaning: Even though velodromes are sheltered from weather, your bike can still collect dust and dirt. Regular cleaning, particularly of the frame, wheels, and chain, helps maintain the bike’s responsiveness and prevents premature wear.
- Chain Lubrication: With a fixed gear, the chain is under constant tension, requiring proper lubrication to reduce friction and maintain smooth pedaling. Use a suitable lubricant and wipe off any excess to prevent dust buildup. Without a derailleur, only apply lubricant to the inner side of the chain.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your track bike remains in peak condition, maximizing performance and reliability. LOOK Cycle not only offers premium equipment but also expert guidance to help cyclists optimize their gear and make every lap on the track count.
5) Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Track Bike
When it comes to selecting a track bike, several recurring questions arise, particularly for those new to this technical and demanding discipline. Here are answers to the most common queries to help you make an informed choice and better understand the specificities of track bikes.
A) Why don’t track bikes have brakes? The absence of brakes on a track bike is due to the nature of velodrome races. These bikes are designed exclusively for closed-track use, where there are no obstacles or traffic. Removing the brakes reduces the bike’s overall weight and eliminates the risk of sudden braking accidents in tightly packed pelotons. Track cyclists use pedal resistance to slow down and control their speed through the fixed-gear mechanism.
B) What is the best material for a track bike? The choice of material depends primarily on your level and objectives. Aluminum is lightweight and affordable, making it ideal for beginners or cyclists looking to get started on the velodrome without a significant investment. Carbon, on the other hand, is better suited for those seeking speed and stiffness. It ensures better power transfer and offers aerodynamic advantages. LOOK Cycle’s carbon track bikes, for example, are designed for demanding cyclists aiming for high performance.
C) What is the difference between a fixed gear and a freewheel? A track bike uses a fixed gear, meaning the rear wheel is directly connected to the pedals: as the wheel spins, the pedals move with it. This setup requires constant pedaling and allows precise speed control without brakes. A freewheel, commonly found on road bikes, lets the rider "coast" without moving the pedals, offering more freedom but less control in a track setting.
D) What type of wheels and tires should I choose for a track bike? Wheels and tires are crucial for a track bike's performance. High-profile wheels, such as those from LOOK Cycle, provide better aerodynamics essential for speed. During training, aluminum or carbon-spoked wheels are most suitable, while carbon tri-spoke or disc wheels offer the best weight-to-power transmission ratio for competition. Tires should be smooth and narrow to reduce rolling resistance and maximize grip on smooth surfaces. Use track-specific tires for indoor velodromes, and opt for road tires on outdoor concrete tracks. Tire width typically ranges from 21 to 28 mm; for most, 23 or 25 mm is recommended.
E) What is the proper posture to optimize performance on the track? Posture on a track bike is more aggressive than on a road bike, aiming to minimize aerodynamic drag. Cyclists adopt a low position with elbows tucked and the torso inclined forward to reduce resistance. A narrow, well-positioned handlebar is essential for achieving this posture without sacrificing comfort. LOOK Cycle offers ergonomic handlebars that facilitate this posture while enhancing aerodynamics.
F) Can a track bike be customized?
Yes, many cyclists customize their track bikes to suit their needs and anatomy. Various elements can be adjusted or replaced, such as the saddle model, handlebar type, and even wheels and pedals. LOOK Cycle provides numerous customization options, allowing cyclists to create a bike perfectly tailored to their riding style and ambitions.
6) Final Recommendations and Personalized Buying Guide
Choosing a track bike requires careful consideration, as every technical detail can impact performance, comfort, and safety. Whether you're a novice cyclist, an experienced amateur, or a seasoned competitor, understanding your needs and expectations is crucial to making a smart choice.
To assist you in this process, we’ve summarized the key points for selecting the right bike based on your skill level:
1) Beginners: Choose a stable aluminum model that allows you to safely start velodrome cycling.
2) Intermediates: If you're looking to improve, consider a carbon frame for better lightness and responsiveness. Opt for aero wheels and a compact handlebar to enhance your aerodynamic position. These upgrades will significantly improve your speed and performance.
3) Advanced Competitors: To reach top-level goals, an all-carbon track bike with ultralight components is ideal. Prioritize specific wheels and handlebars for maximum aerodynamics, as well as a custom fit for an optimal posture. LOOK Cycle offers high-performance options used by professional cyclists, perfect for competition.
By choosing a track bike tailored to your needs and level, you’re not only investing in high-quality equipment but also in your growth as a cyclist. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore or an experienced competitor chasing peak performance, every component and adjustment can enhance your velodrome sessions.
Remember, track cycling requires precision, mastery, and perfectly adjusted equipment. By taking the time to understand your priorities—be it lightness, stiffness, aerodynamics, or comfort—you can ensure that your chosen bike meets your expectations and helps you enjoy every lap of the velodrome.
