How do you choose the right track bike for the job?

If the track bike covers a wide range of disciplines, it's possible to take part in all competitions on a single bike. Dedicated to this sport, it has neither brakes nor derailleurs, but is equipped with a fixed sprocket and a special geometry with a raised bottom bracket. Here's how to find your way around.

What is track cycling?

This sporting discipline, which takes place on a velodrome (An oval track, generally 200, 250 or 333.33 metres long, with two bends at approximately 40° and bordered at the bottom by a blue strip commonly known as the Côte d'Azur).It covers a large number of disciplines, grouped into two families: sprinting (sprint, standing start km, team sprint, etc.) and long-distance events (pursuit, American, scratch, points race).
One of the major characteristics of this discipline is the fixed-gear bicycle used. This means that, unlike a freewheel bike, the cyclist must pedal continuously until the bike comes to a complete stop.

Special features of track bikes

At first glance, a track bike may look like a road bike, but it's nothing like one: the bike is simplified, with no brakes or derailleur, and a fixed sprocket. This has a simple but obvious consequence: don't use such a bike outside a velodrome, or you run the risk of an accident that could result in serious injury.

The geometry is also entirely specific, with a bottom bracket for the incline of the track. Gear ratios have also been adapted, with teeth ranging from 46 to 52 on the chainring, and from 12 to 16 on the pinion.
Finally, most bikes are equipped with wheels aluminum wheels, although high-profile carbon wheels offer greater aerodynamics and rigidity.

Which frame should I choose?

As you can see, the number of peripherals on track bikes is limited, so your choice will be guided mainly by the material and quality of the frame.

Reminder The choice of size is identical to that of a road bike.

• Aluminum
  Most of the models offered by manufacturers are made of aluminum, even at the higher end of the range. Aluminum provides good performance with a rigid frame.

• Carbon
  Carbon will bring a weight gain that will only have a real impact at very high levels. As weight saving is not of prime importance in this discipline, carbon is reserved for very regular riders.