How to choose a track bike?

The track bike is designed primarily for sports driving. The most serious competitions, the famous bicycle race are held on such a two-wheeled transport.

What does a track bike look like? The photos presented in the material will help to determine the two-wheeled transport of this category.

Low landing, the special geometry of the frame, the use of specific wheels, gears and brake components - all this distinguishes the track sports bike from the models we are familiar to all. It is because of the narrow focus of the novice cyclist that it will be quite difficult to use such a bike for ordinary, leisurely walks.

What is a track bike?

As already noted, track models differ from tourist, mountain and city bicycles intended for a trip to work. Let's consider the features of sports bikes:

• Lightweight frame, wheels, light weight of the main components;
• The rudder is predominantly in the shape of a mutton horn;
• Narrow rims and wheel covers;
• A plug made of composite materials;
• No moving suspension.

Track bike frame

In the course of riding in sports models, racers have to pull the body of the body along the frame, which contributes to the improvement of aerodynamics. In this situation, the responsibility for managing the bike increases. To this is added the speed factor.

Modern budget models have, mainly, aluminum frames. However, such solutions must necessarily be combined with a carbon front fork, which is reflected in a reduction in the total weight of the bike.

Track bike with a frame of carbon fiber allows you to feel better cushioning during travel. Due to the high labor costs for production, such models are more expensive than aluminum ones. The level of comfort when riding here largely depends on the design of the frame and the habit of a particular landing. Therefore, do not take hasty decisions and unconditionally give preference to carbon fiber.

As for titanium frames, which combine the strength of steel and the lightness of carbon, this material is still considered exotic. If it were not for the high cost factor, manufacturers would certainly take it into service. However, based on the price, titanium frames are still available only to selected buyers.

In general, if you want the most lightweight, sturdy track bike, you should give preference to the carbon frame. When it is necessary to get a speed bike at your disposal to maintain a good shape and drive in your own pleasure, it's enough to invest in an aluminum frame.

Wheels

Similarly to the frame, the track wheels on the bike determine ride quality and feel during movement. Choosing the most light rims gives an increase in speed. Lightweight tires provide good handling and sensitivity to the track.

Buying the first track bike, it is worth giving preference to the model on which the most high-quality wheels are installed. Their cost in this category of bicycle transport is an impressive part of the total price of the bike. Therefore, the reinstallation of better wheels with time can cost even more.

The size

The selection of the bike parameters according to the peculiarities of the physique is extremely important when choosing a track model. In no case should you buy a bike with a too-large or miniature frame, focusing on more affordable prices. Only correctly chosen dimensions will allow you to feel comfort while riding and fully enjoy the new hobby.

The frame parameters here are measured in centimeters. However, individual manufacturers can offer different measurement options. As a guide, it is sufficient to use special tables, which indicate the correspondence of frames to the anatomical parameters of the body. Ideally, it is better to have the opportunity to personally try on a bike, having taken the correct landing.

Components

Currently, the market is dominated by several manufacturers of transmission elements and brake systems for track bicycles. These are, first of all, SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo.

Beginners should focus on bicycles, which are equipped with products of the budget brand Shimano. In the case of the components of SRAM and Campagnolo, you can get improved operating parameters and lighten the bike for a great price.

Asterisks

In track bicycles, the most common pair of stars is 34 and 50 teeth. This option makes it easier to overcome the areas when the route drastically goes uphill. Experienced racers prefer a system with asterisks of 53 and 39 teeth, which allow to develop increased speed.

On track models, three stars are often installed. But most often they are replaced by more compact and light systems that give about the same speed range, while at the same time providing ease of use.

Eventually

When choosing a track bike, the main thing is not to rush into buying the most difficult model. Most of the functions will be useless during the ride on domestic routes.

The development of their own style of skiing makes it possible in the following to approach in more detail the problem of selecting a suitable model. At a certain stage, experienced bicycle riders order the details separately, which makes it possible to assemble the bike that will help to achieve the set goals.