Features
A track bike differs from analogues in a deliberately simple design. Thanks to her, the fix quickly and with minimal effort on the part of the rider picks up speed. This is facilitated by the minimum weight, since there is practically no familiar equipment.
The key difference between the model is a bicycle transmission with a fixed gear. Direct and simple transmission of torque to the wheel is the secret to getting the highest possible speed. Some athletes accelerate to 90 kilometers per hour.
A track bike is recognized by the following features:
✅ Short wheelbase
✅ Rigid frame
✅ Single tube tires as tires
✅ High carriage position
✅ Lack of the usual brake
Due to the specifics of the design, the fix requires constant work from the cyclist. It is impossible to stop pedaling, hoping that the vehicle will continue moving. Therefore, you have to get used to the model in order to enjoy the race.
In addition to decent speed, the track bike impresses with maneuverability. The bike is sensitive to control, instantly responding to it due to the direct connection between the pedals and the wheel. In fact, the rider feels one with the vehicle.
Despite the visual simplicity of the design, engineers think through every detail to improve aerodynamics. You can see in competitions that some riders ride fixes, in which a disc is installed in the wheels instead of spokes. This is another trick to reduce air turbulence. There are track bikes in which the spokes in the front of the wheel resemble blades. Naturally, such a solution is resorted to for a reason - also to improve aerodynamic properties.
Selection rules
When choosing the first fix, it is important to focus on the frame - it must be strong, rigid and light. The material of manufacture is predetermined by the price category of the bicycle:
? Budget track bikes and mid-range vehicles are made from aircraft-grade aluminum or lightweight magnesium alloys.
? Premium bikes are made from either titanium or high modulus carbon fiber.
There are also steel options, but they are heavy, although durable and repairable. You can also buy a carbon fiber bike, which attracts with its low weight, scaring away the price. However, it is worth knowing that the material is relatively fragile - it will suffer from a blow with a solid object, it will begin to collapse if moisture gets inside the structure.
Beginner riders should start with budget or mid-priced aluminum or magnesium alloy fixes to get the hang of the bike without fear of falls.
The basic parameter for choosing a model is the frame size. Track bikes are divided into 6 classes according to this criterion, each is designated by combinations of letters - from XS or extra-small for riders up to 1.5 and up to XXL. The last size is designed for cyclists from two meters.
Even when studying models, it is useful to find the most comfortable version of the steering wheel. Its choice is individual - some riders are comfortable with a curved down, others are more comfortable with a straight or hybrid. It all depends on the characteristics of the landing, on how exactly the rider grabs the steering wheel.
The wider the grip of the steering wheel, the worse the aerodynamics, but the breathing is easier. Photo: youtube
You can master the so-called track style of driving on a road bike, which is structurally as close as possible to a track bike. The main difference is the presence of speed switches. Professional racers, of course, buy special vehicles for riding on the cycle track, and the cost of it is in the hundreds and thousands of dollars. For beginner riders, it’s best to experience style features on inexpensive road bikes that are more versatile and practical.
Let's look at several models of the lower and middle price categories. These are bikes that deserve good reviews. Since they are relatively inexpensive, this is an opportunity to experience unusual vehicles without spending large sums on a purchase - after all, the fix is very peculiar. Someone falls in love with a track bike and does not part with it for more than a day, but for someone it does not “enter”.
BMX Tech Team Step One
Such a bike is designed and produced by the Russian manufacturer of sports goods Tech Team. It immediately captivates with the conciseness of the design, which is due to the purpose of the bike - there are no unnecessary details in it so that the rider can quickly pick up high speed. The main features of the model:
✅ Frame made of durable, but very heavy steel alloy
✅ One speed, as the bike is designed for riding in a track style
✅ Wheel diameter - 20 inches
✅ Rear U-brake
BMX Tech Team Step One can be bought at a cost of 12 rubles. Photo: Yandex.Market
The compact fix is heavy - the weight reaches 12 kilograms. But it is solid and durable, ideal for beginner riders, as it is not afraid of impacts due to falls that cannot be excluded at the stage of mastering transport.
2222 format
This is another model of a Russian manufacturer. It belongs to the Road category - designed for road cycling. Although it is not a full-fledged fix, since there are 16 speeds, it is ideal for beginner riders to try out the track style of riding:
✅ Bicycle made of durable and lightweight aluminum alloy weighs only 8.9 kg
✅ The design is simplified, which contributes to improved aerodynamic performance
✅ The frame is rigid, provides excellent responsiveness to control
Format 2222 is sold at a cost of 63 thousand rubles. Photo: Yandex.Market
Format 2222 is equipped with front and rear caliper brakes.
Bicycle SCOTT Speedster 30
If you want to feel for yourself what it is like to drive along the road, hearing the rustle of tires and feeling the increasing speed, you can also consider this bike, which costs even more, but is also more technologically advanced.
✅ Aluminum frame with carbon fork
✅ Proven geometry provides excellent aerodynamics
✅ Shimano and Syncros components were used in the creation of the model
The SCOTT Speedster 30 bike can be found at a price of 80 thousand rubles. Photo: Yandex.Market
This bike is equipped with mechanical rim brakes that instantly stop the vehicle. The main advantage of the bike is that with all the equipment it weighs 9.48 kg, which is great for long-term high-speed riding. Not only low weight, but also design features cause a quick set of speeds without depriving comfort.
This bike is also distinguished by Schwalbe Lugano tires. Perhaps the name does not mean anything to a beginner, but professionals highly appreciate the quality and durability of German tires. They have a thoughtful pattern to ensure a secure grip. Therefore, on such a bike, you can count on course stability and safety in any weather. Including, it is fearless to pick up speed on wet pavement.
Whether to buy a track bike for a novice cyclist is a question worth considering. On the one hand, you can immediately get used to that feature of the fix, which makes you pedal all the time without stopping - the lack of free play. On the other hand, without initial physical preparation, it is difficult to get used to this - the legs will get tired, and the whole body as a whole. Therefore, it’s more correct to take a closer look at the lightweight “road bike”, which is quite realistic to ride in track style. If you wish and are passionate about such a ride, you can later buy an expensive fix.
However, this is only our opinion, share your own thoughts in the comments!
