Track Bike
Track bikes are simple fixed gear bikes, when the wheel is moving the pedals are moving there is no shifting. There are no breaks, so no slow down, the rider pedals backward to slow themselves by putting less forward pressure. Tires are narrow and at high pressure to reduce roll resistance.
They have a higher bottom bracket so the pedals don’t touch the track, steeper seat tube for an aerodynamic position, and steeper head tube for responsive steering. Most commonly made from steel, aluminium, carbon fibre or titanium.
There are 2 types:
- Upright - conventional dropped handlebars, traditional spoked or carbon wheels - these are used for bunch races, keirin and match sprints.
- Low-profile - extended ‘trathalon’ style bars, often four-spoked carbon or carbon disc wheels, very aerodynamic - these are used for pursuit, kilo and 500m time trials