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resolvedDoes anybody have any knowledge or experience of riding at a velodrome with a road fork (45mm rake) Is it a silly idea or even allowed?
I have a track frame with a road fork fitted to give better clearances for riding on the road so wondering If I would need a seperate track specific fork for the velodrome?
Each track probably has its own rules regarding what equipment can be used. I'd imagine most will have a website and FAQ.
I sispect it's more about whether or not you have brakes fitted?
The bike meets the criteria set out by the velodrome (will remove brake) but I have pinged them an email anyway. I am just worried that it might be too twitchy for the velodrome.
As a novice it probably makes more sense just to hire a bike but there is a little voice in my head telling me otherwise.
Would it not be less twitchy?
I know nothing of velodromes. Why would they object to you having a brake?
Broony84 is your bike a singlespeed fixie? If not, then I don't think it will meet the criteria, and you'll have to hire one. I think.
IWRATS, track bikes are single speed and fixed gear. You brake by slowing down the speed at which you pedal. Its very scary!!!
Brrony84
I've ridden my own track bike on the track in Glasgow and Edinburgh and there is no check for fork rake or indeed anything on bikes. You would have to remove brakes though, as all slowing down is via rear resistance on the pedals and turning up the banked track.
The introductory sessions are very thorough and novices are introduced to each challenge when they have mastered the previous one.
Relax, you'll love it and find it thrilling!
Cheers
Colin
The one I have is a track frame (probably the exact same bike that they rent out) I put a road fork on though so that I could run a front brake. I think the no brakes rule is for safety so that everyone is in the same boat and you don't plough into the back of anyone if they braked hard.
From what I read more rake means more responsive and less rake means dull steering (ideal for a velodrome as you lean more rather than steer) but to be honest I am not sure. All very confusing.
Cheers Colin
That is good enough for me. I have done a couple of taster sessions at Meadowbank on the hire bikes and that has spurred me on to try Glasgow
@IWRATS - what Fimm said - plus it's a bit about in crashes having more bits to stick into people (brake levers).
think the main thing is that if one person has a brake and piles it on then everyone behind without one would have a pretty bad day. Slowing down happens pretty slowly on the velodrome... except when you crash... then friction helps.
Broony, sounds like you have more experience than I do! Have fun.
I'm sure you will be fine. Couriers used to turn up at the Friday Meadowbank tasters and had no problem getting on as long as they disengaged their front brakes. A fixed gear is an absolute, but you'll already know that. I wouldn't worry too much about twitchiness - i think you are right that less rake means less responsiveness, but that's also a consequence of weight and handlebars. Anyway, raked forks used to be the norm on track bikes, just as they were on the roads, and all survived to tell the tale.
Nice one. Thanks for the help/advice.
I've done 3 seasons of riding Meadowbank but I've never been to Glasgow. Meadowbank is basically fixed gear & no brakes. Glasgow have a list of whats needed if you're bringing a bike as per below, from HERE
PS no mention of fork requirements so I think you'll be OK.
WHAT IS THE SPECIFICATION OF A SIR CHRIS HOY VELODROME BIKE?
If you are bringing your own bike to the velodrome it has to be a bike intended for track use. Please ensure that:
the frame does not have any braze on additions
track drop outs are fitted
it has tyres that are intended for track use
new tyres have been properly prepared
bar ends are fitted and secure in handlebars
there are no quick release spindles
wheel spindles do not extend beyond the track nuts, front and rear, and are sawn off flush with the nut and filed smooth
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