Trip to Chandler Velodrome - Tues 5th July

Meets Brisbane
81

had this for a while, but given i’ve actually got on the track, might be of some assistance

Track Bike Setup

The principles used in setting up for track are very similar to road. However, there are slight differences and variations.
When cycling becomes more advanced, bike set-up varies depending on the type of event. For example, the “pursuit” event requires a much different position to that of the “sprint” because of the aerodynamics and power output. The main areas to focus on when setting-up a track bike are:
Body Measurement for set-up
First and foremost in bike set up is to obtain various body dimensions that are used in various formulae to determine correct bike set up. The most important being the “inseam measurement”. To get this measurement:
• Dress in a pair of knicks with thin socks and no shoes
• Measure the distance from floor to crutch to obtain the inseam measurement

  1. Place a thick spined book between your legs as if to use it as a seat
  2. Standing upright on a hard floor surface with your back to the wall
  3. Mark along the top of the book edge, which is touching the wall
  4. Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the distance from the floor to the mark - This is the inseam measurement
  5. Take the measurement 4 or 5 times and take the average
    This measurement is then subused in the formulae that determine frame size and seat height.

Track Frame Size
A correctly sized frame will provide a balance between height and length as well as responsiveness and comfort.
The formula used to determine the approximate frame size is INSEAM (CM) x 0.65
Seat Height
Seat height is one of the most important measurements for correct positioning on a track bike. Wrong seat height can waste energy and result in a less efficient pedalling action.
Being too low will cause bunching up on the bike and restrict the full contraction of the leg muscles. Being too high will cause rocking on the seat, which wastes energy. It can also cause over stretching of the leg muscles.

Here are 2 methods for finding the correct seat height:

The Heel Method
This is the easier method for getting the correct height.
In the normal riding position turn the cranks until they line up parallel with the seat tube of the frame.
Position the center of the heel directly over the center of the pedal axle.
Adjust the seat height up or down until the leg appears fully extended. If the heel of the shoe is thicker than the sole on the ball of the foot, the seat position will need to be adjusted, e.g. if the heel is 3mm thicker than the shoe at the ball of the foot the seat needs to be lowered by 3mm.

The Calculated Method
The formula for this is INSEAM (CM) x 1.09
This formula will provide a starting point for seat height, which will be at the upper level of the adjustment range.
Seat height is measured from the center of the pedal axle (crank lined up with seat tube) through to the top of the seat cup.

Shoe Position on Pedals
Position the shoe so that the pedal axle lines up directly under the ball of the foot. This is the point where the greatest transfer of energy is obtained.
Many factors are considered when placing the cleats, and as it plays such an important role in preventing injury and maximizing effort it is best to have a coach or a specialist retailer advise and adjust cleat positioning.

Seat Position (fore – aft position)
Loosen seat bolt enough to be able to slide the seat forward and back.
On a level surface lean the bike against the wall and sit in the normal position with the feet at the 9 and 3 o’clock position.
Have someone drop a plumb bob (easily made by tying a piece of string to a key or a lump of bluetac) from the small lump just below the kneecap on the forward leg – all the way to the floor between the crank and frame.
Adjust the seat position until the plumb line falls through or slightly behind the pedal axle of the forward foot.(not more than 1-2 cm behind the axle)
Before re tightening seat bolt check that the seat is perfectly level.

Upper Body Position
Upper body extension is a personal thing. There are no “rules” only general guidelines. The goal is to achieve a balance between comfort and aerodynamics.

Head Stem Height
This depends on your height and frame size. A guideline is that the top of your head stem should be 5 – 10cm below the top of your seat. Lowering the head stem further improves aerodynamics but this may feel uncomfortable to people with less flexibility in the lower back hips and hamstrings.

Head Stem Length
Whilst in the racing position on the bike have someone drop a plumb line from the tip of your nose. The line should fall directly through or within 1 – 2cm behind the centre of the point where the handlebars connect to the stem.

82

Yeah good to see every one out there.
Did you sit on your bike and check that stem length scott.

83

not yet dude, but i rode it into work and in the drops could see plenty of hub… so i’ll sit and look and get someone to take some pics/drop plumbs and try to sort it

edit: first work time post… wooh!!

84

couple of things:
For Open Events ie the carnivals you can only wear club jersey or a plain one - no trade clothing unless you are officially sponsored!
so in short none of you are sponsored so no trade knocks or jerseys- including Gear ones.

As for joining a club- wiegh up the reason to join a local club- a few run club only events or training, but most things are open most of the time to anyone with a CA licence. Living in QLD you will only be allowed to join clubs in QLD and Northern NSW, but there is no reason why you couldn’t for example join Mt Isa??? It keeps you well away from club politics - and that trust me is a good thing!

Position- I have seen countless “set up guides” and bike fits etc- but at the end of the day you need to look right. We spend a lot of time at coaching sessions, watching riders, and making adjustments, I have a whole bag of stems- constantly lending them out along with bars to get things “right”.
Something you must have noticed- at speed on the track is very different from the road? and so we tend to sit differently- yes today’s track position is more like a road one, however you are on the bike for far less time, and so you can get more compact positions- that would be very uncomfortable over even a 30 km road ride???
I always set my position- approximatley- then get someone I can trust - to check how i look from all angles on the bike- and also at high speed- once again ask and we’re happy to help.

The Carnival information can be found on the balmoral cc website. Closing date for the Balmoral carnival is 5th november.
If you fancy a road trip there are also three carnivals in the same week Cairns, townsville, Rocky. ( May be an official there)
There is also the bundaberg event- really want to get to it this year.
Go to the CQ Calender take a look- all events have flyers up now

Next we need to get you guys organised into some track skills- starts, different types of racing, sitting on wheels.
Maybe arrange a couple of sessions at Caboolture on a saturday arvo before the racing there?

85

Now I really am wishing I never left Brissy…

I must commend people like Mr Wizard and others who go out of there way to help and teach.

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But we are all sponsored by gear.
Eric pays us thousands to wear those kits:-)

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i knew i was missing out… all it’d take for me would be a few sixpacks and a kebab, but i’ll take the thousands

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this is a bit discouraging, one would have thought if you pay for something, wear it. but anyways.

i do agree with your fitting logic, i have never read more than a few lines into a guide (yup yours too scott :P), adjust, put time in on the saddle, adjust more if required and repeat. and while i have tried out a few peoples advice, i find what feels right for me and go with that.

89

That’s why I agree with Dave there is way to much politics in sport and clubs.
But hey I’m just there to ride so I’ll do what it takes to do it.
But may be I’ll do up a $0 sponsor contract with gear
Or borrow reds uci world champ jersey cos I ain’t paying for an ugly balmoral jersey.

90

yeah i agree here on both points, my jersey is plain anyway so no matter, i believe it says netti in somewhere but i’m sure it’ll pass, and just thought about sharing this guide, i havn’t even read through it yet either… i was considering going shorter a few weeks ago, from 110 to 90 for drops but after last night dayne suggested/recommended i go longer, this afternoons homework for me to have someone photograph me sitting on the bike with the current stem in different positions and see if any look/feel like they fit

91

Please post up shots, maybe wear different outfits for each adjustment to differentiate them?

92

do all the local clubs make a concerted effort to make their kit look like spew?

… maybe my taste’s are a little scewed, but I’ve not seen any that look half decent

93

Gear would still have to register the kit and you for racing in it…

94

I quite like the new UQ one, but will I be buying it specifically so I can ride at a carnival? Probably not. Will just stick to Tuesdays for now.

95

ill pay you a dollar to wear it, this constitutes sponsorship right?

96

mmmm - not a fan.

97

yeah there’s a fair bit of jersey filth getting about, but we’re not the target market, target market don’t give a rats what they look like, just wanna support their club, what about rapha… tmasz you’ll be fine!

xcx i’ll post up a few, have wasted most of the arvo so far tho :frowning:

n8 when are you gonna come out? $44 gets you a 3 event permit, and that also gets deducted off a club fee if you committ later… do it, actually everyone do it, most fun i’ve had on the bike in ages

98

Not going to rant on too much I promise,
But the idea behind the club or plain jersey makes a lot of sense- why would anyone put any serious money into sponsorship of any rider if you can just give your tops away and they will be worn at an event?
My club colours are worse than many, but I wear them at open events- I also like to think while I may be wearing daggy club colours- I don’t have daggy performances.

I’ll ride with you in the next few weeks- just to wind youse up a bit- get you out of C- and into PAIN :slight_smile:

99

i don’t think this is the point for me, the gear kit for example, i don’t want money to wear it, but they’ve been a focal point of a lot of fixed gear on the street, and to me it’d be an honor to wear it a carnival, to promote them, so piled higher, eric can register the kits and then its on? have to register the shop as a club or something? worth looking into

100

Don’t go there at least not for an event that closes entries in a few days.
But maybe look into it for next year, talk to Eric talk to your clubs- get the information off the CQ website. You can wear almost what you like on any other race but not opens.
I was trying to give you some informed and useful information as you are so new to the sport and it’s organisation.
Read my previous posts re joining Mt Isa cc !!! As to the organisation and officialdom? I couldn’t beat “them” so I joined “them”. Please don’t shoot me- I 'm one of the good guys too .