Can you ride a bike on a track?

Why Your Road Bike Doesn’t Belong on a Velodrome: Understanding Track Cycling’s Unique Needs

The allure of a velodrome, with its steeply banked corners and the mesmerizing rhythm of cycling at high speeds, is undeniable. But before you think about taking your trusty road bike for a spin on one of these hallowed grounds, it’s crucial to understand why it’s generally a bad idea, and in many cases, downright forbidden. Track cycling is a unique discipline demanding specialized equipment and a very different skillset than road cycling, and the equipment restrictions are there for good reason: safety.

The primary reason you can’t (or shouldn’t) ride a road bike on a track boils down to the geometry of the bike itself, specifically the bottom bracket height. Let’s break that down:

The Peril of Pedal Strikes:

Track cycling is all about maintaining momentum, cornering at extreme angles, and keeping a consistent pedal stroke. Velodromes feature dramatically banked turns, designed to allow cyclists to maintain speed and stay upright. However, these banked turns also introduce the risk of “pedal strike.”

A road bike typically has a lower bottom bracket (the part of the bike where the pedals connect) compared to a track bike. This lower position brings the pedals closer to the ground. When leaning sharply into a banked turn, a road bike’s pedal is far more likely to hit the track surface.

Why Pedal Strike is So Dangerous:

• Sudden Loss of Control: A pedal strike is abrupt and jarring. It can instantly unbalance the rider, causing them to lose control and potentially crash.
• Ripple Effect of Chaos: On a track filled with other cyclists riding at high speeds, a crash can quickly escalate into a multi-bike pile-up. The consequences could be severe injuries for everyone involved.
• Damage to Equipment: Even if a crash is avoided, repeatedly striking the pedals against the track can damage both the bike and the track surface.

Beyond Bottom Brackets: Other Considerations:

While bottom bracket height is the most crucial factor, other aspects of a road bike contribute to its unsuitability for track cycling:

• Gears: Track bikes have a fixed gear, meaning there’s no freewheel. The pedals are directly connected to the rear wheel. This allows for constant momentum and control. Road bikes, with their multiple gears and freewheels, are not designed for this constant connection.
• Brakes: Track bikes famously have no brakes. Riders control their speed through back pressure on the pedals. The presence of brakes on a road bike introduces an unnecessary complexity and a potential distraction in a fast-paced track environment.
• Bike Weight and Aerodynamics: Track bikes are designed to be lightweight and highly aerodynamic to maximize speed and efficiency. Road bikes, while often aerodynamic, are generally heavier and not optimized for the specific demands of track racing.

The Track Bike Advantage:

Track bikes are specifically designed to address these challenges. They typically feature:

• Higher Bottom Bracket: Provides greater clearance for pedal strokes in banked turns.
• Fixed Gear: Ensures constant momentum and control.
• No Brakes: Simplifies the bike and allows for more direct control through backpedaling.
• Stiff Frame: Maximizes power transfer.
• Aggressive Geometry: Optimizes aerodynamics and power output.

Conclusion:

While the idea of riding on a velodrome might be tempting, using a road bike is generally discouraged and often prohibited for good reason. The lower bottom bracket height presents a significant safety risk due to the potential for pedal strikes, leading to loss of control and potential crashes. Track cycling is a specialized discipline requiring specialized equipment, and using a track bike is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. If you’re interested in trying track cycling, it’s best to invest in a proper track bike and receive proper instruction from experienced track cyclists. You’ll be safer, faster, and ultimately have a more rewarding experience.