new tyres on the track ... problem?

vermooten

Hi,

I bought me a track bike on Wednesday, took it to the Velodrome yesterday, maiden voyage.

As I went round on my first lap, about 3/4 of the way round the first banking, there was a terrible noise and the bike felt like it was scraping against the track - as if a metallic part were dragging along the wood.

I stopped and the instructors took a look. The only thing they could think of was that, being a new bike, the tyres might be covered in some stuff that dislikes track wood, so they recommended that I wipe them down with white vinegar. I have done this now, and will return to the 'Drome on Monday.

Has anyone ever experienced such a thing before? The bike's a Bianchi Pista and looks like it has pretty much the same sort of size and shape as the other hire bikes at the Velodrome.

Cheers,
Andy

y tin

Yeah, brand new tyres don't have any grip on the boards.
Just ride the bike around the car park to roughen the tyres a wee bit.
(never heard of the white vinegar thingy?)

Eddy S

The best way to treat/scrub-in new tyres (either tubs or clinchers) before using them on an indoor velodrome is to remove the releasing agent with a flexible sanding block. Riding around the car park works but you might not scrub the tyres as far round as needed.

The white vinegar trick is great for subsequent cleaning - gives the tyre a nice grease-free and tacky surface.

Re the mechanical sound: Did your wheel pull? Even a small amount? The only other theory I can offer is that your chain is too tight.

vermooten

Hi Eddy,

The chain was indeed too tight. The instructor loosened it, but I don't think it was the cause as the problem recurred.

Thanks for the info, I'll see if I can find a 'flexible sanding block' today.

Cheers,
Andy

Eddy S

Hi Andy,

You’ll find the sanding blocks at any DYI shop.

The other thing I forgot to mention is tyre pressure. It is tempting to inflate clinchers too much for track use but unless they’re designed for the higher pressures (i.e.Vredestien Pista or Veloflex Record) stick with 110-115 psi. Run them too high and they feel like they want to slip.

I’m not familiar with the geometry or anything else on the Bianchi that would make it unsuitable – if the BB height is too low or the cranks are too long, the only ‘mechanical’ sound you would hear (and feel!) is pedal strike on the track surface.

Most track bikes, despite their supposed simplicity, are pretty mechanically noisy especially if you’re running 1/8" drive train components.

Cheers,

Eddy.

vermooten

ach I spent an hour last night sanding down the tyres, got onto the track this avo and the problem is still there. Felt like I was going to slip off the banking. The instructor said that the tyres - Continental Ultra Sport - just aren't suited to the track.

Sooooooooooooo... I need to get some new tyres. Anyone got any recommendations?

Eddy S

vermooten wrote:

Sooooooooooooo... I need to get some new tyres. Anyone got any recommendations?

Veloflex Record (I use these on my spare/training wheels) or

Conti Supersonic which a lot of folks rate

or if you can find anybody that's still got some in stock, the Vredestein Track but I don't think anybody is importing these at the moment.

vermooten

Thanks once again Eddy S!