Newby gear, tyres and pedal question

Pete Beer

I'm going to Newport velo, first time on a track. I ride fixed track bikes on the road so am intending to take my 80's Raleigh TI track bike. I believe pedals with clips and straps are OK. Question is what gear would people recommend I'm reasonably fit but built like a racing snake. I ride 71" on my everyday bike and 78" on my Sunday bike. Plus what tyres, I was advised not to use slicks as they could slip.
Any advice welcome.

Eddy S

Pete,

Gearing – for your 1st time at Newport, I’d suggest using 86”. That’s what the hire bikes are fitted with and the gets plenty of 1st timers up and running. If you have a selection of gearing, maybe take chainrings and sprockets to give you an option either side of that. I ride 72” on my road fixie and between 84.6” and 94.5” on the track depending on what I’m doing but I’m a fat old sprinter! 8)

Tyres – many of the slicks are multi compound and that’s what causes grip issues on the velodrome. Either Conti Supersonic, Vittoria Ultra Speed or Veloflex Record clinchers will work great at Newport. It’s the diamond file type tread pattern you’re looking for.

BTW, no problems with your choice of pedals.

Hope that helps.

Pete Beer

Eddy,
Cheers and I've been told the Continental Giro sprints I've got on another bike would be good.
I'm looking forward to it
P

oldwelshman

When you going? I am going friday night.
Get them to check your bb height as it may be to low for bankings.

Pete Beer

12th October, The BB height is 240mm floor to bottom of BB

Eddy S

Pete Beer wrote:

12th October, The BB height is 240mm floor to bottom of BB

Pete,

What's the measurement from the centre of the BB/axle to the ground and what length are your cranks? Those are the important figures.

I'm also there on 12 Oct 9.00 - 12.00. Say hello if you're around at the same time.

oldwelshman

I am there saturday 5th with the oldies training

Ste_S

I'm there as well on the 12th. I'll wave if I see a nice Raleigh track bike

oldwelshman

What am I missing on the 12th? May have to give them a ring and pop down

Eddy S

oldwelshman wrote:

What am I missing on the 12th? May have to give them a ring and pop down

I don't think you're missing anything specific on the 12th.

I'm riding a session being run by my coach in the morning. The other guys haven't said what time/session they're riding.

Pete Beer

I've been, chickened out and hired a bike, the coach did confirm, both of my Raleigh track bikes can't be used, the BB height are below the 11.5" required, so I'm strippng my Argos for next time.
It was brilliant, I definately want to go again but can only do weekends, any ideas?

oldwelshman

see if they will let you join the kids on a saturday or book your own sessions for £75/hr with a coach, get a few others to join you, you may get some off here to join you or other forums.

Pete Beer

We're in the process of booking our second session, but as evenings are out I am trying to find a way of getting in on a weekend. I don't think I'd pass as a kid, I celebrated a HUGE birthday this year