Track Bikes
How Many Bikes Do I Need?
Cycling is your passion. You’ve reached the point where you want to get to the next level in cycling, and can afford the same equipment that the top professionals use. How many bikes do you need, and what should you get? When we look at the pros who could get whatever they want, we find that they use a small number of bikes with different roles. Here are the roles I find that work best for them, and I then apply this model to cyclists who wish to have the best:
1. Road bike with powermeter.
This is the primary “everyday” bicycle. Almost all of the top racing cyclists and a growing number of active recreational riders use power meters. I recommend either an SRM or a PowerTap to compliment a sturdy road bike. I specify a stiff yet comfortable frame with Campagnolo Record or Chorus components (unless the client insists on Shimano, but that is another story!), and a set of light but sturdy wheels like the Reynolds Alta Race or Spinergy Xero Lite. I develop the road “fit” model to work around this bike, as most of the time will be spent on it to improve form and technique. Triathletes will also spend most of their time on this bike, learning to ride fast and improving handling skills by riding safely in groups with the faster riders.
2. Light road bike for climbing, Spare bike when primary bike is in maintenance, and for “Mental Health” rides.
The climbing bike is a very efficient, lightweight machine which has a geometry similar to the primary bike, but with lighter components, and no powermeter. When training using power, it is easy to get focused on the numbers and to lose much of the sensory input we get from a “pure” bike ride. I like to advise that one bike has no more than a minimal computer, Garmin Edge, or even nothing at all, so one can either race by feel, or ride for the sake of riding. Many times the light bike comes out for recovery rides, for fun group rides, and for aggressive group rides in the hills. I also find that many people like to put more exotic components on the climbing bikes, which have less use and can thus have more “delicate” components.
3. Time trial bike.
This bike is only necessary for triathletes, and for people who want to do time trials. I do not recommend this as the “only” bike, as riding time trial bicycles in fast groups is strongly discouraged. These bikes do not handle as well, and if one is in the aero bars, one cannot safely take part in an echelon. Team time trials are different, of course, and training for them can and should be done on this bike. I believe that if one can ride fast, straight and smooth on a road bike, that transitioning to the time trial bike is easy, and can be done effectively and safely.
4. Travel case or Travel bike.
There are pros and cons for each. It is really nice to travel and ride. Using a case allows one to use his bike and go anywhere. Using a break-apart bike, one can have a “titanium copy” of their custom road bike, in a durable format with a small travel case that is under the airline maximums. This is great for international travel and for situations where a large case is not possible because of small cars, etc.
5. Track bike, with a road fork and a front brake.
This is definitely not for everyone, but is a tremendous training tool. One can get an unbelievable workout in a short period of time and can develop hyper bike handling skills with a bike like this.
To sum up, I feel that an individual who wants to “do it right”, can benefit greatly from a few great bikes with the following parameters:
- A fully defined Precision Laser Fitting.
- An educated and informed plan to specify frame and components. These bikes last a long time, so planning here maximizes enjoyment and makes the investment the most cost-effective.
- A plan for improving riding skills, training, and goals for improvement so these tools can be utilized to improve the rider’s cycling lifestyle.
- I follow the saying that was overheard in an Indy 500 team garage: “The best we can get is barely adequate!”
About the Author
KGS Bikes is known around the world as the premiere bicycle fitting studio and boutique. Kevin Saunders, President, has over 25 years experience in bicycle fitting and high-end bicycles. In addition to fitting services, KGS Bikes sells bicycles from Parlee, Serotta, Zinn, Co-Motion and Guru. Visit http://www.kgsbikes.com and our blog at http://blog.kgsbikes.com for more information.
Track bike short film.
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TRACK/FIXIE/FIXED GEAR BIKE STRAIGHT BAR HANDLEBAR RED $9.87 |
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GRIPS TRACK FIXED GEAR MESSENGER PISTA ROAD BIKE GREEN $0.99 |
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58cm GREEN TRACK FIXED GEAR BIKE FIXIE SINGLE SPEED $219.95 |
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WELLGO TRACK FIXED GEAR ROAD BIKE PEDALS GOLD LITE 228G $4.87 |
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TRACK,FIXIE,FIXED GEAR BIKE HANDLEBAR BAR GRIPS BLUE $6.87 |
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MKS Chain Tensioners Allen Key brand new NJS $9.99 |
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WELLGO R025 GOLD PEDALS TRACK FIXED FIXIE BIKE YELLOW $4.87 |
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SINGLE SPEED/FIXIE/TRACK BIKE CRANKSET CRANKS 165 BLACK $41.87 |
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NEW TRACK FIXED GEAR FIXIE BICYCLE BIKE FRAME & FORK $59.95 |
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*SUPER SALE* Track Fixed Gear Bike Fixie Single Speed $179.95 |
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KMC Z410 BMX/FIXIE/TRACK/ROAD BIKE CHAIN,YELLOW,NEW $2.87 |
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WELLGO R025 GOLD PEDALS TRACK FIXED FIXIE BIKE YELLOW $4.87 |
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*SUPER SALE* Track Fixed Gear Bike Fixie Single Speed $179.95 |
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58cm TRACK FIXED GEAR BIKE FIXIE SINGLE SPEED ROAD BIKE $219.95 |
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*SUPER SALE* Track Fixed Gear Bike Fixie Single Speed $179.95 |
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TOMMASO AUGUSTA TRACK BIKE CUSTOM BUILD SINGLE SPEED FIXED GEAR $202.50 |
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FIXIE TRACK BIKE DEEP V 49 cm $450.00 |
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Track Bike Rear Fixed Cog 18T, 1/8 NEW $9.99 |
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Track Bike Rear Fixed Cog 16T, 1/8 NEW $9.99 |
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61cm Track Fixed Gear Black Alloy Road Bike Bicycle NEW $169.97 |
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NEW 54cm Track Fixed Gear Bike Fixie Single Speed Road Bicycle – White Color $197.95 |
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SINGLE SPEED/FIXIE/TRACK BIKE CRANKSET CRANKS 165 BLACK $41.87 |
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57cm Track Bike Fixed Gear Chromoly Frame Set Fork NEW $69.97 |
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X-Lite Track Saddle WHITE Fixed Gear Road Bike Seat $21.87 |
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WELLGO TRACK BIKE PEDALS,FIXED GEAR,SINGLE SPEED,FIXIE $7.87 |
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55cm Track Bike Fixed Gear Chromoly Frame Set Fork NEW $69.97 |
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Antique Pedals off Vintage Track Bike Rare and Very Early Bicycle rat trap $321.98 |
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Single Speed Crankset Road Track Bike Bicycle Crank Alloy 170mm 45t NEW $19.97 |
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Vintage Lapize D Small Toe Clips NOS Road Bike Track Bicycle Fixie NOS NEW $15.00 |
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Crank Set : SHIMANO DURA-ACE NJS 165 w/ 5 Bolts ( Track Bike , Fixed Gear ) $132.00 |
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Chainring: SHIMANO DURA-ACE NJS 47T 1/8 144 ( Track Bike , Fixed Gear , Keirin ) $49.00 |
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Chainring: SHIMANO DURA-ACE NJS 47T 1/8 144 ( Track Bike , Fixed Gear , Keirin ) $48.00 |
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Wellgo Road/Track Bike 9/16″ Pair Pedals Alloy NEW $14.97 |
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LASCO FIXED GEAR TRACK BIKE CRANK CRANKSET 165mm 44T $59.99 |
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WELLGO TRACK FIXED GEAR ROAD BIKE PEDALS GOLD LITE 228G $4.87 |
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Bike Brake Inner Wire beach cruiser Bicycle brake fixie bike track wire 115767 $2.99 |
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FIXIE/FIXED GEAR/TRACK BIKE BULLHORN BAR HANDLEBAR 40cm $17.75 |
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TRACK/FIXIE/FIXED GEAR BIKE STRAIGHT BAR HANDLEBAR RED $9.87 |