San Fairy Ann Cycle Club

A question for those experienced track racers out there:

What is a good gear ratio for track racing? And as I'm a bit clueless to calculating gears from inches etc, can I have the answers in a format I can understand i.e. 50 chainring 15 sprocket (50/15) or similar.

Am thinking of building a singlespeed for training and I know what sort of gear ratio I'll need for that but would like to understand the above as it will influence what chainring etc I go for as I'll almost certainly make use of the fixed wheel on the "flip flop" hub to allow some track fun. Thanks greatly. Damian.

I would suggest using an 88 or 90 to start with. the 88 will get you a good spin for acceleration where as the 90 will be better for distances. It depends what you want to do really, I was riding a 100 for a Derny meeting the other day and flew with it indoors but out doors a 94 is my most to date.

To ride a 50/15 is a 93 and I would recommend dropping teh chain ring to a 48 or 49. Either that or change the sprocket to a 16 but you may find that a little low.

Thanks Anthony. Really useful. Top man.

As I am typing the mag until Friday would such information re gearing from an experienced rider be useful to go in the July mag to help other prospective newcomers to track racing who may not have access to the forum?

Pat

Sounds like a plan to me Pat.

Just looked at what ratio I have on my track bike and was surprised to find that it's actually a 48/14 which I think equates to a 96 inch. I must admit, it was hard work to react to the sprints when they went and overall I felt a bit over geared. I thought it was a 49/15 which would have been better I think. Looking forward to next year already

Page 90 in the BC Handbook will give you the Imperial Ratios.
I used to ride 48 x 14 (92.6) for events like the Five where it is easier to sit in until you wanted to make your move. You then had the momentum to turn the bigger gear over. Don't forget those were the days when it was normal to change gearing according to the event. For Sprinting where you need to "jump" I used 46 x 14 (88.7). For indoor tracks or velodromes you need to gear higher - but I have no experience of them. Grass track racing is different again - and I used to ride 48 x 18 (72.0) and 48 x 17 (76.3). Crank length is also important, especially on grass.
Hope that helps Damian.

Regards
Pete

thought you were overgeared at h-h !!
For the boards and h-h I would advise 52 x 16 ( approx 88")
for general bunched racing,individual events such as pursuit/kilo etc probably a little higher? your on a steep learning curve!!
cheers
Ray