Serotta Track Bike

Its built and I have now booked myself in for the stage 1 session at Lee Vally...

53*13 feels a bit OTT for the first track outing....I normally ride 48*17 for commuting.

74.2" to 107.3"

Having never ridden on a track before (indoor or out) is 53*13 going to be a nightmare ?

Very much overgeared.

yes

Thanks,

I have 17, 18 & 19 in the parts bin.....one of these or a 15/16 ?

The hire bikes use 50 - 16 which is 84.4 gear inches

Had my first experience recently. The steepness of the track is a lot more than you will think (at least for me).

Just use the first ratio at least for first sesh IMO.

Otherwise, I found the hire bike ratio very easy and my legs are tiny.

53-17 will get you nearly bang on

You need to learn to spin

Needs MOAR pictures!!

Love that frame.

48x15 or 49x15 is the norm for most riders endurance training at Manchester.

You will need to stick between 84-88 GI when doing any accreditation or training sessions. As @umop3pisdn says, learn to spin if you are used to turning big gears.

Sorry, by first ratio I meant commuting ratio.

(At least from my experience) you don't want to be too worried whether its too high on the first go, when you see the track from the side knowing that you'll be on it it really can set your stomach churning.

That said the person I went with wasn't put off at all, he fell off.

Annoyingly managed to not see it happen. Roadie forgot to continue pedalling.

53*17 it is then....

More pictures soon, it's currently hanging from the garage roof

Good lukc. Its bags of fun after you realise you don't have to balance the bike by hanging off to the track side when going around the corners.

Will be brill on your own bike.

In prep for the track on the 10th I have purchased the following:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-bar-tape/?sku=5360385292
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-grand-prix-supersonic-folding-road-tyre/?sku=5110000526
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/miche-fixed-track-sprocket/?sku=5360331482

The front is tubular and is a sprinter....the rear was all cracked so i bought a new tyre.

I also have fitted some Red Speedplay zeros....

Pics!

http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/136017701@N08/21886088676/

Question I have put a Rolls on, are they okay at Lee Vally ? The metal around the back won't cause any issues will it ?

May I?

BTW if you copy image URL and put it in after clicking the image icon above where you write that is what happens.

Thanks, I was pissing around with that for ages..

So, Saturday 7pm I will be embarking on my debut session at Lee Vally.

I have read on their website that you need to wipe new tyres down with white vinegar.
Will nail varnish remover do?

Apart from that any obvious issues with my bike above that will stop me using it?

A rub down with a bit of low grade sand paper & white vinegar/alcohol will do you. I would imagine nail varnish remover fits the bill, never thought of that my self mind.

Also check your tyres meet their critera -

Users must use Continental, Schwalbe, Tufo or Vittoria clinchers or tubulars (black tread only), 21 mm or wider. Tyres must be inflated to 8 bar (119psi), and the pressures, and tyre condition, checked regularly. Do not use Michelin tyres or any dual compound tyres or tyres with coloured treads. Other tyres and tubulars may in future be recommended after analysis. Do not use tub tape to fix tubulars to sprint rims – use proprietary rim cement. Users must not use brand new tyres on the track without first preparing them as follows: rub the surface with alcohol or white vinegar or other degreaser before use. Ride the first three laps on the Cote d’Azure or bottom of track

Two daughters and a wife...I have nail varnish remover in most cupboards.

Tyres are 23mm Conti, Tub front (Glued), clincher rear...will give the front a rub down as per the above as it has a very slight sheen (but no cracks or anything)

Will break out the track pump and get them hard...

Sounds like you're golden then, enjoy the boards and let us know how you and your lovely bike, get on.

I'd stop hiding the nail varnish remover in cupboards though, just seems mean..... :)

Nail varnish remover can contain moisturisers- I suspect that this is what caused the bonding failure on the mudguard mount on my fork as the builder didn't know this and assumed nail varnish remover was pure acetone.

Check the ingredients!

What a great night....a couple of questions around the Tub / Clincher combo I have and they checked the gearing (53*17). Once all cleared I was good to go...

Initial impressions,

you wonder how the hell you you will stick to the track in the corners, it feel's really bloody steep. After about 2 mins and a little more speed you are tracking the black line and happily zooming round. 30 mins in you are using the full width of the track and dropping in, from the top in the corners gaining (free) speed...a great feeling.

Many tips from the instructors (my saddle is about 1cm to high), and much encouragement.

Can't wait to book up stage 2

Do it..

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from the top in the corners gaining (free) speed

If you disregard the initial energy investment of getting to the top that is. ;)

But yeah the track is a bloody good time. Glad you had fun and could use your own bike!