Not really tri related, but it involved a bike, so here goes. I was watching the Track Cycling World’s on TV last night and noticed that they were using pedal straps. It also looked like they were using clips too. Is this correct, and if so, why use straps as well?
Just in case. Track cyclists have tremendous power in their legs, and have been known to pull out of their clipless pedals. Even with the bindings set to the highest setting, there is still a chance of pulling out. This is why non spring retained pedals such as the Coombe Pro, Keywin, and even Speedplay are often popular with track riders. Yet many even still prefer the comfort of having an extra toe strap around the works, just to be safe.
Pulling out in a mad sprint is no laughing matter, but add to the fact that it’s a fixed gear, and it’s no wonder they go to great lengths to avoid it at all costs.
The French team’s mechanics have drilled and tapped their Look pedals and then screwed in a thread and a wingnut to hold the release mechanism shut just to prevent the cleat coming out under load.
Andy
The only clipless pedals I liked as a trackie were the Keywins, as they had a nice kit to give them a strap, and they were very good at keeping my feet on.
I have seen many contraptions devised, including a quill and strap attached onto the older, blocky Look pedal. I don’t know how well that worked, and I would have rather used a quill and strap at that point.
Also remember that even though there is a quill and strap on the old pedals, you still need a cleat to properly use the quill and strap. If you have the strap on tightly, you won’t pull out of the pedal.
And talk about oldschool: only in the recent past two or three years has the threadless stem appeared on track bikes. It is still a more solid connection, as the fork steerer has the reinforcement of the stem quill. Strength is key on the track, and I will guarantee that you will NEVER see a carbon steer tube on a track fork, unless a much higher modulus carbon fibre can be done in such a small diameter and you could do something like the BT fork that the Aussie trackies use. BT makes a threadless fork with a solid aluminium steerer, which essentially is like the quill stem inside of a steertube. Some guys still like steel handlebars on the track, as well.
Also, square taper bottom brackets will rule the roost for quite awhile longer on the track, both for their lower Q-factor and their strength. I think Campy will end up ruling the track with their parts, as it seems like they have no such plans for an answer to the Shimano Octalink and the new Dura Ace crank.
Could someone explain to me the different events in Track cycling? Thanks
Thanks everyone. That’s what I thought might be the case. Those guys have HUGE legs.
Go here for everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the track.
http://www.umcycling.com/faq1.htm
clm
sarah ulmer broke world record in 3000m pursuit! yay!