MarkWW

yeah, in the grand scheme of things it was a nuisance at worst. I've taken to asking for a "courtesy check" well before my race is up just so i'm aware of whatever weird rule the officials feel like enforcing that day. What's scary is at nats this past year, the commissaire in charge of bike check had never heard of anything like a courtesy check. "huh. that's smart!" was what she told me. Granted, this was also the official that didn't relegate a rider that attacked the field from the blue band while I was taking a pull at the front in the sprinter's lane...

McRussellPants

What's relegation worthy with coming from up track?

MarkWW

The blue band, not the blue line. He was on the cote d'azure coming through turn 2 underneath me.

dunderhi

You must have been going too slow.

gtrob

I actually feel at this level (call them regional races) they need to lax their requirements huge. Road races around here are under all the same rules but they NEVER check bikes, only in a TT. Track is a tough sport to get into and they only make it worse.

gtrob

oh and want to hear one worse.... at Jr track worlds our rider was almost not allowed to race a TK1. Why?





See that blue, red, yellow down seat tube? If you show up to worlds but are are NOT a world champion, you CANNOT have those colours on your kit or bike. He had to tape over them luckily, but Ive heard of some people not allowed to ride it at all.

queerpunk

what fork is that? did felt make a non-bayonet fork for the TK1, or is that something from something else?

wens

Tk1 complete bike comes with a "normal" fork. Frameset has the bayonet fork. No idea why they're different, but would guess to keep the complete bike piece point out of the stratosphere.

queerpunk

cray, i didn't know that.
bike looks terrific with a non-bayonet fork.

carleton

That's been possible since the very first TK1. You just have to make sure that the normal fork has an offset of 40mm (or more) so that the wheel doesn't rub the downtube. I think they recently started shipping them with 2 forks.

Michael Blatchford uses a normal fork in the Beijing Olympics.

queerpunk

i've seen a few people using non-bayonet fork, i knew it was possible, but i didn't know that they sold 'em like that!
the bayonet fork is obviously cool looking, i don't know why i'm so hot to trot about the stock version with a trad fork... but i love it!

carleton

It definitely gives you your stem options back. Plus the bayonet fork is about 1lb heavier than an normal carbon fork. I took off my bayonet fork (to put on a normal fork) and while it was off I was like, "Daaaaaaang this is heavy." I had a steel All City fork laying around. They weighed the same.

If I were a sprinter, I'd use the normal fork. The only advantage to the bayonet fork is for those using aerobars.

Co1Ev

Any particular reason why Look refuse to make any carbon track frames in larger sizes but will happily make a large aluminium frame, or am I just completely missing something here?

carleton

People have been asking that question since the Atlanta Olympics when they introduced the KG496.

They will make an EXTRA EXTRA SMALL, but won't make a Large. It baffles the mind.

gycho77

I currently own cycleops roller with register, but I am going to college soon.
I think I will move to LA.
Also my parents are going back to their country.
So I am wondering should I sell my roller or not, because I will have hard time storing the roller in dormitory.
What are your opinions about this?

carleton

Whoa. Lots of changes going on in that post! Good luck with the many life changes.

Those rollers will fold. They will probably fit under your bed, in a closet, or next to your bike (wherever you choose to store it). I think bike storage in your dorm will be a bigger concern. Hopefully you can bring your bike into your room and not have to store it outside on a bike rack.

gycho77

Thanks for your advice.
Because of the bike storage in college, I am selling my mountain bike

Baby Puke

The best place in the US to be for track cycling as you'll have LA velodrome, Encino, and San Diego all within drivable distance. Plenty of good people racing down there and the US's premier facility in your neighborhood. Have fun!

gycho77

Thanks
I cannot wait to visit LA velodrome.
Now, I worried about failing in college because of the indoor velodrome haha

Koogar

Hey Carleton: would you please PM me? I've got a (track-related) moderator question for you and couldn't figure out otherwise how to get in touch. Thanks much.

carleton

Remember that LA is big. The velodrome is actually in Carson, CA.

Also, you should live on campus...not near the velodrome

PM sent.

gycho77

haha I will try my best. Anyway the college i'm trying to go to is only 14 miles away from the velodrome. So i probably ride my bike to velodrome every weekend.

carleton

Take the bus and/or find a training partner with a car (chip in on gas, of course)

LA traffic is hell and 14 miles is a long way to ride if you legs are blown from a workout. 30 miles a day to and from the track would upend most training programs.

Your enthusiasm is awesome. Most racers in the world don't have access to such a world-class facility. Take advantage of it!

gycho77

Oh I didn't think about the traffic thank you for your advice.
Also I'm trying to use clipless pedal instead of clip pedal right now.
So I'm trying to attach the strap on the pedals.
Should I use zip ties? Can you tell me a proper to attach the strap?

Koogar

Here's one way to git 'er done:



If you do this, make sure your zip ties don't interfere with the spring-loaded portion that engages your cleat. I doubled up since I've broken single zip ties before. Frankly, though, I wouldn't mess with straps unless you find yourself unintentionally unclipping.