Steven Johnson wrote:-
>From what I have been told, and not based on experience, a track
bike geared for a velodrome should use about an 81 inch gear. Would a grass
track racer use a lower or higher gear than a velodromerider? Any experien
ced grass track racers out there?
Steven, Being a competitive rider in the 1950/60's the majority of club fol
k
raced and toured on a single fixed wheel bike. Apart from road racing
activities the gear ratios on the hard surface track it would have been
anything from an 85" to 90" ish. distance of the discipline one was
riding.
As for grass track competitions a mid 60" to 72" was normal due to the extra drag on the grass surface. These particular programme of events were not over popular here in the south of the UK at the time. I remember it was always supported by the the "pot hunters" who made their annual rounds where the non cash prizes were always of good value.Others entered just for the fun of the occasion in support of the organisers.
For grass track riding total fitness was a priority, hard graft it was called! The other drawback was if you fell or got knocked off in a pile up one found in place of the normal grazes or cuts became a painful burn after sliding along the grass surface. A memory that will never fade I still shudder today with very the thought of it! At least the bike damage was minor!
Happy days!!
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK