I had my first ride on a velodrome today (apart from a few laps around Launceston Velodrome 25 years ago). I rode with the Repsych Cycling Development Sunday afternoon training session at Chandler Velodrome. Awesome fun and it was great being coached by a world class cycling athlete — thanks Kerrie Meares.
While I have several fixie bikes, they are road-oriented hipster-style bikes, rather than proper track bikes. What is the difference? Simply put, my bike frames have lower bottom brackets (less pedal clearance on the steep velodrome banking) and more relaxed seat tube and head tube angles (slower steering).
I decided to hire one of the Chandler Velodrome track bikes through Cycling Queensland, rather than risk taking my own bike and finding that it was unsuitable and then not being able to ride.
I usually ride a 56 cm frame. My bike for the Repsych training session was a Geoffrey Butler (front of the photos). It has obviously been well used over the years, but did the job of getting me around the track safely. The other beginner rider for the session was riding the 58 cm frame at the rear of the photos. Both bikes were steel framed and were quite acceptable for the session. The 56 cm track bike was running 48/15 gearing; the 58 cm bike had 49/15 gearing.
Photos of the Chandler Velodrome 54 cm Fuji Track hire bike are here.
The first two uses of the Chandler Velodrome track hire bikes are free. After that, Cycling Queensland charges $7.00 per day. Bargain! You will need to bring your own pedals. You should also bring your own tools so that you can make any adjustments yourself without having to borrow tools. A set of allan keys, pedal spanner, a 15 mm spanner for the wheel axel nuts and a track pump with a gauge should cover most things.

Cycling Queensland Chandler Velodrome track hire bikes

Cycling Queensland Chandler Velodrome track hire bikes