Coach's Corner with Rick Babington

Back in 1961, Ted founded the “South Bay Wheelman” bicycle club. Around that same time he also founded the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix. After a lifetime of racing and other cycling accomplishments, Ted was inducted into the Bicycle Hall of Fame last year. http://www.usbhof.com/inductees/

I recently asked Ted to ‘build a track tool kit’ for us starting from scratch with the basics. Part One is as follows:

Long "L"-shaped allen wrenches, 4 - 5 - 6 - 8 mm. This Should allow you to handle any allen bolt on your track bike.

15mm wrench open-end / box to fit the front & rear axle bolt
15mm (open) Pedal wrench, this wrench will be much thinner than your axle wrench.

1 each ~ Phillips (X) and flat screwdrivers, medium size, about 8" long.

Regular pliers about 6/8" long, just in case.

Tire irons ~ if you have clincher tires.

Valve core removing/install tool ~ in case a valve stem core breaks, making inflation a problem.

Good quality floor pump w/a pressure gauge to inflate your tires.

"Chain Whip" to remove cogs in case of rear cog change.
Lockring remover if needed.

Ted goes on to suggest that you invest in an official track took bag designed specifically for track equipment. See the photo: http://www.billronbikes.com/trackbicyclesmain.htm

Part Two:

Ted helped us build our first track tool kit with a minimum number of tools designed to give you the maximum amount of assistance. Now that you know the most commonly used track tools that you should have in your tool bag, Ted Ernst advises that you also learn what bike parts you should plan to keep in your new track tool bag. His recommendations are as follows:

1. Front Chainrings: 48/49/50

2. Rear cogs: 15 and 16

These 5 gears will give you gear ratios ranging from 81 to 90. These are perfect for most of your needs on all 3 of our local tracks. Depending on your progress or riding venue, you can add a 47 to give you are really “easy” gear or possibly a 51 for some heavy duty racing.

Coupled with the former gives you the ratios mentioned.

3. Extra chain ~ either longer or shorter than you usually use just in case a front chainring or rear cog change causes your current chain to be too short/long.

** Note ~ Only use a track specific chain on your track bike! Track chains are NOT interchangeable with cruiser/racing/mtn bike chains even though they appear similar!!

4. Spare Master link and/or chain link sections ~ This will allow for adding links to make the chain the proper length when making gear changes. The extra master link will come in handy if you drop/break/lose one.

5. Lockring for cog, if needed. Some cogs are spline and need the lockring to stay in place.

6. Two spare chainring bolts.7. Two spare valve core inserts and 1 removal/installation tool.

8. Spare seatpost bolt and or clamp.9. Spare wheel axle nuts, front and rear.

10. Spare toe straps if applicable.

11. Pair of cleats and spare bolts, in case of breakage or loss. Proper track pedaling requires you to pull up on your pedals. Things like standing starts & sprints put extra strain on your cleats.

12. Spare clincher tube/tire/tire levers.

13. High pressure Floor pump with a pressure guage

14. A right angle valve adapter for disk wheels.

Some miscellaneous items to include would be: a cleaning rag, handiwipes, solvent and lubricants.

Now: Everyone should make a list of "STUFF" that has to go with them to a race. It should be packed the night BEFORE so it goes in the car when you go. Forgetting your helmet, shoes or asthma medication could be a problem. These things are common sense, but as we all know, this is a recessive gene, so it needs a little prod to the front row.

Ted Ernest