Why Racing Bicycles Lack Brakes and the Unique Characteristics of Track Bicycles

When it comes to racing bicycles, you might be surprised to learn that not all of them come with brakes. In fact, track bicycles, often used in velodrome racing, do not typically have brakes. This seemingly counterintuitive design choice is rooted in several intricate reasons involving simplicity, rider skill, and the controlled environment of indoor track racing.

Design Choices for Racers

Simplicity and Weight: Brakes add unnecessary weight and complexity to a bicycle. This is particularly important in track racing, which emphasizes speed and efficiency. A simpler and lighter design leads to better performance, allowing racers to achieve higher speeds without the hindrance of additional equipment.

Continuous Pedaling: Track bicycles commonly feature a fixed gear system, which means the pedals are always in motion as long as the bike is moving. This allows riders to slow down by resisting the pedal motion, thus providing a form of precise control that eliminates the need for traditional brakes. Resisting the pedal motion can effectively decelerate the rider in a controlled manner.

Controlled Racing Environment

Track racing takes place in a controlled environment, specifically the velodrome. These arenas have predictable surfaces, ensuring a safe and stable racing surface. Unlike outdoor road racing, which may involve unforeseen risks such as obstacles and other riders, the velodrome provides a secure space for high-speed racing without the need for brakes.

Rider Skill and Experience

Experienced Riders: Track racing requires significant skill and training. Riders are adept at managing their speed and deceleration using techniques such as resistance. For instance, they can slow down by increasing the effort on the pedals, effectively using their body weight and momentum to control their speed. This skill is honed through rigorous training and experience.

No Free Wheel: Track bicycles do not have a free wheel, which means the pedals continue to turn when the rider stops pedaling. This is the opposite of road bicycles, which have a free wheel that allows the rider to coast. Without a free wheel, track bikes lack the ability to coast, adding to the fundamental differences between different types of racing bicycles.

Types of Racing Bicycles

Not all racing bicycles are created equal. Most racing bikes, including road bikes, are equipped with brakes. However, track bicycles, particularly fixed gear track bikes, do not have brakes and free wheel mechanisms. These bicycles have a single fixed gear, meaning the pedals turn whenever the wheel turns.

Fixed Gear Bikes: Fixed gear bikes, often referred to as 'fixies,' are designed for cycling in a controlled environment like the velodrome. They allow for precise control of the bike's speed and can turn from motion to a complete stop by back pedaling. The lack of a fre wheel means that even when the rider stops pedaling, the pedals will still turn.

Risks of Brakes in Track Racing: The absence of brakes in fixed gear track bikes is not merely a design choice; it is a necessary one. Racing on a velodrome involves riders in tight formations, taking advantage of drafting. Allowing riders to brake suddenly could lead to catastrophic and dangerous accidents. Riders rely on their skill to maintain control and avoid sudden stops. Sudden deceleration caused by braking could destabilize the entire pack, causing a chain reaction of crashes.

Brakes for Other Types of Bicycles

While track bicycles do not have brakes, many other types of bicycles do. For instance, off-road and mountain bikes typically have rim brakes or disc brakes, as the terrain poses unpredictable hazards. Similarly, fixed gear bikes, when used on the road, may be fitted with brakes for safety. However, the presence of brakes in these bikes means that they are no longer considered true fixed gear bikes.

Skid Stops: In fixed gear bikes, riders can also use a skid stop, a form of emergency braking where the rear tire is made to skid on the ground. This technique is used to slow down or stop quickly, but it is not as precise or controlled as using traditional brakes. It is typically reserved for emergency situations.

Ultimately, the decision to exclude brakes from track bicycles stems from a combination of design philosophy, the unique demands of the velodrome environment, and the inherent skill and training of the riders. Understanding the differences between racing bikes and the specific characteristics of track bicycles can provide valuable insights into the world of competitive cycling.