Equipment

As I started with track racing I had a lot of questions, specifically around what kind of bike to get. I compiled the answers from NCVA mailing list.
I also found more useful information at Hellyer Park Velodrome web site and at fixedgearfever.com.

Track bike geometry

    Frame geometry seems a key differentiator from road bikes. The track frame have raised bottom brackets (11') and steeper angles (74+). Frame size should be same as for a road bike, but with bars set a little lower. A longer wheelbase leads to more (desireable) stability.

Frame material

    Weight is less of an issues on the track, than it is in the mountains. So steel seems to be a reasonable option. Bikes with aluminumm frame are in the $1000 -$1500 range and seem to have better drive trains and wheels than the $500 - $600 steel bikes.
    And then there are the carbon frames from BT, Bianchi, etc.

Gearing

    Gears are often measured in inches per crank revolution. Fixedgearfever.com provides the ultimate gear table spreadhseet.
    The use of a 13 t is under disput, while some think it's useless, others ride it. I guess its spinner's vs. mashers.
    A recommended deal is to get the gearing combo from www.worldclasscycles.com: 2 sugino chainrings and a full set of cogs (13,14,15,16) for $185. If you have 47,48,49 up front and 13,14,15,16 on the back you have nearly every gear you could ever possibly want.

Chain width

    The chain, chain rings and cogs should all be 1/8 inch which is most common out on the tracks. Others are 3/32, 6 day pros.

Crank set

    Crankset should be track/pista type with a BCD of 144mm.
    Shorter cranks are supposed to better for clearance and spin (165 or 170s) .

Tires

    Most people who race seem to prefer tubular. However, everyone confirmed that clincher will do just fine. In fact a couple of national teams also race on clinchers. There are clinchers out there which are spec-ed for 175 PSI.

    Track tire tutorial
    by Farid Abraham (Hellyer)

    When it comes to tubulars it is worth your time making a selection. There are a couple primary differences between tires: natural casing (cotton or silk) or synthetic (polyamide/nylon) ? and tread there is primarily a ?rubber carbon? compound and a ?rubber silica? compound.

    First, silk is sublime but VERY expensive, high upkeep, and doesn?t last long. Cotton is durable and supple, but still takes minor maintenance. Polyamide is the truest (round and side to side, not as ?lumpy?), lighter and long lasting, but isn?t as supple and grippy.

    For treads, ?rubber carbon? tends to have the best adhesion (USE FOR INDOOR WOOD!), but does not last as long as silica. If you are only going to use your tires at Hellyer, you?ll never have a problem with ?rubber silica? tread.

    Also, keep in mind tire width. Tires that are narrow (less than 20mm) are usually designed for time trials and with it you have a stiffer casing and a smaller contact patch. Stick to a 21mm tire for all around usage.

    So, now we have the difference between a track tire and a road tire. Basically a track tire is a lightweight version of a road tire that lasts about 25% as long on average. So, for Friday Nights and special events a track tire is worth it ? but expect to change the front tire once and the rear twice A SEASON.

    Where is this all going???..

    Track Tires that work at both Hellyer and LA:
    - Certain Tufo?s (Their 135gram and 120 gram only) (Polyamide / Carbon)
    - Vittoria Evo?s (Cotton / Carbon)
    - A.Dugast Pista tires($$$$$) (Cotton or Silk / Carbon or Latex)
    - Continental Sonderklasse (Cotton / Carbon)
    - Challenge Pista (Cotton / Carbon)
    There are definitely a few more, but these are the most common.

    Track tires that are great for Hellyer:
    - Tufo 195gram Pro (They tend to last long for a race tire) (Polyamide / Silica)
    - Continental Tempo (Polyamide / Silica)
    - Continental Sprinter (Polyamide / Silica)

    Again, track tires don?t last long, but they sure are fast and expensive. So you want to buy one set a year? Go with a lightweight road tubular:
    - Tufo 215 Special (Silica / Polyamide)
    - Veloflex (Cotton / Carbon)
    - Vittoria (Cotton / Carbon)
    - Challenge (Cotton / Carbon)
    - etc
    There are several great road tires that work awesome at Hellyer that will give you a season? worth of use. Contact track savvy shops like Shaw?s, Cupertino, or Montano Velo.

    When it comes to glue or tape? Glue. Tape has the distinction of being known as ?suicide tape? ? don?t hurt yourself or others by using this shortcut, learn to glue your tires right! The only two brands of glue worth anything are:
    - Vittoria Mastik One (clear not gutta red) THE BEST
    - Continental

    All others don?t measure up. Again, learn to glue properly or have a professional do it right for you. If you roll a tire, IT WILL BE A DISASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Remember also that there are myths and traditions about tubulars. The most important thing to remember is, how are you going to use them, how much do I want to spend, and how am I going to get them glued properly.

Wheels

    Start with whatever wheel set the bikes comes with. $1000 - $2000 carbon wheelsets can be added later.

Bay Area track specific bike shops

Bikes which come recommended from various experienced velodrome racers

Felt TK2

Binachi Pista Concept

Fuji Track Pro

Trek T1

Carbon frames