When shopping for track bikes, it helps to start by thinking about how and where you plan to ride. Track bikes are purpose-built fixed-gear, single-speed machines designed for velodrome racing and high-performance urban riding. Because they have no brakes or gears in the traditional sense, they reward riders who want a direct, stripped-back connection to the road or track. If you're training for velodrome events or sprint sessions, look for a bike built around stiffness and aerodynamic efficiency. If you're drawn to fixed-gear riding for city commuting or criterium-style efforts, consider how the geometry suits your riding position and comfort over longer distances. Either way, track bikes are about simplicity and speed, so focus on fit, frame quality, and whether the setup suits your goals on the track or in the streets. Read our FAQs further down to learn what to look for when choosing the right track bike.
Commonly Asked Questions about Track Bikes
What makes a track bike different from a regular road bike?
Track bikes are built specifically for fixed-gear riding, meaning there is no freewheel and no gears to shift. Your legs remain constantly connected to the drivetrain, which maximises power transfer and efficiency on smooth velodrome surfaces.
Can I ride a track bike on public roads?
Track bikes are optimised for controlled velodrome environments and perform best on smooth, closed surfaces. While some riders do use them on roads, the fixed-gear setup and lack of multiple gears means they are not ideally suited for varied terrain or traffic conditions.
What should I look for in a track bike frame?
Frame stiffness is one of the most important factors, as a stiffer frame translates more of your pedalling power directly into speed. Look for materials and geometry designed specifically for track use, as these will give you the best performance during racing or structured training sessions.
Is a track bike suitable for beginners or only competitive racers?
Track bikes suit a range of riders, from those new to velodrome riding through to experienced competitors. If you are new to fixed-gear riding, allow some time to adjust to the lack of a freewheel before pushing into high-speed sessions.
How do I choose the right size track bike?
Sizing and fit are just as important on a track bike as any other performance bike. Getting the right frame size ensures efficient power delivery and reduces the risk of discomfort or injury during intense training or racing efforts. We recommend you head into one of our stores for a free professional bike fit, or try out our online sizing tool.
What kind of riding goals suit a track bike best?
Track bikes are ideal for velodrome racing, structured track training, and high-speed fitness sessions where consistent effort and power output are the focus. If your goals involve varied terrain, climbing, or long-distance road riding, a different road bike category would likely be a better fit.
How do I find the right size bike?
Finding the right bike size can feel tricky, as different bike types have slightly different geometries. To make it easier, we’ve created a Find Your Size tool. Simply enter your height and inseam measurements (or those of the person you’re shopping for), and we’ll recommend the best size for each bike and pre-select the recommended option for you.
Not sure of your inseam measurement? No worries! We provide an estimated inseam measurement based on your height to help keep your recommendation as accurate as possible.
You can find the tool on each product page or at the top of categories when browsing. Try Find Your Size.