Autumn/Winter 2012 resistance. At race speeds, cyclists expend most of their effort pushing air out of the way. If you can ride behind someone, you can use up to 30% less energy. That's why it's so advantageous to 'sit on someone's wheel'. The rider in the lead does the hard work; the rider behind gets to save energy.
Do it yourself If you want to race regularly on the track you need a racing licence, which you can purchase from British Cycling (www.britishcycling. org.uk). But if you just want to turn up and try it to see what it's like, all you need to do is to book a taster session. Just visit the relevant velodrome's website. At the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, an hour's taster session costs £10.50 per adult, with concessions £8.30. You'll be in a group of 15 riders – so why not encourage workmates, friends or family to come with you? – and your bike and helmet hire will be provided, as will instruction from a coach. Newport and Calshot offer similar taster sessions. You may not break any records but you will leave with a smile on your face, a renewed appreciation for the achievements of Team GB, and the ability to ride a fixed-wheel bike. If you really enjoy your experience on a track bike, you might even want to commute on one. So long as it has at least a front brake, a track bike is road legal (see 'One for the road').
Manchester: www.nationalcyclingcentre.com Newport: www.newport.gov.uk Calshot: www.calshot.com/cycle.html 42
www.cyclescheme.co.uk
Specialized Globe Roll 2 Style-focussed steel singlespeed/fixed-wheel bike with deep section wheels, an integrated stem and narrow flat handlebar, and no frame fittings to 'spoil' its minimalist look. £500, www.specialized.com
Kona Paddy Wagon A practical steel commuter, with longreach brakes providing room for full-length mudguards and/or slightly fatter tyres. It comes with 28mm tyres and a flip-flop hub. £599, www.konaworld.com
Genesis Day 01 Cross A singlespeed cyclocross bike makes a quirky-looking but practical commuter, with room for fatter tyres and fittings for mudguards, rear rack, and bottles. £649.99, www.genesisbikes.co.uk
Cooper Spa Shiny chromed steel bike with a Brooks leather saddle and bar tape, track drop bar, a flip-flop hub, and the same 'no frame fitments' philosophy as the Globe. £850, www.cooperbikes.com