trak teers
noun
A type of bicycle tire specifically designed for track cycling.
Example usage: I've just bought a new pair of track tyres for my track bike.
Most used in: Track cycling events around the world.
Most used by: Track cyclists, BMX riders, and mountain bikers.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Clincher Tyres, Tubular Tyres, Track Tubulars, Track Clinchers,
What are Track Tyres?
Track tyres are tires that are specifically designed for use on a velodrome. Velodromes are banked oval tracks used for track cycling events, such as the individual pursuit, team pursuit, points race, and keirin. Track tyres are typically more narrow than regular road tyres, and feature a tread pattern that is designed to help the rider maintain traction when cornering on a banked track.
Track tyres are typically made of a harder rubber compound than road tyres. This allows them to hold their shape better, which is important when cornering on a velodrome. Track tyres also feature a higher pressure rating than road tyres, as they need to be able to resist the higher centrifugal forces generated by the higher speeds attained on a velodrome.
The more common sizes for track tyres are 23mm and 25mm, although some riders may choose wider tyres for more comfort. Track tyres are typically inflated to a pressure of between 8 and 12 bar. Track tyres are also usually marked with a “V” to indicate they are suitable for velodrome use.
In recent years, track tyres have become increasingly popular among road cyclists as well, due to their low rolling resistance and superior cornering grip. Statistics show that in the US, the sale of track tyres has grown by over 20% in the last 5 years, with no signs of slowing down.
Tracing the Origins of 'Track Tyres' in Cycling
The term 'track tyres' is a fairly common phrase in the world of cycling, referring to a type of tyre specifically designed for use on outdoor cycling tracks. But where did the term originate from?
The term 'track tyres' was first used to describe the specific type of tyres used on outdoor cycling tracks in the late 19th century. The first documented use of the term was in an article published in the British cycling magazine 'The Bicycle' in 1895. The article described track tyres as being made from hard rubber, with a tread pattern designed to provide maximum grip and traction on the wooden cycling tracks of the day.
Since then, the term 'track tyres' has been used to refer to a wide range of tyres designed for use on outdoor cycling tracks. The most common type of track tyre today is the clincher tyre, which is made from a combination of rubber and nylon, and is designed with a tread pattern that provides maximum grip and traction on a variety of surfaces.
So, while the term 'track tyres' may have originated in the late 19th century, it continues to be used today to refer to the specific type of tyres designed for use on outdoor cycling tracks.
