Step-by-step practical guide
Changing the gearing on a track bike is a fundamental skill for anyone riding on the velodrome.
Unlike road bikes, track bikes use a single gear, chosen before the race or training session, and being able to change it independently is part of the basic technical knowledge of every track cyclist.
In this article you’ll find a clear, practical step-by-step guide on how to change chainring, cog, and chain on a track bike, exactly as explained in L’Angolo di Francesca.
Tools you’ll need
To change gearing on a track bike you only need a few standard tools:
- 15 mm wrench (for rear wheel nuts)
- 5 mm Allen key (for chainring bolts)
- Chain whip
- Pliers (for master link chains)
or a chain tool, if you’re using a road-style chain
These sizes apply to the vast majority of track bikes.
1. Removing the rear wheel
First steps:
- Loosen the rear wheel nuts using the 15 mm wrench
- If your frame has chain tensioners, loosen those screws as well
→ they prevent the wheel from slipping forward if the nuts loosen - Remove the chain from the chainring
- Slide the wheel forward and lift it off the cog
The rear wheel is now fully removed.
2. Removing and replacing the chainring
With the wheel off:
- Unscrew the five chainring bolts using a 5 mm Allen key
⚠️ Note: one bolt in Miche’s cranckset is hidden behind the crank arm - Remove the chainring
In my case, for example:
- original gearing: 62×16
- new gearing: 70×18
👉 Even if the gear development is similar, a larger chainring often requires a longer chain.
Installing the new chainring
- Place the new chainring on the spider
- Reinstall all five bolts
- Tighten evenly and securely
The chainring is now installed.
3. Changing the rear cog
To remove the cog:
- Wrap the chain whip around the cog
- Turn against the pedaling direction
- Unscrew the cog
Installing the new cog
- Thread the new cog in the pedaling direction
- Tighten using the chain whip
⚠️ This is essential: the cog must be installed so that pedaling cannot loosen it.
4. Replacing the chain (if needed)
After changing chainring and cog, you may find that the chain is:
- too short
- or too long
In that case, it must be replaced.
Removing the chain
- If you use a track chain with a master link:
- open it using pliers
- If you use a road-style chain:
- use a chain tool
Remove the chain completely.
Installing the new chain
- Feed the new chain through the frame
- Close the chain using the master link or pin
- Loop it first around the rear cog
- Then around the chainring
5. How to properly tension the chain
This is one of the most frequently asked questions.
The rule is simple:
- not too tight
- not too loose
A chain that’s too tight:
- wears faster
- can break
A chain that’s too loose:
- can come off while riding
Practical method
- Place the wheel in the dropouts
- Use one hand to push the wheel backward
- Adjust the position with the other hand
- If available, use the chain tensioners to hold the position
- Check that the wheel is perfectly straight
- equal spacing on both sides of the frame
- Fully tighten the wheel nuts
With large gears it’s harder for the chain to come off, but correct tension is still essential.
Are gears fixed during races?
No.
In UCI-regulated races, gear choice is free.
There are some exceptions:
- certain Six Day events
- specific competitions with fixed gearing
But in general:
👉 each rider chooses their own gearing, based on the race, personal feeling, and competitors.
Conclusion
Changing gearing on a track bike is a simple operation when done methodically.
Learning how to do it means:
- being independent in the velodrome
- understanding your bike better
- adapting to different races and conditions
And yes — if I can do it with long nails, you can do it too 😉
🎥 Watch the full video
L’Angolo di Francesca #4 – How to change gearing on a track bike (step-by-step)
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💬 Questions about gearing, chains, or track setup? Leave a comment.
Francesca Selva 