Little 500 Bikes

Over the years I have had the opportunity to race some really awesome cycling events. But none compare to the Indiana University Little 500. Racing in the Little 500 is an experience like no other, the lead up to the race, the sound and crowds on race day, the whole experience is pretty amazing.

For those of you who are not familiar with the race, look it up. In short it is a 200 lap, intramural bicycle race made up 33 teams of 4 riders that must change riders at least 10 times during the 2hr race. The race is on a, just over, 1/4 mile cinder track on single speed, coaster brake, drop bar bikes. Its highly competitive and tons of fun.

I have been lucky enough to be able to continue to stay in contact and help the team I rode for while in school, Black Key Bulls. Once again this year I have built the teams new race bikes. Here are a few shot of the bikes and a bit of insight into the bike regulations and how to make a Little 500 ride as well as possible.

2015 marks the 65th running of the Little 500.

Each team gets two bikes. This helps get things at least close for riders of different heights. 

There are lots of regulations on how the bikes have to be set-up. My favorite, steel one piece cranks. Not that many "nice" steel crake out there. We choose to run 170 crank arms to help with spinning the  slightly too easy of gear that is required. 

Also required are 1/2" plastic pedals. The Odyssey Twisted PC pedals are a popular choice. 

I also swap the bottom bracket bearings for Odyssey Dynatron sets. This helps the cranks spin a little better.  

Along with the steel crankset, a steel 46t front chainring is required. I buy 5-6 of them and try to find the roundest and straightest one. Its very hard to get a Little 500 bikes drivetrain to run smooth. 

The heart if any Little 500 bike, the coaster brake rear hub. 

A couple of years ago we started using Velo Steel hubs. Arguably the nicest coaster brake hub out there. Made in the Czech Republic.   

One of the features of the Velo Steel hubs is the cog screws on like a track hub. 

18t rear cog is required. 

Velo Steel

I have to make sure the rear wheel doesn't slip! Serrated washers help with that.   

A new rule in the last few years, all teams must ride Panaracer Pasela tires in 700x32. Luckly this is a perfect tire for the race.

Hopefully this bike will cross the line first on April 25th!