This 1973 LeJeune Champagne sees far more action than any other bike in my stable, but I never actually "ride" it. I only use it for screwing around with trackstand
variations, as seen on the videos page. The components were specifically chosen to create the perfect standard trackstanding machine (hence the "Trackstandard" moniker).
After a vast amount of "research" (aka falling down) and swapping out various parts, I determined that the following setup was best for a bike that is intended to go nowhere...
A pair of large, flatland-style platform pedals is hugely beneficial for doing trackstand variations, or even basic trackstands. The more contact area there is for your
feet, the more control you're going to have over the bike. Put quite simply, it's easier to stand on a sidewalk than a tightrope.
Two inch riser bars provide plenty of leverage, a place to sit, and something to hook your knees on. Also, they ensure that you will have the necessary clearance over the top tube when spinning the bars.
Note that there are no brakes. Brakes are bad for trackstanding as you will find yourself trying to use them to cheat, but all they will do is throw you off.
DISCLAIMER: we strongly advise against using
this setup when riding on the street. Brakes save skulls when cars are involved.
A snubby stem keeps the rotation of the bars short and quick, and it makes most positions involving the bars easier because you won't have quite as far to stretch your arms/legs/head/whatever.
As with the platform pedals, a wider seat will give you more contact area, which means more control over the bike and better overall balance. A set of springs will save your crotch
when you get your leg stuck over the bars and come down backwards without anything to catch your weight. You don't want a tiny, hard little seat behind you
when messing with trackstand variations. Trust me on this.
Again, more surface area means more control. The soles of your shoes will fall in love with a thick set of 1-1/4" tires.
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