What gear ratio should I use on a track bike?

Gear ratio selection depends on the event, rider strength, and track configuration. Beginners should start with a moderate ratio around 48/15 (approximately 84 gear inches) which provides a balance of acceleration and top speed. Sprinters typically use larger gears (49–54 teeth chainring with 13–15 tooth cog) for maximum top-end speed. Endurance riders may prefer slightly smaller gears for higher cadence efficiency. Most track riders own multiple chainrings and cogs to adjust for different events. Your gear ratio is one of the few tunable variables on a track bike, so experimentation is essential.