It's a great track bike and riders buying one for regular circuit excursions will be delighted.

Messengers with track bikes said experienced riders had enough control to stop when they needed to.

But even some messengers are afraid to ride track bikes.

Many messengers said that unless a courier wanted early retirement, he should avoid track bikes.

"Um, I'm looking for a track bike," the visitor said.

It has gradually grown in size because of the surging popularity of track bikes.

It's a fine track bike though, and very different to the Ducati 1098, with which comparisons inevitably will be made.

He used one of the track's own single-gear special track bikes.

Slowing and stopping is accomplished as with a track bike.

Handlebars on track bikes used for longer events such as the points race are similar to the drop bars found on road bicycles.