mar-@hevanet.com
Prefacing Brian's argument: One of the reasons that was presented to me for
a return to Junior gearing is so that younger US riders would have the same
competitive level of experience, via the specific demands of using smaller
gears, when they attend national and possibly international venues. Thus,
Juniors who "only race locally" would not be effected with a decision either
way. Bonnie
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian O'Neal [mailto:b_on-@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2000 12:42 AM
To: mar-@hevanet.com
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Return to Junior Gearing
Luckily for all of us, OBRA doesn't nescisarily have to do what USCF does.
Having been a junior not terribly long ago and having had gear restrictions,
I think it is an issue OBRA might want to consider independantly of the USCF
rules. My opinion would be to not restrict junior gears. First off, I
understand that gear restrictions are theoretically going to save junior's
knees, teach them to spin, and keep racing speeds slightly in check. All
are reasonable goals. However, a 52x14 is still a pretty decent sized gear,
and probably won't accomplish any of those goals. More to my point, gear
restrictions are quite cumbersome for juniors involved in both junior and
senior races, which many juniors are. This means either having an extra set
of wheels (actually two sets, if you consider a spare set for the wheel
car/pit) for the different gear ratios. Or, it involves un-blocking the
derailure in-between races, which if done incorrectly can lead to bad
shifting. It also requires officials to perform the roll-out tests on all
junior bikes at all the races. It also keeps juniors from borrowing senior
teammates wheels for spares or for racing wheels.
Opposing / supporting views are welcome, since this is a discussion group.
But, I think this in a prime issue in which OBRA may be well served to
excersise some autonomy from the Federation.
Thanks,
Brian O'Neal
--- mar-@hevanet.com wrote:
I just received an advance of the new USCF rulebook
and a heads-up from John
Tarbert in that in 2001 there will be a return to
the international standard
of restricting Junior gears.
1J6. Junior Gears. For Junior Men & Women, the
authorized maximum chaingear
ratio allowed in any road event is 7.93 meters
(rollout 26'). Blocked gears
will be allowed, except in National Championships.
[45x12 or 52x14 chain
ring teeth]
Chaingear Ratios
2.2.024 For Junior Men & Women, the authorized
maximum chaingear ratio is
7.93 meters.
And, with regard to radios...
1K3. Non-handheld radios with only one earpiece may
be worn or carried by
the rider or bicycle only in road events except in
Junior classes.
Bonnie
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