Junior Gear Restrictions
Juniors Must Ride Restricted Gears In All Races
Gear restrictions for juniors are a little different this year.
A new rule for junior cyclists in the U.S. has been passed and can be found in the 2007 USA Cycling Rule Book. It reads:
"1J6. Junior Gears. The maximum chain gear ratio for junior riders is based on age and discipline. Blocked gears will be allowed, except in National Championships. All tests for compliance (road and track) shall be done using the "roll-out method."" ~2007 USA Cycling Rule Book
What this means is that all juniors, 18 and under, who race road or track must use restricted gearing during all races that they take part in even if that race is against adults who are not using restricted gears. Even older juniors who race elite races must use restricted gears during elite races.
There is only one gear for all 18 and under racers who are racing in road races. That ratio is 7.93 meters (26’). That would be equivalent to a 52x14. 52x14 is only an example, the distance at roll out is what's important. There are no gear restrictions for cyclo-cross racing though.
If you are racing track your gear restriction is as follows (this table is taken from USA Cycling ):
17-18: Unrestricted
15-16: 6.78 meters (22'3") (48x15)
13-14: 6.36 meters (20'10.5") (48x16)
10-12: 6.00 meters (19’8”) (48x17)
Why Are There Gear Restrictions?
There are several reasons for gear restrictions for junior racers. The most important may be to avoid injury. Pulled muscles or ligament can be caused when a young person works too hard too fast. Their muscles are not yet fully developed and a pulled muscle can take him or her out of racing for weeks, or more.
Learning to race with good cadence will teach the junior racer and his or her muscles to race better. A higher cadence makes it easier to accelerate. Junior racers need to become comfortable with racing at a higher cadence before they move on to other gear ratios. It is better for their muscle development and will make competition easier later.
What is Cadence?
Cadence is revolutions per minute. You want to pedal faster, not just because faster wins the race but also because a higher cadence will keep the bike moving easier and therefore will cause you to use less energy. Less exertion means less injury.
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References:
2007 USA Cycling Rule Book: 1J6. Junior Gears
