Gear Restrictions for Youth and Junior riders
If your youngster is racing in British Cycling (BC) road/track/roller racing competitions they are governed by BC rules – this includes gear restrictions to the bicycle which can mean your gears need adjustment to 'lock-off' the highest gears.
BC Guidance on the need for gear restrictions:
• It ensures all riders compete together on a fair and equal standing
• It helps to reduce the risk of overuse injuries and avoid strength imbalances in young riders; it may also help riders to develop good pedalling technique
• It encourages young riders to race using tactics as opposed to using bigger gears to go faster. This will help to support the riders in learning new techniques which they will need throughout their competitive career
Before a race the Commissaire will perform a roll out test with your bike in its highest gear, only if it passes this test will you be allowed to race. Don’t change your gears after testing as they will test a few riders again after the finish.
BRITISH CYCLING GEAR LIMITS TABLE
Age category for the year Roll out in metres Approx Gear Inches Chain ring/Sprocket combinations
Youth E Under 8 at 1st Jan 5.10 metres 64 inch 39×16 / 41×17 / 43×18 / 48×19
Youth D Under 10 at 1st Jan 5.40 metres 68 inch 41×16 / 43×17 / 46×18 / 49×19
Youth C Under 12 at 1st Jan 6.05 metres 76 inch 39×14 / 42×15 / 45×16 / 48×17
Youth B Under 14 at 1st Jan 6.45 metres 80 inch 39×13 / 42×14 / 45×15 / 51×17
Youth A Under 16 at 1st Jan 6.93 metres 88 inch 39×12 / 42×13 / 47×15 / 52×16
Junior Under 18 at 1st Jan 7.93 metres 100 inch 52×14
(CATEGORY GEAR LIMIT EXAMPLE FOR 700c WHEELS and a 23mm tyre)
