9 replies to this topic

[jfp]

Is it possible to comply with the junior gear restrictions by setting the limit screw on the rear derailleur?   Or do we have to get a junior cassette.    Looking for an answer in general but also specifically for the State Crit.

He's got a compact on the front so thinking I won't have to block out too many gears.

[pylondesigner]

Limit it down to the appropriate rollout distance....26 ft.  I assume that you would check that out before hand so that it doesn't miss.  You can get close by going to Sheldon Brown's website to calculate the rollout distance for the selected gearing.  the only time that you need a specific cassette is at national championships.

I suspect that one of the officials would confirm for the state crit.  but we never had to do it in the past.  Just make sure you meet the rollout restriction,  and it applies to the TT if your going to hang out until sunday.  The problem with the TT is that we can get the occasional jr Triathlete with a one day license who is not aware of the USCF rules.

[S&M]

Blocked gears are OK for Jr's in all but national championships. So you're OK without a Jr cassette in the TT (Sat) and the crit (Sun).

Not sure what was meant by the comment "He's got a compact on the front so thinking I won't have to block out too many gears". Just be aware that roll-out will always be done w/ front derailleur set to the big ring.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I look forward to seeing lots of Jr's out there!

Marijn (aka: a lowly Assistant Ref at the state TT and Crit, speaking out of turn )

Edited by S&M, 28 July 2012 - 11:47 AM.

[Pete H.]

I have the RD locked out on the 14, so I am basically riding an 8-speed rear set up. Just so you know, though, to get a sram RD to lock out properly I had to put a longer limit screw in than what came in the derailleur. Last year I rode and passed with a locked out RD. hope that helps!

[jfp]

S&M, on 28 July 2012 - 11:45 AM, said:

Blocked gears are OK for Jr's in all but national championships. So you're OK without a Jr cassette in the TT (Sat) and the crit (Sun).

Not sure what was meant by the comment "He's got a compact on the front so thinking I won't have to block out too many gears". Just be aware that roll-out will always be done w/ front derailleur set to the big ring.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I look forward to seeing lots of Jr's out there!

Marijn (aka: a lowly Assistant Ref at the state TT and Crit, speaking out of turn )

It's a compact crankset with a 50t for the big ring instead of a 53, which translates to less blocked out gears in the back.

[pylondesigner]

Rule book says: 1M6. Junior Gears. The maximum chaingear ratio for Junior riders is based on age and discipline. Blocked gears will be allowed, except in National Championships. All tests for
51
compliance shall be done using the "roll-out method.” There is no restriction for cyclo-cross or MTB races. For road and track the limits are:
Road
17-18: 7.93 meters (26’)(52x14)
15-16: “
13-14: “
10-12:

A 50 x 14  with 700 x 23c wheels rolls out at 7.5 meters.  A 50 x 13 is 8.1 meters and is too big.  Typically jrs run a 52 big ring and either block out to a 14 in the back or go with a 14  as the biggest cog in the back.

[mikebobelak]

I have a used 52 t 110bdc ring if you need it ....

[robertm]

I have a 14-25 Ultegra 10sp Cassette, been used, but its not used up.

Edited by robertm, 28 July 2012 - 07:19 PM.

[2 π R]

Juniors typically use a 52t front chainring with a junior cassette like the one robertm has. The idea is to get the biggest gear/rollout combination that still complies with the rule. Tire size is another part of the equation. Except for national championships, anything goes as far as equipment and adjustments in order to get under that 26 feet. If your junior rider does compete on a regular basis it would be highly beneficial to get a junior cassette or more depending on how many race wheels you have. That gives him/her more gear combinations on courses and roads that are not downhill.

Another thing to consider when getting rolled out at events is the measures tape marks that officials lay down. Is it 26 feet or is it long or short? It should never be short but often depending on the official it will be slightly long or the official checking bikes may allow an inch or three over the marks to pass rollout.

There is one thing I've wondered about but have yet tried. I believe that a junior bike that is just over the limit on rollout may be within or under the limit if the tire is deflated when checked. This of course would not be in compliance with the spirit of the USAC rulebook (read: cheating) but I can't help but wonder. I have seen many things that bend the rules and this would be one of them if someone were to try it. I have experienced many and some pretty blatant. It would take an official who is also a mechanic and close inspection to catch some of the things I am thinking about so I dare not mention them. Spend an amount of time in my wheel pit and I may divulge.

@swikles

@swikles

[pirt3]

2 π R, on 31 July 2012 - 08:28 PM, said:

Juniors typically use a 52t front chainring with a junior cassette like the one robertm has. The idea is to get the biggest gear/rollout combination that still complies with the rule. Tire size is another part of the equation. Except for national championships, anything goes as far as equipment and adjustments in order to get under that 26 feet. If your junior rider does compete on a regular basis it would be highly beneficial to get a junior cassette or more depending on how many race wheels you have. That gives him/her more gear combinations on courses and roads that are not downhill.

Another thing to consider when getting rolled out at events is the measures tape marks that officials lay down. Is it 26 feet or is it long or short? It should never be short but often depending on the official it will be slightly long or the official checking bikes may allow an inch or three over the marks to pass rollout.

There is one thing I've wondered about but have yet tried. I believe that a junior bike that is just over the limit on rollout may be within or under the limit if the tire is deflated when checked. This of course would not be in compliance with the spirit of the USAC rulebook (read: cheating) but I can't help but wonder. I have seen many things that bend the rules and this would be one of them if someone were to try it. I have experienced many and some pretty blatant. It would take an official who is also a mechanic and close inspection to catch some of the things I am thinking about so I dare not mention them. Spend an amount of time in my wheel pit and I may divulge.

@swikles

@swikles

I actually can say of one more way that Juniors can bypass the rollout. I learned from a fellow Official while rolling out at Junior Nationals one year. But of course i will not spill the beans.