🚴♂️ British Cycling Youth Gear Restrictions — WFCC Quick Guide
British Cycling uses gear restrictions in youth racing to keep competition fair, safe and development‑focused. Riders must ensure their bike cannot travel more than a set distance with one full pedal revolution.
📏 Youth Gear Rollout Limits
- Rollout limit: 7.18 m
- Typical gearing:
- 52×16
- 50×15
- 48×14
- Rollout limit: 6.73 m
- Typical gearing:
- 48×16
- 46×15
- 44×14
- Rollout limit: 6.34 m
- Typical gearing:
- 46×16
- 44×15
- 42×14
- Rollout limit: Unrestricted
- Rollout limit: Unrestricted
🔧 How Gear Checks Work
Before racing, officials will:
- Ask riders to roll their bike forward one full pedal turn
- Measure the distance travelled
- If it exceeds the limit, riders must adjust gearing (often by limiting the cassette)
WFCC coaches can help riders set up their bikes correctly before events.
🛠️ WFCC Tips for Parents & Riders
- Check your gearing before race day
- Use our Rollout Calculator to confirm your setup
- Remember: tyre size affects rollout
- Arrive early — gear checks happen before riders can start