The Australian Cycling Federation has implemented, as part of its rules, a responsible initiative in the establishment of restricted gear ratios for junior riders.  These restricted gear ratios ensure two things:

	That young developing body joints will not be damaged by pushing huge gears
	That young riders will learn to spin at a high cadence.

The following chart details the maximum permissible rollout in metres for one rotation of the cranks.

Age Category

Maximum rollout in metres

Optimum Gearing & Tyre size combination

Rollout in metres

Note As of 18 Dec 2004

5.5

42 * 16 *19C

5.484

Under 13

5.5

42 * 16 *19C

5.484

Under 15

6.0

40 * 14 * 20C

5.987

Under 17

6.5

40 * 13 * 22C

6.48

Under 19

7.9

45 * 12 * 20C

7.858

Note: The Optimum gearing and tyre size combination is supplied as a guide only.  The above gear ratios and tyre combinations may be unavailable.  Another factor to consider is the fact that wheel diameters can differ from one wheel to the next.  All these factors can make the above table inaccurate.  Cycles should always be rolled out to ensure final accuracy. 

Note 2:  The under 17 combination supplied above is the exact setting being used by my daughter.  The 22C tyres used are Italian handmade kevlar brand name "Veloflex".  Last season she rolled just under at every meet.  

Track Ratios (Click Here)

Road Ratios (Click here)

Last updated: Tuesday, 05 December 2006

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