bike rules.

[samtheman]

are stock bikes bought at a shop race ready? are reflectors and cyclometers banned? anything else?

[kabbie_cache]

are stock bikes bought at a shop race ready? are reflectors and cyclometers banned? anything else?

I have never heard anyone talk about this.

Very good question !!!!!

[rideharder]

There are only issues with USA cycling races. Look in their rule book.

[jpantz]

Many of the upper end bikes you can buy at a shop are identical to what the Pro's ride in most cases. The only real difference is that a bike a Pro rides is typically dialed-in by a professional mechanic on a daily basis. The answer to your question is yes and no. Yes, most mountain bikes over $1000 are race worthy, but you'll need to spend some time setting it up to your preferences. When you walk out of a shop, unless you've paid extra for professional fitting, you'll want to take some time adjusting the position of the seat, the air pressure in your shock(s), etc.

As far as reflectors go... Well, that's up to you. Most people take them off to race to save the weight. And a cyclo-computers are ok to.

[Stonehenge]

Many of the upper end bikes you can buy at a shop are identical to what the Pro's ride in most cases. The only real difference is that a bike a Pro rides is typically dialed-in by a professional mechanic on a daily basis. The answer to your question is yes and no. Yes, most mountain bikes over $1000 are race worthy, but you'll need to spend some time setting it up to your preferences. When you walk out of a shop, unless you've paid extra for professional fitting, you'll want to take some time adjusting the position of the seat, the air pressure in your shock(s), etc.

As far as reflectors go... Well, that's up to you. Most people take them off to race to save the weight. And a cyclo-computers are ok to.
Reflectors....yeah they should come on all new bikes - it's a requirment fo sort. In fact today I just helped remove a set from a brand new top of the line Trek fuel....they came on the wheel set.
As far as electronics goes... the only banned from racing unit coming to mind is headphones. No headphones while racing. And if you use them while riding...its up to you but if it were me I would only use one and not both so I can hear what is happening around me...communication from other people or bike noise to cocrrect, cars if on the road ect. Its is safer for you.
--------------
For those who choose to gorssly impede their hearing while on a road or bike path - wearing headphones - I no longer feel bad if I spook a runner or walker or roller blader, wearing headphones and not responding before I zip by and they choose not to hear me anounce my presence and/ or intentions to come by.

[RedSquirrel]

are stock bikes bought at a shop race ready? are reflectors and cyclometers banned? anything else?

Ride whatever bike you have.

I'm no official but I'd say as long as there's no sharp objects or dangerous augmentations, your good. You need a helmet. Minors need a parent or gardian signature on the registration form at race day bib check in.

We have all abilities and bike types riding in the MNSCS. Come out and have fun!!!

[toasthaiku]

are reflectors and cyclometers banned?

RedSquirrel has a good comment about riding whatever bike you have. You may feel self conscious with reflectors next to an elite pro riding $4,000 worth of gear. Don't worry. Your legs have more to do with your place than your ride.

Most everyone's friendly at a MTB race. Nobody laughed when I showed up to my first race with platform pedals, reflectors and the kickstand. The kickstand! That's sorta like wearing orthodontic head gear to high school.

[samtheman]

i dont think ill get laughed at for my lack of money at 14.

[Stonehenge]

I recall seeing many bikes that were not so called race bikes each year at the first race of the MN season - Buck Hill. Perhpaps because it was a metro area race so many non racers would give it a try.
I have seen Kickstands too. And racks and reflectors and paneirs. Flat pedals with tennis shoes, jeans, warm jackets ect....

It was said above to come out and have some fun. If you like it well good and if you dont well thats ok too. You will push yourself more than you think - we all do. Dont be too shy if you have questions when there, before or after as there are plenty of people willing to talk and help out.

I wish I could have tried it at 14 ! Everyone is a newbie once.

Salem hills race is next weekend and will be a fun and festive event. The course is not as tough as others in the series so would be a great event to race or spectate if you like. And its not too far from Faribault

[samtheman]

yeah im doing the spring cup

[anythingxc]

be sure your bike has bar plugs or something covering the sharp edges on your bars.
see you at the spring cup:cool:

[fbobick]

samtheman,

You will see all shapes and sizes of both bikes and people
decorated or not with too much and not enough componentry.
Come out, have fun and mix it up on the trail. You'll have
a blast. It's a loose group.

[samtheman]

im doing the citizen class race because in another thread said to do that. will i be competing against people in my age group or the whole class?

[HutchRider]

All citizen riders race at the same time, but you only compete with the racers in your class. They generally send people off in several waves for the citizen class, with waves being about 2-4 minutes apart. Each race director runs the waves differently so I can't say how it will be broken up for sure.

http://www.mnscs.com/page/show/4949

Check out the above link, it gives you all the breakdowns of ages by class for the group you will be competing against.

Hope that helps.