In response to another poster's question about which bike to get for Xterra and other off-road triathlons, the issue of the legality of certain off-road bikes has been raised. The RD for Xterra says cross bikes are not allowed, as stance more narrow than NORBA, and 29ers not allowed past 2004. That's cool, they put on a great race series with 'real' mountain biker courses. A cross bike would be a disadvanage for the most part. But as a USAT sanctioned race, wouldn't it be up to USAT to set the equipment regulations? And what's the difference between a 29er and a cross bike? Are they regulating flat bars? Other USAT sanctioned triathlons have allowed cross bikes. Shouldn't all USAT sanction events opperate under the same equipment specifications? In reading USAT's bike regulations they don't have anything specific to off-road competitions. Obviously race morning is not the time to have this discussion with the local USAT official. We have 26" and 700c on road as a matter of personal choice. Shouldn't off-road be the same? Can anyone weigh in with USAT's official stance, and if 700c wheeled bikes are not allowed, why?

Slowman, your thoughts?