This question doesn’t really relate to triathlon, but more to Time Trials at road events that must follow UCI rules…
It seems that a lot of TT framesets are now built with very steep seat angles, like 78 degrees (Leader brand would be an example). Now according to UCI rules, the tip of the saddle on the bike must measure at least 5 cm behind the BB axle. I’m wondering if this is possible to do given a normal setback seatpost, even with the saddle pushed back all the way??
Depends. The larger the frame size, the easier it is for the geometry to allow this. Basso is supposedly riding at an effective 77 degree angle on his P3C but is obviously meeting the requirement.
I’m not personally convinced that the FIST style or riding is the best for pure TT’ers. Go on Kraig Willet’s site and there is a lot of discussion about this.
Read this: http://www.biketechreview.com/performance/faster.htm
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You do this…(push the seat back)
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I’m not trying to assess whether the steeper position is better or not, I’m just wondering given a medium size frame with a 78 degree seat angle, if it will be possible to get the saddle far enough back to meet UCI requirements…
You do this…(push the seat back)
lol, yes, I know! haha. But I have seen a size small ‘Tsunami’ brand triathlon frameset that wasn’t able to get the 5cm behind the BB even with a setback seatpost and the saddle pushed back…
Ah…depends on how the manufacturer spec’d the frame and seat post. Many manufacturers seat post angle assumes a set back post. So then it’s a matter of seat post and rail length on the saddle. I don’t think there’s an easy answer to your question.
I race USCF and have yet to be at a TT where they’s dropped a plum line. Matter of fact, nearly everyone (on a designated bike) rides steep…(even though I know that’s not the discussion).
Thats one of the reasons you’ll see some pro’s with the saddle nose cut off !!
Cutting the nose off might be a good idea…
To make a long story short, we have a really small racing scene here, and the officials seem to pick really dumb things (in my opinion) to give people a hard time about. hether or not the saddle is level enough or not, are the aero bars below saddle level, the seat for/aft position).
They have the plumb bob, the level, everything…
I’ve seen USCF run TT’s allow sleeveless jerseys, earphones (mp3 players) and illegal TT helmets. I’ve never seen them check bikes at all, but my USCF experience is indeed limited!!
The only thing I ever saw them enforce was a team trying to use a chase car during a TT. They told the guy they couldn’t follow the rider in a car! He was just a tad bit pissed off!!
Where are you racing that’s subject to UCI rules?
USCF does not adopt UCI bike regulations until 2007 so there will be no plumb bobs until that time, it is only at UCI registered events (for example Redlands) where they will run on UCI regulations, a local pro said they were checking bikes there last year.
You can get an exemption if you can demonstrate that in your riding position the front of your knee does not come past the pedal spindle. When UCI rules come into effect we would have to use that for my wife because at 5’2" even her road bike is not in compliance with the 5cm rule.
That has to be the stupidest rule ever invented by the UCI.
Canada
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That has to be the stupidest rule ever invented by the UCI.