Youth Gear Restrictions – What you need to know…
If you are new to Youth and Junior racing you may not be familiar with British Cycling Youth Gear Restrictions – these restrict the highest gear a rider can use for each age category and ensure all riders compete together on a fair and equal standing. They also aim to reduce the risk of overuse injuries and avoid strength imbalances in young riders.
Our League 2000 events and the NEYL race league are run under British Cycling Regulations and Age Group categories.
For 2025 the Age Categories are as below :-
| Category | Age | Year Born |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | O16 | born 2007 or 2008 |
| Youth A | U16 | born 2009 or 2010 |
| Youth B | U14 | born 2011 or 2012 |
| Youth C | U12 | born 2013 or 2014 |
| Youth D | U10 | born 2015 or 2016 |
| Youth E | U8 | born 2017 or 2018 |
| Youth F | U6 | born 2019 or later |
Each age group has a gear restriction in the form of a ‘Rollback’ distance. This is the distance covered for 1 full revolution of the crank, in the bikes highest (fastest) gear.
Also please note that British Cycling have updated the restrictions for 2025. See here for details.
The updated restrictions are shown below:
| Category | Age | Road Racing |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | U18 | Unrestricted |
| Youth A | U16 | 7.18m |
| Youth B | U14 | 6.73m |
| Youth C | U12 | 6.34m |
| Youth D | U10 | Unrestricted |
| Youth E | U8 | Unrestricted |
| Youth F | U6 | Unrestricted |
To get as close as possible to the maximum gear there are a huge number of possible component (chain ring & cassette) variations to match gear limits. There is good guidance available on how to carry out a rollout test and to help find the best solution.
Also look at the Kids Racing website https://kidsracing.co.uk which has good information here.
It is also possible to lock off gears using adjustment on the rear derailleur if you just need to prevent use of the smallest sprocket(s). Again, the website above can show you how to do this.
Roll out will be checked at sign on so to ensure your child can take part it is worth getting sorted in advance. Our coaches can also help at coaching sessions – please don’t leave it until Round 1 to ask as they will be busy helping run the event.
Cleveland Wheelers 