STRAIGHT HANDLEBARS

[killa]

Good decision - level the playing field. I also agree with the point about spare bikes. This is a unique event and the challenge for the more mediocre rider is to complete it unsupported if possible. Vehicles charging around the lanes with upteen spare bikes spoil the nature of the event. It is not a normal 'cross event where you pass the pits twice a lap after all.

[ruffyed]

Not happy!!!
I'm a keen runner/mountain biker who every summer spends endless hours training for 1 event.....The 3 Peaks, I absolutely love this race, and have entered 8 times. I have tried both flat and drop bars, I prefer the latter. I only compete against one person ...myself, I'm not interested in anyone else so why worry about me? I don't get it, what is the problem exactly...please whoever made this decision name yourselves (was Nick Craig winning anything to do with it?)
Purist?? I've just watched the superb video of the 1950's race, and there were loads of flat bars.

Reasons PLEASE.

[Ian K]

Hi John - you may want to clarify, as I wasn't sure on reading the starter of this thread. You say "from 2011". Will straight bars be banned in the 2011 race, or after it (i.e. banned 2012 onwards)?

I'm hoping to ride next year again, without the trip to Airedale General this time round. I'm hoping a DNF won't count against me. I would be on drops anyway ('cos that's what I like), but I'm intrigued as to the reasoning though, like others are.
Ian Knight, Chester. Neck mostly recovered.

[Dalesman]

At our meeting after this year's race all 3 commissaires were not happy with some bikes with straight handlebars longer than the permitted 50cms. They did not want to stop a rider competing with 51cms or 52cms as would have been the case. The longer the handlebars the higher the risk of accidents on the first 4 miles of road. The average drop handlebars are 43cms wide. Brakes can be fitted on the top of drop handlebars. This rule will come into force in 2011, will also apply in 2012 when I will be organising my 50th and final 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross; after that it will be up to the new organising committee to amend any rules they do not agree with. I will shortly be giving a breakdown of all the work involved in organising this unique race and will then ask for volonteers to organise future 3 Peaks races.

John Rawnsley (Organiser since 1961)

[columbusxwing]

For Sale- 50cm Easton Flat Bars, Shimano XT brake levers and 9 speed shifters. All as new. Only used once.

[torfin]

In principle I do agree with John Rawnsley's and Pete Sutton's rightful decision to only allow drops in this years race... but are they also going to ban disc brakes?......they definately give a huge advantage over cantis... but as someone who rides flatbars (non- disc brake I might add!) I know riding them is actually a dissadvantage! less hand and riding positions! and less comfort, the slight gain in descending is far out weighed by the long road sections (where drops are much quicker!) the only reason I ride flats is: I use magura brakes, and the bike came with flats... now I am going to have to spend hundreds of quid to change my bike! a lot of people will be quite annoyed with this change and put at extra expense... but 'YES' everyone should be on a level playingfield regarding bikes... so there is no unfair advantage. And I strongly agree with other comments; that spare road-prepared bikes should also be banned!!!!!

[ruffyed]

So because some riders 'cheated' by having longer bars than 50cm, those of us who were careful and made sure their bars were ok get punished!!! Why didn't the commissioners DQ them and perhaps ban them from the next race....Gutless.
Also, you mention safety in the bunch as the main reason, but I don't recall any incidents in the last 10 years, correct me if I'm wrong.
Finally to keep 'a fair playing field' a one bike strategy must be put in place.
Roll on 2013 when maybe the new commissioners change the rules.

[Lowly Swale]

Is that you applying for the post of future organiser then Ruffyed?
I'd say it is John's race and he can choose the rules about who or what bike the race is for, there are plenty of other races for flat bars.

[APJ78]

Good decision to ban straight bars
It annoys me when you see competitors riding mountain bikes with drops also, shame we cant clamp down on that too.
However multiple bikes doesnt bother me, its in keeping with the sport of cyclocross. How many people actually use spare bikes? Ive ridden 4 events now with not so much as a single puncture, although the lube has normally washed off my chain the bike still rides well at the end. Unless its a particulary foul day I dont see the need for 90% of the field to use spare bikes.
I believe that for the fast boys a fresh bike is 90% physcological, they prepare for this event obsessively and push themselves to get every last ounce of energy out and a fresh bike is a mental boost that spurs them on all the more.
Disc brakes! the UCI has this year changed the rules to allow the use of disc brakes from this cross season onwards. I believe that even going there with that argument is a complete waste of time.

I respect Dalesmans change of the rules and thank him for his commitment and dedication to our sport. He has made this event the best Cyclocross Race here in the UK, theres no other event like it.

[johnparkinson]

Hi

Does anyone now if the maximum bar width requirment is to be relaxed with the banning of flat bars, or will it still be adhered to?

Thanks

John