Zatopek Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 This is a good point. That is one level back in the conversation, but is the root cause. So we agree, that if you rock up with a MTB you need to take extra caution to not cause damage to those around you who have brought suitable equipment. The question that needs to be asked, and this where it gets tricky, is Why are you rocking up at a road race with a MTB? My tandem partner cancelled on me. (Much to Marius's relief by the sound of it. I do agree with him on the tandems ) To take the opportunity to experience the friendly vibe & bunch chatter roadies are so well known for ps: I'm excluded from the OP... 26er....
Patchelicious Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 Many reasons, which include: 1 - Only have a mountain bike2 - The riding position is more comfortable for longer racing time in the saddle without stopping. (e.g back\neck issues)3 - Have an issue with my road bike and still want to get another year of participation in that specific event.4 - Riding it more socially and prefer doing it on the MTB.5 - It's never been against the rules before. Others I'm sure but those will get you started.Number 5 is not a reason, its a justification These are all valid reasons and reasons that will be given by people who ride mid to back of the pack (excluding 1) where it is not very applicable to the racing bunches wouldnt you agree?
Rick Sanchez Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 If MTBers and wide bars are a problem, then what about fat guys? Take longer to slow down and can't squeeze into those small gaps either and they bomb it on the downhills
dre Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 Wow what a lovely attitude, you must be a delight to ride next too. What group did you start your 1.5 races in? Haha sorry about, should have added the comic sans. Don't know which group. Think I started at 10h30. Have not ridden in a group in a road race ever.
Zatopek Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 If MTBers and wide bars are a problem, then what about fat guys? Take longer to slow down and can't squeeze into those small gaps either and they bomb it on the downhills Edit: this would be like a perfect storm... the behaviour of a tandem under braking & gap fitment of a MTB
Pikey Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 The average riders skill is more of a concern,than what bike they ride in what race. In a normal panic situation most will just hit the anchors. Granted I have no idea what it's like at the sharp end of a road race. Scary me thinks,especially with wide bars and f all bike control. But if a mtn biker can ride with road bikes and knows the protocol or rules of bunch riding . Then is there an issue?
Pikey Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 Many reasons, which include: 1 - Only have a mountain bike2 - The riding position is more comfortable for longer racing time in the saddle without stopping. (e.g back\neck issues)3 - Have an issue with my road bike and still want to get another year of participation in that specific event.4 - Riding it more socially and prefer doing it on the MTB.5 - It's never been against the rules before. Others I'm sure but those will get you started.#2 is my excuse. Is that the same as banging my head to many times ????
TIB Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 If MTBers and wide bars are a problem, then what about fat guys? Take longer to slow down and can't squeeze into those small gaps either and they bomb it on the downhills I'm a fat guy on a MTB
MTBeer Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 If MTBers and wide bars are a problem, then what about fat guys? Take longer to slow down and can't squeeze into those small gaps either and they bomb it on the downhills what about fat guys squeezing into lycra? That is a real cycling hazard.
Rouxenator Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 I think roadies that ride in an erratic fashion and do not keep a good line are a far bigger threat. When ever possible I use my road bike for road events, but something I have no choice and settle for the MTB.
leeubok Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 Not everyone has the cash for 10 different bikes. So if you own only 1 bike, a mtb makes sense because you can ride it anywhere. And for me personally, I don't like road cycling because it is pretty **** having to dodge traffic all the time.. HOWEVER, some road races with full road closures offer us the opportunity to go for a lekker road ride. So I have done a few on my mtb, but I'm in the back groups and I try not to ride in any bunches (not that there are any at the back).
Tubehunter Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 Number 5 is not a reason, its a justification These are all valid reasons and reasons that will be given by people who ride mid to back of the pack (excluding 1) where it is not very applicable to the racing bunches wouldnt you agree? Patch, you're preaching to the converted here mate! I only race road events on the carbon weight weenie bike with carbon everything. I feel like a mighty road racer when I wheel her out of the house before the event! 'Racing' a MTB at a road race will never make sense to anyone who has done a road race on a road bike. More so at the sharp end of the field. But therein lies both the answer and reason for this anomaly. It clearly is someone who has put in plenty training hours and got properly strong riding off road and now wants to do a road event. They will not have much clue about what to do in group racing situations. Speak to them there in the race and tell them why it is dangerous, rather than just, "HEEEEEEYYYYY, MOUNTAINBIKER, YOU'RE RDING LIKE A TJOP!!!!!!!!!" I would suggest that before anyone petitions to have MTB bikes excluded from road races, you rather petition racetec and other similar timing companies to give a road seeding penalty of sorts to people who only have mountain bike race results to compensate for the lack of tight, road, bunch riding dynamics they will have been exposed too! Then you wont have these riding beasts racing on their limit amongst people prepared to take bigger risks to get every little margin and advantage they can get, as happens in the front groups! Hopefully they will then get the real world experience of how and why group riding is so important in road racing and perhaps be inspired to get a road bike...
raptor-22 Posted November 30, 2015 Author Posted November 30, 2015 Patch, you're preaching to the converted here mate! I only race road events on the carbon weight weenie bike with carbon everything. I feel like a mighty road racer when I wheel her out of the house before the event! 'Racing' a MTB at a road race will never make sense to anyone who has done a road race on a road bike. More so at the sharp end of the field. But therein lies both the answer and reason for this anomaly. It clearly is someone who has put in plenty training hours and got properly strong riding off road and now wants to do a road event. They will not have much clue about what to do in group racing situations. Speak to them there in the race and tell them why it is dangerous, rather than just, "HEEEEEEYYYYY, MOUNTAINBIKER, YOU'RE RDING LIKE A TJOP!!!!!!!!!" I would suggest that before anyone petitions to have MTB bikes excluded from road races, you rather petition racetec and other similar timing companies to give a road seeding penalty of sorts to people who only have mountain bike race results to compensate for the lack of tight, road, bunch riding dynamics they will have been exposed too! Then you wont have these riding beasts racing on their limit amongst people prepared to take bigger risks to get every little margin and advantage they can get, as happens in the front groups! Hopefully they will then get the real world experience of how and why group riding is so important in road racing and perhaps be inspired to get a road bike... A post with a solution. The Hub does surprise everyday
mikeking Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 I did the 947 on a Tandem with my wife, and only started at 7:56 with the social group. We had the misfortune of having a group of mtb's in front of us, which made the first few kilos a real pain for the following reasons.1) mtb's don't ride in a pack2) mtb's aren't fast3) mtb'ers are used to riding erratically, and do not anticipate either the speed of a descending tandem, or its stopping distance. I am neither a "roadie" nor a "mtb'er", only a cyclist! If all cyclists would take the safety of others into consideration threads like this would not be necessary
V12man Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 I can't remember anyone not being allowed in a mtb race due to the size of his wheels or width of his bars..?As long as the are within UCI RGULATIONS- same wheel size front and rear- as for the bars, some guys in the past, even John Tomac tried road bars in an mtb race...More than once or twice...
Brickleberry Posted November 30, 2015 Posted November 30, 2015 I found if massively frustrating during the M1 section at this years 94.7. Had 2 mtb riders in the group and they rode fine, however on the decents (as small as they are on the M1) the mountain bikes sit mid pack and fall behind the front guys on road bikes and effectively dead wheel all the riders behind them. So it makes staying with the pack hat much more hard work, but I have never felt my safety compromised.
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