Signing on is adjacent to the finish line so please ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to get to the start line, approximately 4 miles away, I will ride the route later this week & provide postcodes &/or map references accordingly. The GPX file available via on the TT tab on website is accurate, so that will definitely point you in the right direction.
The event itself is tradionally a 72" (183cm) fixed gear event. As not everyone has a fixed gear bike, I don't for one.
I have trawled various website to look at gear ratios that are close to 72".
This site seems to explain it quite straightforwardly, well I think I understand it now anyway. Surprised
Fixed Wheel co uk
http://www.fixedwheel.co.uk/tech.htmThe link below has a calculator that allows you to input your gearing details, so you may find it useful too.
The Fixed Wheel site Gear Table does not include a 34 tooth chain ring, for example.
Why Cycle Calculator
So once you know what gearing gets you as close to a 72" fixed gear on the bike you will be using then that is the only gear you should use during the TT itself. I'll be riding my CX bike, with 700 28C tyres, so using the Fixed Wheel table, I'd need to use the 46 tooth chain ring & 17 tooth sprocket (not a million miles away from the 21c used for the table & as close to 72 as I can get)or using the Why Cycle calculator I'll probably go for my 38 tooth chain ring with a 15 tooth sprocket as it'll be slightly under 72"
Whilst I appreciate that the more mechaincally minded riders will be able to adjust their gears to prevent accidentally changing gear during their ride, I'd rather not mess about with mine "unnecessarily", & I'm sure we can take it on trust that no one will be deliberately be changing gears in order to seek an unfair advantage & improve their time! Smile
This is an early season "winter warmer" event after all Very Happy
Hopefully this is useful information as it's not intended to put anyone off taking part in what is intended to be a season opening fun event Laughing