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Rules for Hell
Image © Ben Ingham
BIKE GUIDELINES
1. Drop bars*
2. Tyre width no wider than 32mm
3. Mudguards acceptable
4. Singlespeed/fixed gear acceptable but not advised
5. Tandems are a bad idea
KIT CHECKLIST
1. Overshoes/Oversocks
2. Embrocation
3. Winter Hat
4. Sunglasses/goggles
5. Sideburns and/or moustache**
RIDING STYLE
1. Groups of no more than four
2. Maximum two abreast
3. Attack only when climbing
4. No wheel-sucking
5. Be a flahute***
*Bikes with flat bars or suspension are heavily frowned upon.
**There will be a prize for the best style.
***See De Vlaeminck, Museeuw, Boonen etc.
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Comments
Jonathan Knight
10th March 2010 04:16pm
Right- Im decided. I will be sporting a moustache for the Hell of the North! Jon K
Mike Hurl
10th March 2010 10:19pm
How strict is the rule "2. Tyre width no wider than 28c"? My current bike has 27" wheels that are 32mm wide.
Joe Hall
11th March 2010 10:18am
Hi Mike,
Thanks for pointing this out…! As you can see the rules are flexible (I've amended tyre width just for you).
Simon Tyler
11th March 2010 03:11pm
"**There will be a prize for the best style"
So moustache (or beard) and a vintage bike might stand me in good stead…?
Simon Tyler
11th March 2010 03:12pm
I think there's an echo in here…
Bruno Heese
12th March 2010 02:01pm
If we're prepared to put up with a degree of being frowned upon and comply with all the other bike guidelines, will flat bars/suspension be at least tolerated (its my commuting bike…far more suited to this than anything carbon)?
Jon Paley
12th March 2010 04:50pm
Any 23c or 25c tyre recommendations? Something that can take the smooth with the rough ..
Russell Robson
14th March 2010 12:36pm
Do you remember Tchmil's, Duclos-Lassalle and Museeuw's bikes of the mid 90s. All great riders, all rode P-R on suspension bikes, Museeuw on a full suspension Bianchi.(Lets forget Lemond)
I won't be riding suspension, however history suggests that it is part of the heritage, however I have never seen mudguards in the race.
david lee
18th March 2010 01:05pm
I had a word with Museeuw about the suspension and he admitted that it was not advisable. It sort of worked for the 60km of cobbles, but comletely drained him for the other 200km. More tips from the grandmaster of cobbles coming soon!
philip pryor
4th April 2010 11:07am
My Cross bike has 37mm Marathon XR's, I dare not use my brand new Rapha Condor Legerro Team bike on 23mm GP4000, sorry! Will I be shot if I use my Cross bike and don't buy new tyres?