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Rules for Hell

By Joe Hall • 10th March 2010 03:18pm • Posted in Events

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.

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?

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