Bike Set-up:  The optimal bicycle set-up for junior athletes is a traditional "road" bicycle with drop-style handlebars, as opposed to a "tri" bike with aerobars.  There are two main justifications for this philosophy.  First, junior athletes need to develop sound bike handling skills before focusing on riding extended periods in the aero position.  This "road" position, with hands on the brake hoods or in the drops with fingertips on the brake levers, is the safest riding position for young athletes.  Second, junior athletes may also want to participate in ITU-style junior triathlons (including Junior National Championships) or attend a junior development camp.  Both events require a road bike with drop bars to participate.  Therefore, setting a junior up on a road bike FIRST is the safest and most cost-effective way to introduce a young athlete to the sport of triathlon. 

Bike Checks:  Athletes should make every effort to conform to the junior bike set-up described above, however, bikes that are "legal" according to USAT age-group competition rules will be allowed.  This will allow consistency of enforcement at all series events by USAT certified officials.