Moto Tips | How To Set Up & Use Starting Blocks
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INSTAGRAM | @firepowerparts
INSTAGRAM | @zacho_16
Starting blocks aren’t just for mini riders anymore. Now that Supercross has installed metal grates behind the starting line, we’ve noticed more pro riders have something under their feet to keep them in place before the gate drops. It’s not just smaller guys! Adam Cianciarulo even has a small set of steps, as they help him maintain a level stance.
Zach Osborne’s blocks might be some of the most eye-catching of all. Made of carbon fiber and customized just for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider, they bring his feet close to the pegs and are an essential part to his start.
We asked Osborne to take us through the setup procedure, what he was looking for with his body position, how the blocks can be beneficial for riders of all types, and how it’s all personal preference. Let’s let Zach take it from here…
“There is no rut on the starting line with the grates, and that’s detrimental to a shorter guy. I use the starting blocks so that I can touch the ground. If it weren’t for the blocks, I would be side-saddled on the bike and leaned off to one side. I pretty much have to use the blocks, or I’ll squirrel out.”
“The setup is something that’s to each their own. I wanted my knees to be a little bent, but not too bent, and a little straight but not too straight.”
“The aluminum sets have risers that you can adjust. We started with those and changed them until I found what felt comfortable for the leverage of my legs and the position of the blocks. You want to make sure that your legs aren’t too straight and locked out but not too bent up or cramped. It should feel comfortable.”
“Like most things in motocross, the importance of the starting blocks is 95-perfect how they feel to you. It’s smart to have someone else take a look at your technique and how things shape up with your position on the bike. I didn’t want to be too straight-legged with the blocks and set them too low because I think the further you have to move your legs is just more action and motion that can upset your balance when you let the clutch out.”
“I did most of the measuring by ripping practice starts until I figured out what I wanted. I think that’s the only way that you can really do it and find out what works.”
“Once I found that, we measured it and had Nihilo Concepts make the custom carbon ones. Those are not adjustable, but that’s okay because the fit is perfect and should be the same every time with a level starting line. You shouldn’t have to change anything from race to race.”
“Now that MXGP has grates, I know a lot of those guys are using the super-high blocks and pretty much keep their feet on the pegs. That is something that I’ve wanted to try, but since my starts have been so good these last few years, I’m afraid to go away from what I know.”
