The UCI has backtracked on parts of its controversial handlebar width proposals.
While the UCI confirmed the proposed 400mm width measurement, the minimum distance between the inner edges of the brake hoods has decreased from the proposed 320mm to 280mm, and there’s a new maximum flare figure of 65mm.
This may go some way to winning round critics of the proposed rule, who claimed the original proposals could disadvantage women and smaller riders, although the UCI has also said the updated rule may be modified in the future.
Additional details have also been revealed about how the sport's governing body intends to distinguish between 'road' and 'time trial' helmets.
The UCI U-turns... for now
The proposed handlebar width measurements proposed back in June were widely decried by professional riders and the bike industry alike.
One source told BikeRadar that the new rules were “hugely discriminatory” against women cyclists and smaller riders in general, who would typically currently ride handlebars narrower than 400mm. It would also force some brands to scrap their current road bike bars and develop new designs to conform to the regulations.
The new hood-to-hood measurement of 280mm should ease these objections somewhat, and the UCI said the new measurement follows consultation with “cycling’s stakeholders including representatives of the cycling industry, findings from extensive verifications of current dimensions used for bikes at UCI Women’s WorldTour and UCI WorldTour events”.
The UCI counters that the proposed regulation was aimed at slowing riders down by increasing the drag on riders and bikes, as part of its goal of controlling race speeds, with the objective of improving rider safety.
There’s already a test of limits on maximum gear ratios slated for this year’s Tour of Guangxi, taking place in October, also aimed at decreasing race speeds.
This has resulted in SRAM filing a complaint against the UCI with the Belgian Competition Authority which has launched anti-trust proceedings against the UCI, as the brand says the trial will “unfairly disadvantage SRAM riders and SRAM”.
There’s a sting in the tail of the relaxed bar width regs though, with the UCI management committee suggesting that the minimum handlebar width numbers could increase going forward.
It says its management committee has instructed the UCI Equipment and New Technologies Commission to “review” the measurements and consult with stakeholders during the 2026 season, “ with a view to potentially increasing it for future seasons”.
Track riders fare better, with a minimum 350mm width at the drops, 80mm flare and 65mm cross section for their bars.
Clarification of aero helmet regulations
The UCI has also aimed to clarify the new regulation that will distinguish between ‘road’ and ‘time trial’ helmets, as aero road helmets have become steadily more TT helmet-like.
The POC Procen Air helmet worn by the EF Education pro team, for example, encloses the tops of a rider’s ears and there are just three front vents. Victor Campenaerts and his Visma-Lease a Bike teammates have also been wearing the Giro Aerohead MIPS TT helmet, minus its visor, in many mass start road races this season.
It appears both helmets would be banned from January 2026, under the new rules, which stipulate “minimum ventilation requirements, a ban on helmet shells or accessories covering or obstructing the riders’ ears, and a ban on integrated or detachable visors”.
Again, the UCI’s justification is “to contain aerodynamics”, decrease rider speeds and improve safety, as well as to distinguish between helmets used in different disciplines.
