The UCI regulates handlebar width

Several new UCI rules come into effect on January 1, 2023, including new regulations concerning a rider’s minimum handlebar width and the distance between the rider and the follow car in a time trial.

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To prevent certain abuses observed in recent years, the UCI has decided to limit the minimum handlebar width to 350 mm overall (outside/outside) on the drops, starting January 1. Until now, only the maximum width was specified (500 mm).

Article 1.3.012 of the UCI Technical Regulation Clarification Guide refers to the overall dimensions of a bicycle. This new rule aims to prevent excesses and maintain minimum maneuverability for competition bikes.

For several years, professional riders have shown a tendency to reduce handlebar width to improve aerodynamics. This trend is also followed by bicycle manufacturers, who are gradually reducing the width of handlebars on commercially available bikes. Some even offer machines with handlebars that flare out towards the drops, further reducing the width at the brake levers. With its Madone SLR and flared handlebars, Trek, for example, emphasizes that the rider’s position induced by the reduced width could save up to 10 watts in aerodynamic drag.

For 2023, the UCI has also changed the rule regarding follow cars in time trial events. In some time trials, we have seen some sports directors follow a rider with 8 to 10 spare bikes on the roof rack, which provides a clear aerodynamic advantage when respecting the 10-meter gap previously allowed. By now imposing a 15-meter gap between the rider and the follow car, the UCI hopes to eliminate this advantage.

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