The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) would like to provide further clarification on the recent amendments to its Regulations regarding equipment design, which were announced following decisions taken in this area by its Management Committee (see press release dated 12 June and the Special Newsletter on regulatory changes approved by the UCI Management Committee in Arzon, France).
These changes are part of an overall approach aimed at ensuring ever safer and fairer competition conditions, in a context marked by rapid technological advances and a significant increase in racing speeds that could have an impact on rider safety.
Several of these measures respond to recommendations made by SafeR, the organisation dedicated to improving safety in men's and women's professional road cycling. They were developed following extensive consultation with riders, teams and organisers, including through the distribution of questionnaires to the entire peloton.
Minimum handlebar width (road, cyclo-cross and track)
The decision to introduce a minimum handlebar width of 400 mm (measured between the two outer edges of the handlebar - A), as well as a minimum width of 320 mm measured between the brake levers (between the inner edges of the levers - B), is in line with this approach. This corresponds to a minimum width of 380 mm from centre to centre (C), a standard commonly used in the cycling industry.
This rule will apply from 1 January 2026 for road and cyclo-cross events with a mass start. For track events with a mass start, a minimum width of 350 mm (measured between the two outer edges) will be introduced from 1 January 2027.
These changes, defined in consultation with stakeholders, aim to ensure that all athletes, regardless of their body type, can compete with equipment that is both high-performance and safe.
Clarification of the measures mentioned above (road and cyclo-cross):
A - Minimum width of 400 mm (measured between the two outer edges)
B - Minimum width of 320 mm (measured between the inner edges of the brake levers)
C - Minimum width of 380 mm (measured from centre to centre).
In addition, the new rule includes another maximum dimension regulating the angle of the handlebar for road and cyclo-cross bikes: there must be a maximum distance of 50 mm between the inside of the brake lever and the outer edge of the handlebar on the same side (see diagram below).
Maximum fork width (road and track)
From 1 January 2026 for road bikes and 1 January 2027 for track bikes, a maximum internal fork width will be imposed: 115 mm at the front and 145 mm at the rear (seat stay). This measure will apply to the entire length of the front fork and rear triangle.
Maximum rim height (road)
The height of the rims of wheels used in road races will be limited to 65 mm from 1 January 2026.
Review of maximum gear ratio
A test to limit the maximum gear ratio – approved by all families – will be carried out during a stage race in the second half of the 2025 season. The maximum gear ratio allowed in this context will be 54 x 11, i.e. 10.46 metres per crank revolution. The maximum gear ratio limitation aims to limit the speed reached in competition. It has been proven that the very high speeds reached by riders today are a risk factor for their safety.
The events during which the tests will be carried out will be announced at a later date.
Helmet specifications
With a view to improving safety, the UCI has approved the introduction of a distinction between mass start helmets and helmets used in time trials. The specifications for helmets that may be used in the various events will therefore be clarified with effect from 1 January 2026. The UCI Equipment Unit, in consultation with the Federation's Equipment and New Technologies Commission, will continue to work in detail on the subject of helmets, both in terms of approval procedures and specifications for future seasons. A helmet certification protocol will come into force no earlier than 1 January 2027.
The specific amendments to the provisions relating to helmets will be published once they have been approved by the UCI Management Committee.
The UCI regularly reviews and revises its regulations to take account of technical advances, while placing safety and fairness at the heart of the rules in all cycling disciplines.
The regulations relating to equipment can be found in Part 1: General Organisation of cycling in the UCI Regulations available in the Regulations section of the UCI website.