Gary Hunt
The current UCI 6.8kg minimum weight limit of racing bikes and also the 3:1 aerodynamics regulation is under review. The World Federation Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) has a new working group – the Aerodynamics and Weight Limitation Working Group – to consider changes working closely with the UCI. Given the advances in frame construction and materials the group believes current regulations are hindering further product development and no longer reflect the reality of safety concerns, especially considering some bikes currently have weight added to bring them up to the required 6.8kg.
Manufacturers would need to have their frames passed by independent certifiers rather than relying on in-house assessors. The anticipated regulations would see a surge in product development and benefit the cycling industry. However the extra cost involved in this process would tend to make bikes more expensive and less accessible especially for less wealthy and developing nations, and is therefore one of the concerns of the UCI.
The 3:1 ‘aero’ regulation under review refers to the length and width of tube sections of frames. The current limits may be relaxed to allow more aerodynamic frame designs with deeper tube sections (eg 4:1 or more) into road racing.
