Dear UCI,
We, the undersigned, represent members of the bicycle industry. Most of us are here because we love cycling, and we collectively sell enjoyment on a bicycle. We might make hardwear, soft goods or be members of the media.
Getting more people to ride bicycles and discover what true freedom is, sits at the heart of that. A bicycle which fits correctly, is comfortable and safe is essential.
We also believe there is a link between what the UCI determines to be suitable for racing, and what appears in the shops. Even for those who will never do a UCI sanctioned event.
With this in mind, we ask you to reconsider the new regulation regarding handlebar width. The chosen parameters will prevent the majority of women, and a large number of men being able to find the correct fit on bicycles. For racing cyclists, the choice may be between being comfortable and being disqualified.
We, the undersigned urge you to review this regulation and to consult with male and female bike fit experts, as well male and female professional racers across the fit spectrum.
When bicycles fit and are comfortable, people will ride them more frequently.
Signed
Richard Todd
About Me: I am not personally involved with the manufacture of handlebars, nor am I involved with any bicycle companies affected by this regulation. Having worked in the industry since 2005, I currently work with HJC Sports (bicycle helmets) where I am the Sales & Brand Director for Europe. Previously I worked at Play Sports Network (GCN) setting up and running GCN auf Deutsch, and GMBN auf Deutsch. Prior to that I ran Assos in the UK.
Regulation wording:
"the minimum overall width of handlebars (outside to outside) for mass start road and cyclo-cross events will be set at 400mm, with an inner width of 320mm between brake levers. Meanwhile, the minimum overall width of handlebars (outside to outside) for mass start track events will be set at 350mm as of 1 January 2027."
https://www.uci.org/pressrelease/the-uci-approves-...
7 Comments
Please create a more nuanced rule UCI - I am an average sized woman and the biggest handle bar size I’ve ever felt comfortable with is 380mm. Please take account of non standard and non male bike riders, we matter too!
My handlebar width is 420 mm (measured outside to outside). The minimum inner width between the brake lever assemblies at the top of the hoods is 300 mm. The width between the bottom of the brake levers is 430 mm (measured outside to outside).
As a bike fitter i support the petition
Fully supporting this petition.
As a former professional racer, UCI rider representative, qualified bike fitter, and long-standing industry professional, I find the new UCI handlebar regulations deeply concerning. These rules demonstrate a lack of real-world consultation and understanding of rider biomechanics and fit. If safety is truly the objective, then it's time to engage with experts—both individuals like myself and companies like Quin, where we’re pioneering advanced sensor technology to deliver meaningful, data-driven safety solutions for athletes and getting medical help when the rider cant.
Infinite Cycle LTD / HJC Sports - Consultant / Sales & Brand Director
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Dear UCI,
We, the undersigned, represent members of the bicycle industry. Most of us are here because we love cycling, and we collectively sell enjoyment on a bicycle. We might make hardwear, soft goods or be members of the media.
Getting more people to ride bicycles and discover what true freedom is, sits at the heart of that. A bicycle which fits correctly, is comfortable and safe is essential.
We also believe there is a link between what the UCI determines to be suitable for racing, and what appears in the shops. Even for those who will never do a UCI sanctioned event.
With this in mind, we ask you to reconsider the new regulation regarding handlebar width. The chosen parameters will prevent the majority of women, and a large number of men being able to find the correct fit on bicycles. For racing cyclists, the choice may be between being comfortable and being disqualified.
We, the undersigned urge you to review this regulation and to consult with male and female bike fit experts, as well male and female professional racers across the fit spectrum.
When bicycles fit and are comfortable, people will ride them more frequently.
Signed
Richard Todd
About Me: I am not personally involved with the manufacture of handlebars, nor am I involved with any bicycle companies affected by this regulation. Having worked in the industry since 2005, I currently work with HJC Sports (bicycle helmets) where I am the Sales & Brand Director for Europe. Previously I worked at Play Sports Network (GCN) setting up and running GCN auf Deutsch, and GMBN auf Deutsch. Prior to that I ran Assos in the UK.
Regulation wording:
"the minimum overall width of handlebars (outside to outside) for mass start road and cyclo-cross events will be set at 400mm, with an inner width of 320mm between brake levers. Meanwhile, the minimum overall width of handlebars (outside to outside) for mass start track events will be set at 350mm as of 1 January 2027."
https://www.uci.org/pressrelease/the-uci-approves-...
7 Comments
Signing as a small woman who cycles and found out first hand the important of having a less wider handlebar due to my should width and reach. I ended up in pain and this small adjust made all the difference. It changed my whole set up to be able to spend more time in the saddle doing what I love.
Please create a more nuanced rule UCI - I am an average sized woman and the biggest handle bar size I’ve ever felt comfortable with is 380mm. Please take account of non standard and non male bike riders, we matter too!
My handlebar width is 420 mm (measured outside to outside). The minimum inner width between the brake lever assemblies at the top of the hoods is 300 mm. The width between the bottom of the brake levers is 430 mm (measured outside to outside).
As a bike fitter i support the petition
Fully supporting this petition.
As a former professional racer, UCI rider representative, qualified bike fitter, and long-standing industry professional, I find the new UCI handlebar regulations deeply concerning. These rules demonstrate a lack of real-world consultation and understanding of rider biomechanics and fit. If safety is truly the objective, then it's time to engage with experts—both individuals like myself and companies like Quin, where we’re pioneering advanced sensor technology to deliver meaningful, data-driven safety solutions for athletes and getting medical help when the rider cant.
Infinite Cycle LTD / HJC Sports - Consultant / Sales & Brand Director
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Signing as a small woman who cycles and found out first hand the important of having a less wider handlebar due to my should width and reach. I ended up in pain and this small adjust made all the difference. It changed my whole set up to be able to spend more time in the saddle doing what I love.