UCI moves forward with SafeR-Inspired equipment rule changes for 2026 season

These new regulations, developed from SafeR (pro cycling's independent body focused on improving rider safety) recommendations and "extensive consultation with riders, teams and organisers," aim to address safety concerns arising from "rapid technological advances and a significant increase in racing speeds that could have an impact on rider safety." 

Among the most notable changes is the introduction of a minimum handlebar width of 400mm (measured between outer edges) for road and cyclo-cross mass start events from January 2026. This standard, which corresponds to a common industry measurement of 380mm centre-to-centre, will help ensure competitors use equipment that balances performance with safety.

"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," the UCI stated in its announcement. 

However, valid concerns from the independent women's rider union, The Cyclists' Alliance stated in their press release on June 19, 'The Cyclists’ Alliance Rider Council opposes this regulation because it puts riders at risk. Female cyclists’ face the greatest impact from this arbitrary restriction on minimum handlebar width.' This new measure can also lead to female riders developing long-term injuries as they are being made to use equipment which is not their size.

For track events, a slightly narrower minimum width of 350mm will be permitted, though this requirement won't take effect until January 2027.

The regulations also establish new fork width limitations, with maximum internal measurements of 115mm at the front and 145mm at the rear, applicable to both road bikes (from 2026) and track bikes (from 2027).

Wheel technology faces restrictions too, with road race rim heights capped at 65mm from January 2026, potentially affecting the aerodynamic deep-section wheels favoured in many racing scenarios.

In a move that directly targets increasing race speeds, the UCI will test a maximum gear ratio limitation during a stage race in late 2025. This test will restrict riders to a maximum 54x11 gear combination, equivalent to 10.46 metres per crank revolution.

"The maximum gear ratio limitation aims to limit the speed reached in competition," explained the UCI. "It has been proven that the very high speeds reached by riders today are a risk factor for their safety."

Read more about gear ratio limitation here: UCI to limit gear ratios in some professional races from August 2025.

Helmet regulations will also see significant updates, with the introduction of different specifications for mass start events versus time trials starting January 2026. A more comprehensive helmet certification protocol will follow no earlier than January 2027.

The UCI emphasised that these changes reflect its commitment to "regularly review and revise its regulations to take account of technical advances, while placing safety and fairness at the heart of the rules in all cycling disciplines."

Full details of the updated regulations can be found in the General Organisation of Cycling section on the UCI website.

Handlebar Width

• Minimum width of 400mm (outer edge to outer edge) for road and cyclo-cross mass start events (from Jan 2026)
• Minimum width of 350mm for track events (from Jan 2027)

Fork Width Limitations

• Maximum internal fork width:
• 115mm at the front
• 145mm at the rear
• Applies to road bikes (from 2026) and track bikes (from 2027)

Wheel Rim Height Restrictions

• Maximum rim height capped at 65mm for road racing (from Jan 2026)

Gear Ratio Limitation (Test Phase)

• Trial of a maximum gear ratio of 54x11 (10.46m per crank revolution) during a stage race in late 2025

Helmet Regulations

• New specifications for helmets in mass start events vs. time trials (from Jan 2026)
• More comprehensive helmet certification protocol expected no earlier than Jan 2027

General Aim

• Changes driven by safety concerns due to rising speeds and technological advances
• Regulations developed with input from SafeR, riders, teams, and organisers