UCI rules 2025: Handlebar widths, rim heights & gear ratios – sensible or questionable?

A hotly debated topic in 2025 will be the new UCI rules on handlebar widths . What's special about them is that there are no truly divided opinions this time – almost all voices criticize the changes in a similar way.

While previous UCI regulations generally had little relevance for recreational cyclists (e.g. sock lengths) or actually served safety purposes (e.g. prohibiting taking your hands off the brake levers), the new rules on handlebar widths, rim heights and gear ratio restrictions seem rather incomprehensible – not to say impractical.

🔍 Important to know:

The UCI regulations apply exclusively to races that take place under the umbrella of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) .

✅ Mandatory for:

• all international UCI races (e.g. Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, World Championships, World Cups)

• all national championships held according to UCI regulations

• all races on the international UCI calendar (road, track, cyclocross, gravel, etc.)

  
  

⚠️ Not required for:

• most amateur and hobby races (e.g. cycling marathons, Gran Fondos, Brevets)

• Amateur and club races, provided the organizer does not require UCI conformity

• Recreational sports events such as RTFs or “Rad am Ring (Jedermann)”

• Gravel or ultra-distance events outside the UCI calendar (e.g. Transcontinental Race, unsupported races)

  
  

💭 Recommendation:

Starting in 2026, every road cyclist should make a conscious decision about whether the UCI rules are even relevant to them. Those who don't participate in UCI races are unnecessarily restricting themselves with these regulations.

🚴♂️ What exactly is it about?

• Rim height : Maximum 65 mm allowed

• Gear ratio : The 50-tooth chainring in combination with the 10-tooth pinion (e.g. SRAM) is no longer permitted

• Handlebar width : The minimum internal distance between the brake levers must not be less than 28 cm

  
  

✋ Good news:

The cycling community's protest has at least partially had an effect. The regulations for handlebars have been relaxed . This means that even our narrow Cross Wing Aero handlebar (40/33 cm) is once again UCI-legal – thanks to the new adjustment:

• Minimum width: 40 cm outside and 28 cm inside

• Maximum flare: 6.5 cm

  
  

Only the brake levers need to be aligned almost parallel to the direction of travel (see pictures). This can be quickly adjusted with a 5 mm Allen key – I personally continue to ride with an inner width of 24 cm because it simply fits me better ergonomically.

⚙️ Gear ratio & wheels:

I also think the ban on the 50/37-tooth chainring is excessive. I don't need it to win sprints, but I certainly won't replace it just because the UCI thinks it's for the safety of the pros. For me personally, it poses no safety risk .

In my opinion, the rim height restriction should only apply to the front wheel . At the rear, it makes little difference to crosswind stability whether you ride with 50 mm, 60 mm, or 70 mm.

🧭 Conclusion:

My concern is simple: everyone should be able to build and ride their racing bike the way they want – and not be restricted by rules for professional athletes.

The waiver of:

• an ergonomic and aerodynamic handlebar,

• a translation with a wide range

• or a stiff, aerodynamic rear wheel

makes neither sense nor fun for over 99% of all racing cyclists .

Enjoy every kilometer on your racing bike!

Because most people on this earth do not have the privilege of experiencing this freedom.

Your Lambda Tuning Team

Jan & Tina