UCI Weight Limit

Ryaner

Open to correction but the weight limit is 6.8Kg right?

The Boardmatch Carbon RP is 6.6Kg according to their site. Are they effectively selling a race prep bike that isn't able to race?

Home:Ballyhoura

Yes, but put on any other pedals than Speedplays and you'll be legal. Plus, you will probably put on bottle cages and a computer etc. Don't worry, it'll be grand! Nice bike too...thinking of getting one yourself?

blorg

There are plenty of mass production bikes well below the UCI limit, some even below 6kg. Technically yes they are illegal in any Cycling Ireland sanctioned event but by the time you have the pedals on and your Brooks saddle that adds a fair bit. Also bear in mind that quoted manufacturer weights are (1) exaggerated, often highly so; (2) often for the smallest possible size of the bike. 6.6kg in their smallest frame may well be over 6.8kg in the rest.

quietobserver

So any idea whats being sold as the lightest bike in the world right now?

Lumen

quietobserver wrote: »

So any idea whats being sold as the lightest bike in the world right now?

I think the Storck Fascenario is probably still up there. The build in the picture on that link is 5.5kg claimed, but other reviews say it can be built down to 4.8kg.

ryan_sherlock

Are you sure that CI sanctioned races have the 6.8kg rule? It is a rule for UCI races (and I seen bikes being weighed before) but I don't remember seeing 6.8 in the CI rule book.

My Tarmac is 6.93kg without bottle cages (had it weight weenied for a hill climb) but with Ultegra SL components and an SRM Pro. The rest of the components are light weight - 6.8 is pretty easy to hit.

TinyExplosions

ryan_sherlock wrote: »

Are you sure that CI sanctioned races have the 6.8kg rule? It is a rule for UCI races (and I seen bikes being weighed before) but I don't remember seeing 6.8 in the CI rule book.

My Tarmac is 6.93kg without bottle cages (had it weight weenied for a hill climb) but with Ultegra SL components and an SRM Pro. The rest of the components are light weight - 6.8 is pretty easy to hit.

I *think* CI defer to UCI, and then have their own changes on top, so if CI don't specify, UCI rules apply. But I could be wrong

RobFowl

ryan_sherlock wrote: »

Are you sure that CI sanctioned races have the 6.8kg rule? It is a rule for UCI races (and I seen bikes being weighed before) but I don't remember seeing 6.8 in the CI rule book.

My Tarmac is 6.93kg without bottle cages (had it weight weenied for a hill climb) but with Ultegra SL components and an SRM Pro. The rest of the components are light weight - 6.8 is pretty easy to hit.

It's in the CI rules and regulations
" APPENDIX AT.2 - EQUIPMENT

The UCI Equipment Regulations are mandatory for all Cycling Ireland, Track, Road and Cyclo Cross Events. There my be viewed on the UCI website. www.uci.ch. However the following synopsis is issued as a guide to competitors in the setting up of their bicycle for competition. Generally cycles and wheels purchased from a cycle dealer and manufactured by a recognised company will comply with the UCI regulations on frame/cycle configuration and wheel safety.

1. The bicycle is a vehicle with 2 wheels of equal diameter. The front wheel shall be steerable; the rear wheel shall be driven through a system comprising pedals and a chain.

2. Wheel diameter may vary between 55cms and 70cms including the tyre. For cycle-cross the width of the tyre shall not exceed 35mm, and it may not incorporate any form of spike or stud. For massed start road races and cycle-cross events, only wheel designs granted prior approval by the UCI may be used. Wheels will have a minimum of 12 spokes. Spokes can be round, flattened or oval provided that no dimension of cross section exceeds 10mm. However standard (traditional) wheels which have 16 metal spokes or more are not subject to UCI approval. Notwithstanding spokes may be round, flat or oval provided that no dimension of their cross section exceeds 2.4mm. The rim section must not exceed 2.5cm on each side.

3. The weight of the bicycle shall not be less than 6.8 kilograms.

4. The rider shall assume a sitting position on the bicycle. This position requires that he be supported solely by the pedals, the saddle and the handlebars.

5. The bicycle should have a handlebar, which allows it to be ridden and manoeuvred in any circumstances and in complete safety.

6. The bicycle shall be propelled solely, through a chainset, the legs moving in a circular movement.

7. All bicycles shall have their wheels securely fastened to their frame and tyres, if of tubular construction, secured firmly to the rims by tubular cement or similar means.

8. Handlebar ends shall be plugged not merely covered by tape.

9. Bicycles used for track racing shall not be fitted with freewheels, quick release wheels, wingnuts, brakes or similar accessories except by permission of the Track Commissaire.

10. It is recommended that the sprocket be secured by a locking device on a bike used for track racing.

11. Bicycles used for road racing shall be fitted with a freewheel and two independent brakes in good working order with their brake levers securely fastened to the handlebars.

12. Pumps, spare tyres and race computers must be securely fastened. All other equipment not essential for racing purposes must be removed.

13. When a rider is found to be using a machine, which in the opinion of the Chief Commissaire presents a danger to himself or others he shall be withdrawn from the event by the Chief Commissaire and reported to Cycling Ireland.

14. It is the responsibility of the competitor and/or the parent or guardian in the case of competitors under 19 years of age to ensure that for every event held under Cycling Ireland regulations the bicycle to be used is in a safe condition.

15. The peak of the saddle, whose length shall be between 24cms and 30cms, shall be a minimum of 5cms
to the rear of a vertical line passing through the bottom bracket axle. This restriction shall not apply to a bicycle to be used for track sprint events, kierin or track time trials up to 1km, (nor for morphological reasons). However in no circumstances shall the back of the saddle extend in front of a vertical line passing through the bottom bracket axle.


16. In road, cycle-cross and track sprint races, only traditional type of handlebars may be used. The point of support for the hands must be positioned within the area defined as follows: Above – by a horizontal line passing through the horizontal plane of the saddle top. Below – by the horizontal line passing through the highest point of the two wheels. Rear – by the axis of the stearer tube. Front – by a vertical line passing through the front wheel spindle. This front position can be extended to 5cms subject to morphological reasons, and for track sprint or kierin race this can be extended to a max of 10cms.

17. For road and track time trials and pursuit races an extension may be added to the steering system. The distance between the vertical line passing through the bottom bracket axle and the extremity of the handlebars may not normally exceed 75cms for morphological reasons this may be extended up to 80cms. The limits set above, below and rear in rule AT2.16 remain as defined. A support for the elbows or forearms is permitted.

For road time trials brake or gear levers may extend beyond the 75cms limit provided they do not constitute a change of use by providing an alternative had position beyond 75cms.

18. Morphological reason is defined as everything to do with the size and limb length of the rider relative to saddle position. A rider satisfies this criteria if the point of the knee when in a pedalling position is behind a vertical line passing through the pedal spindle nevertheless any rider availing of the morphological dispensation must advise the Commissaire at registration. Similarly for the position of add on bars relative to the 75/80cms dimension the angle between the forearm and the upper-arm must not exceed 120 degrees.

19. Any device added or blended into the structure, that is designed to decrease or which has the effect of decreasing resistance to air penetration or artificially to accelerate propulsion such as a protective screen, fuselage form of framing or the like shall be prohibited.

"

RobFowl

Keep the head down Ryan ! you might lose your medal

Chips Lovell

Where did you see bikes being weighed before Ryan? I'd never heard of it happening here and always reckoned that anyone who was racing a sub-weight bike would easily get away with it.

I think the fact that so many production bikes now dip under the limit means that it may be time for the UCI to revisit it.

Quigs Snr

I know that Sam Bennetts bike was examined after his junior champs win last year, but I doubt they were checking it for weight, as he was a junior they were more likely checking the gearing ratio (and no doubt scratching their heads at how he could make those gears turn so fast!)

If they did start weighing bikes I would be in trouble at 6.2kg ! (Although I usually race with the Cosmics instead of the Zipps so that should put me at the legal limit).

RobFowl

When I started racing there were always commisaires who checked a random riders tubs by trying their level best to pull them off the rim, more often than not they suceeded :eek:

Chips Lovell

RobFowl wrote: »

When I started racing there were always commisaires who checked a random riders tubs by trying their level best to pull them off the rim, more often than not they suceeded :eek:

Were they trying to pull them off fully inflated?

niceonetom

One guy rolled his front tub off at the crit last night. Only he went down, but it could have been carnage if he's been on the inside line. *shudder.

Wez

There was a wipeout either last year or the year before (not a follower of TDF, but watch if it's on) and somebody was scrubbing speed coming down a long hill and melted the cement, seperating the tire from the wheel, quickly followed by him shooting off the side of the hill..

As said before, if that happens on an inside line, carnage!

scottreynolds

Am I the only one who thinks riding a bike below the limit is wrong? I mean what is the point of racing if you ain't following the rules. It seems like blatant cheating. Surely the only reason to ride a lighter bike than allowed is to ride faster...

RobFowl

el tonto wrote: »

Were they trying to pull them off fully inflated?

Yep !

Chips Lovell

RobFowl wrote: »

Yep !

Jeez. I'd have a hard time trying to get an inflated one off even if there wasn't any glue on it.

RobFowl

scottreynolds wrote: »

Am I the only one who thinks riding a bike below the limit is wrong?

No there's you, Pat McQuaid and ???? sorry can't think of another :rolleyes:

blorg

niceonetom wrote: »

One guy rolled his front tub off at the crit last night. Only he went down, but it could have been carnage if he's been on the inside line. *shudder.

Indeed, you can actually see the air between the rim and tub if you look closely.

scottreynolds

RobFowl wrote: »

No there's you, Pat McQuaid and ???? sorry can't think of another :rolleyes:

okay you ride a illegal bike I'll do EPO.... then we'll be even

RobFowl

scottreynolds wrote: »

okay you ride a illegal bike I'll do EPO.... then we'll be even

Microdose with HGH, CERA , Testosterone and top up transfusions , chances are I'll get caught and you'll get off Scott (sorry) free

scottreynolds

RobFowl wrote: »

Microdose with HGH, CERA , Testosterone and top up transfusions , chances are I'll get caught and you'll get off Scott (sorry) free

Watch it Rob you'll have too many cycling customers if you recommend that as a cure for my common cold

ednwireland

blorg wrote: »

Indeed, you can actually see the air between the rim and tub if you look closely.

perfect spot for a big off though, right next to the ambulance

blorg

ednwireland wrote: »

perfect spot for a big off though, right next to the ambulance

He seemed pretty OK amazingly, was up and running with his bike, maybe looking for another wheel, he didn't go near the ambulance.

ryan_sherlock

RobFowl wrote: »

Keep the head down Ryan ! you might lose your medal

As I said, my bike is over 6.8kg (Actually, that should be a )

The rule is a bit silly nowadays, but a rule is a rule.

I didn't see any weight checks in this country, it was at a race (can't remember which) abroad - a bigger UCI race.

RobFowl

ryan_sherlock wrote: »

As I said, my bike is over 6.8kg (Actually, that should be a )

The rule is a bit silly nowadays, but a rule is a rule.

I didn't see any weight checks in this country, it was at a race (can't remember which) abroad - a bigger UCI race.

The logic behind the rule is 1) safety worries about the strenght of bike being compromised if they get too light and 2) to try to limit tohe cost to some extent so smaller countries and teams are not at an excessive disadvantage.

It's an weight they seem to have plucked out of a hat as there is no evidence of scientific reasoning behind it.
I've never seen it enforced but at the hill climb champs a disgruntled finished may complain and that would force the commisaire to weight it.
It's a funny enough issue as in the Uk hillclimb champs extremely light bikes are used but they are not run under UCI regs but the old RTTC ones.