UCI to lower minimum bike weight limit for 2019, report
Some in bike industry don't want to see it lowered too much because of brand new disc models
The 6.9 kg minimum bike weight will be a thing of the past in 2019 according to a report by French publication Matos Vélo. The UCI is set to lower the limit but by what amount has yet to be seen. While the governing body is comfortable with a more substantial decrease in the weight limit, that may be met with a measure of resistance from the industry. Some companies have just rolled out brand new disc brake models of their top-end bikes and are reportedly lobbying for the limit not to be lowered by too much.
The bike industry is able to produce rim brake frames that come well below the UCI weight limit but they cannot be used in sanctioned competitions including by the worlds best riders in the WorldTour. Teams frequently add weight to frames and use slightly heavier finishing components to ensure their bikes meet the minimum weight.
However, with the introduction of road disc brakes to the market which usually results in built up bikes, even the top-end models, weighing a bit more than their rim counterparts some in the bike industry are not as keen to see the UCI limit dropped too much. As of July 1, disc brakes were fully approved in UCI competition after a lengthy trial period. While disc brakes yet to be fully adopted, at this year’s Tour more riders and teams are using new disc frames released ahead of the Tour.
In the weeks leading into the Tour de France, companies like Specialized, Trek, Ridley, Cannondale and others have unveiled new aero road bikes with disc brake models. The braking technology has allowed these companies to allegedly improve the aerodynamics on their bikes. If the UCI lower the weight limit by too much it may become a penalty for the top riders to choose these disc models because of the marginal increase in weight.
