UCI weight limit - static for a decade

[galaxy1]

i think the limit is a good idea, both for safety and a (more) level playing field.
when it gets to the stage that every single rider in the peloton is adding significant lead weights to their bike to get up to the limit, maybe the limit needs looking at. that is not currently the case.

what always amazes me is seeing pros adding weights to the bike (or even more ridiculously, riding heavier wheels) while still perching on a horribly uncomfortable-looking lightweight saddle.

 

[thatsallfolks]

If George Hincapie would have been using a steel steerer tube then he might be a Paris-Roubaix winner right now. Instead Trek tried to save a few grams with aluminum and he ended up with a busted collar bone.

Well that is one take on it. I personally reckon those deep section carbon wheels he was riding played a large part. Reason being the rims are so stiff, a huge amount of vibration goes up the fork to the nearest stress point (the crown).

Also George way Waaaay behind Museeuw at this point and fighting for a podium place at best.

 

[JeffreyPerry]

weight limits

I think the manufacturers should be allowed to make them as light as they can. I understand the safety aspect, but every race I've participated in requires me to sign a waiver releasing liability. I assume that the riders also do the same??? I also believe that the weight differences will not be much farther from what the riders are currently riding due to wheels, and other accesories. Drop a pound from the bike but the weight is added back in with the bottles, etc. my 2 cents

 

[Oldman]

I do believe, that as well as the now redundant "cost" issue, there is something about limiting the minimum weight for safety. I can't remember the exact reason specifically, but i have read safety is involved.

It was "safety" as cited by the traditional manufacturers that had not stayed in touch with new technology and "cost" as a legitimate guage of accessibilty to the general public at that time. Since then technology, safety and reduced relative cost do make the standard obsolete based on the original intent of the rule. Realistically cost is still an issue for the sport's expanding involvement but I couldn't guess how that would translate into a new weight level.

 

[Black Dog]

I think the manufacturers should be allowed to make them as light as they can. I understand the safety aspect, but every race I've participated in requires me to sign a waiver releasing liability. I assume that the riders also do the same??? I also believe that the weight differences will not be much farther from what the riders are currently riding due to wheels, and other accesories. Drop a pound from the bike but the weight is added back in with the bottles, etc. my 2 cents

The issue with safety is not just for the rider. If a guy in front of me goes down because his frame fails and I go down and get seriously hurt that is an issue. I know the port is dangerous and crashes happen all the time. Any bike ridden in a UCI event should have had to pass some safety standards as should the wheels. Then weight need not be a concern.

 

[richwagmn]

The UCI weight limit for a road bike is 6.8 kg. This was bought in around 2000 (please correct me). I believe the reasoning for a minimum weight limit to avoid super light and super weak products being used (early 90's mtb ing a good example).

However has the technology not moved on in over a decade that lighter weight components which are as strong or stronger have been developed?

It seems the 6.8kg is an arbitrary line (bit like the 50% hematocrit level before the EPO test) without any foundation in reality.

The thing is that price seems to be almost exponentially related to the decrease in weight. I tell people you can get 17lb ride for say 2k or so? A 14lb ride is gonna run closer to 8k.

Bikes are light enough.

 

[richwagmn]

I think the manufacturers should be allowed to make them as light as they can. I understand the safety aspect, but every race I've participated in requires me to sign a waiver releasing liability. I assume that the riders also do the same??? I also believe that the weight differences will not be much farther from what the riders are currently riding due to wheels, and other accesories. Drop a pound from the bike but the weight is added back in with the bottles, etc. my 2 cents

Seems most racing in machines (car racing, etc) has some limits on technology so it's not a richest team take all thing.