This video footage, below, captures the first tests being carried out at pro races to ensure riders' brake levers are not turned in so far they are breaking a new UCI restriction.
The UCI has been concerned for some time that brake levers are being turned in so far - forcing a rider to narrow their frontal area, thus becoming more aero - they are causing a danger.
There is concern when brake levers are turned very acutely it puts pressure on sections of handlebar not designed to take that stress. Another concern is more extreme brake lever positioning means riders cannot brake suddenly when they need to, or that their ability to do so is impaired.
At the end of last year the UCI made it clear it would be taking action on the matter. And now commissaires have been seen for the first time, at Tour Down Under, with a 3-D printed jig checking levers are turned no greater than 10 degrees, though that may be restricted even further in the months ahead.
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"Positioning the levers with an extreme inclination limits the braking capacity of the riders and constitutes a modification of the product beyond its intended use," the UCI said when setting out its position late last year.
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"Such positioning will be restricted in 2024. In 2025, new regulations will come into force requiring compliance with the installation guidelines established by brake lever manufacturers."
President of the CPA riders' association, Adam Hansen, has effectively backed the UCI in its decision to take action. He said some riders had opted for very extreme positions and some of their colleagues in the peloton believed it was a significant safety concern.
Hansen also said at even a turn of 10-15 degrees, handlebars were placed under such significant stress they were cracking. He had seen images of bars than had cracked when tested with extreme bike lever positions.
Fiscalização dos manetes pra dentro começou
Precisava? Não. pic.twitter.com/6bBNRH4qGH
— O País Do Ciclismo (@opaisdociclismo) January 12, 2024
