The UCI has begun its war against twisted brake levers, thus measuring their position

The UCI takes seriously the crusade against brake levers with an inclination greater than 10 degrees. This is reflected in the latest update of the regulations, which will be stricter for the next season. For now, videos of several commissioners examining this measure have already been disseminated at the start of the Santos Tour Down Under women's race.

Goodbye to twisted brake levers: the official farewell to the fashion that lasted a year

Cycling coexists with a constant evolution in search of watt savings and minimal gains. Last year, twisted brake levers spread throughout the peloton in order to increase aerodynamics, reduce air resistance and, consequently, gain a few seconds on the clock. Many cyclists opted for this configuration in response to the ban on narrow handlebars imposed by the UCI.

However, the trick of twisting the brake levers -which maintains the aerodynamic position but allows compliance with the minimum handlebar width- is also not liked by the UCI. The highest governing body of cycling argues that this practice goes against the safety of the cyclist and in December already announced the intention to ban it for this season.

Thus, in a statement it gave the specific reasons for the ban. The UCI considers that "excessive inclination" of the brake levers "hinders the braking effectiveness of cyclists" and constitutes a "modification that exceeds the intended use of the product".

With these arguments in hand, it was only a matter of time before the rule came to light and began to be applied. Although until now there was little clarity in the details of the rule, last week the regulations were updated and it was known exactly what will be prohibited from now on.

In this way, on January 10 it was known that from this year the brake levers must have a maximum inclination of 10 degrees. Any measure that exceeds this inclination will be considered illegal "in order to ensure that the braking system can be operated safely and as intended".

The UCI has taken the first opportunity of the season to start checking that the teams comply with the rule. Videos in which some commissioners measure this inclination in the first stage of the Santos Tour Down Under women's race have been circulating on social networks in recent days.

The commissioners have a special device designed for this purpose that allows them to determine whether the inclination falls within the parameters established by the regulations or if it exceeds them and they must prevent that bike from starting.

Fiscalização dos manetes pra dentro começou

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— O País Do Ciclismo (@opaisdociclismo) January 12, 2024

The trend of twisting the brake levers beyond 10 degrees has come to an end through a rule that, as usual, has raised voices for and against. Although in 2024 they have already taken a significant first step, the regulations will be tightened in 2025; the UCI plans that from that year teams must adhere to the installation guidelines established by brake lever manufacturers.

Be that as it may, the highest body of cycling has put up a fight and has shown determination to end especially twisted brake levers. However, the interest now changes sides and focuses on the teams that, as good experts, will look for loopholes in the new regulations to try to gain -however little- aerodynamic coefficient.