UCI set to scrap '3:1 rule' limiting aero race bike design
Cycling's governing body is poised to get rid of the rule that limits the shapes used in bike frames
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The UCI is set to scrap a rule limiting the aerodynamic design of bikes used in races, according a person familiar with the matter.
>>> The first TT bike with disc brakes has been launched
The UCI code states that the ratio between the length and the width of equipment cannot exceed 3:1. This means that extreme aerodynamic tube shapes cannot be used in legal race bike frames, handlebars or other components and for years this rule has heavily influenced and restricted bike frame design.
However, it has emerged that the UCI is now poised to scrap this rule.
>>> Aerobikes a complete buyer's guide
Speaking to Cycling Weekly, cycling aerodynamics expert Paul Lew said: "The 3:1 tube rule is gone. At the [World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry] WFSGI committee meeting on Tuesday it was decided that the rule would be dropped."
The WFSGI is an independent association with no objective of economic character for its own gain. Lew said: "It has been an ongoing discussion in WFSGI committee meetings for two years. We have committee meetings typically four times a year."
How much faster is an aerobike?
When asked why the UCI had decided to drop the 3:1 rule, Lew said: "The UCI has realised that there is a lot of goodwill from manufacturers to advance the sport but in a safe way. In the past there was a concern that manufacturers didn't also have safety at the forefront."
“As a manufacturer we love it and the fans love it and the athletes love it because speeds will increase,” he added. “It makes the sport better."
Update
A UCI spokesperson provided the following statement: "The UCI Management Committee recently approved the removal of the specific clause in its Regulations relating to profiles in frame construction. The amendment, entering into force in January 2017, will have a marginal impact on frame design. But it is important that our sport embraces innovation and evolves with its times."
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.
-
-
60% of motorists unaware of Highway Code changes, one year after introduction
Charity Cycling UK has called on the government to raise awareness of the updates
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Neah Evans and Charlie Tanfield take National track titles
Olympians put in strong performances on the first day of competition in Newport
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
UCI revises points system to give more weighting to Grand Tours and Monuments
Cycling's governing body publishes major changes to its points scale for the coming three-year cycle
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
UCI boosts anti-doping funding by 35%
Financial backing of anti-doping programme to rise by 35 percent over the next two years
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Opinion: The UCI is failing on climate change that's why vague promises are all it can offer
A promising start from the world governing body, although pledges still feel a little weak
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Glasgow needs you: UCI World Championships seek volunteers for 2023
The event, scheduled for August 2023, will be the largest cycling world championships in history.
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
UCI tightens Covid-19 rules ahead of Tour de France
UCI President David Lappartient said stricter measures are necessary for cycling events to run successfully
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
UCI tightens rules for transgender cyclists: Two year wait before competition allowed
Changes following Emily Bridges's move to compete will come into effect on 1 July 2022
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
UCI president David Lappartient defends promotion and relegation system: 'It certainly has its advantages for the competition'
The top-18 teams of the UCI's rankings based on results over the past three seasons will be awarded a three-year WorldTour licence
By Ryan Dabbs • Last updated
-
TV drone has short-lived debut in live broadcast after UCI intervenes to ban them mid-race
The drone didn't even have enough time to run out of charge before it was yanked out of the sky by cycling's governing body
By Jonny Long • Published