Could a new wheel diameter cap kill a new wheel size before it’s even available?
Multiple industry sources have confirmed to Escape Collective that the UCI is actively considering a new mountain bike wheel size rule that would cap sizes at the current 29″ standard, effectively banning the emerging 32″ format before it can take hold in elite competition.
According to those familiar with the matter, the proposal is still in an exploratory phase, but indications are that it will follow the same pattern as recent rule changes on handlebar width, rim depth, and gear ratios: a period of quiet sounding-out, followed by formal implementation.
Ready or not, 32” wheels for mountain bikes are coming
Brands have played with the larger wheel size for years, but the first dedicated XC tire from Maxxis opens up new horizons.
Sources indicate the UCI is considering capping the maximum wheel size primarily on the grounds that larger wheels could disadvantage smaller riders. That rationale stands in stark contrast to the recently announced changes to handlebar width rules. Those changes gave seemingly little to no consideration to the impact on smaller riders, many of whom stand to lose access to the narrow setups that best suited their proportions, which only relatively recently became an option.
Sources for this story, who include representatives from the industry and teams, have been granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. None were willing to confirm timelines, and as of yet, there is no exact wording for a proposed rule, but all agreed that the UCI is considering capping wheel sizes below 32 inches.
Somewhat hilariously, it could be argued that all mountain bike and gravel riders are breaching an existing UCI wheel diameter cap. The UCI’s technical regulations already include a minimum and maximum wheel diameter range of 550 mm to 700 mm, including the tyre (rule 1.3.018, which states “Wheels of the bicycle may vary in diameter between 700 mm maximum and 550 mm minimum, including the tyre.”)
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