In an open letter addressed to riders, teams, and partners across the cycling industry, Ken Lousberg, CEO of SRAM, expressed deep concern over the UCI\u2019s new Maximum Gearing Protocol.<\/p>\n
\u201cSRAM was founded nearly 40 years ago on a simple belief: innovation drives progress,\u201d Lousberg wrote<\/a>. \u201cFrom Grip Shift to wireless shifting, we\u2019ve challenged convention to give riders better tools to perform, compete, and enjoy the ride. Today, we face a new challenge \u2014 not of technology, but of fairness.\u201d<\/p>\n SRAM says rule restricts choice<\/p>\n The UCI\u2019s rule, which limits the gearing options riders can use in competition, has sparked controversy. Lousberg said it restricts choice, stifles innovation, and disproportionately affects SRAM and its riders. Efforts to engage the UCI in dialogue, he said, were unsuccessful \u2014 prompting SRAM to pursue legal action. Meanwhile, many riders have been outspoken about the move, saying it won\u2019t make riders any safer.<\/p>\n It was one of several controversial new rules from the international governing body. In 2026, the UCI will restrict how narrow bars can be. Many analysts have said the threshold of 40 cm (c-c) is unfair to women, who can often have narrower shoulders.<\/p>\n Michael Barry says gear restrictions are not the answer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n