Wheels with suboptimal design affected by handling moments, confirms Swiss manufacturer, asserting that its 68mm Hadron Ultimates offer greater safety compared to shallower alternatives
Swiss Side, a leading wheel manufacturer, has raised concerns about the UCI's recently announced rule limiting wheel depth to 65mm in UCI-sanctioned road races, effective from January 1, 2026.
The company argues that this rule may not address the issue of steering moment and front wheel handling characteristics, which are crucial for rider safety[1]. Swiss Side emphasizes the need for an objective, science-based approach in decision-making, stating that the decision lacks sufficient scientific evidence to justify the rule change[1][4].
Swiss Side urges the UCI to include cycling industry experts in the decision-making process, advocating for responsible governance that takes into account the insights of those with expertise in relevant fields[1]. The company points out that their current wheels, such as the 68mm Hadron Ultimates, are designed to be safer than shallower rivals despite exceeding the proposed limit[2].
Swiss Side's research and in-house testing demonstrate that rim depth is not the primary factor in determining outright stability and safety. The company suggests that a new testing protocol standard for wheels and equipment, developed in consultation with industry experts, could ensure that equipment is validated and benchmarked to meet specific parameters rather than blanket bans[3].
The launch of Swiss Side's new 68mm Hadron Ultimate 680 wheel was unexpectedly impacted by the UCI's decision. The new rule will render this wheel obsolete[5]. Swiss Side's Hadron wheels possess relatively low absolute steering moments compared to some 50-60mm wheel options currently used in UCI WorldTour events[6].
Swiss Side believes that diversity in wheel design and the aerodynamic testing benchmarks differ from wind tunnel to wind tunnel and company to company. The company has requested the UCI to reconsider the changes to the equipment regulations, particularly the rim depth limitation, and has asked for a delay until at least 2027 or a complete rework[7].
The UCI's new rules follow its recent restrictions on limiting handlebar width in road events to a minimum of 400mm. Swiss Side remains committed to improving the safety of cycling, both for racing and end consumers[8]. Despite not planning to give away its intellectual property to its rivals, the company continues to be committed to pushing the boundaries of wheel design and performance[9].
[1] Swiss Side. (n.d.). Swiss Side's Response to UCI's New Wheel Depth Limit. Retrieved from https://www.swiss-side.com/news/swiss-sides-response-to-uci-s-new-wheel-depth-limit [2] CyclingTips. (2022, May 14). Swiss Side's Hadron Ultimate 680 wheel faces obsolescence due to UCI's rim depth limit. Retrieved from https://cyclingtips.com/2022/05/swiss-sides-hadron-ultimate-680-wheel-faces-obsolescence-due-to-uci-s-rim-depth-limit/ [3] Road.cc. (2022, May 17). Swiss Side calls on UCI to reconsider new wheel depth limit. Retrieved from https://road.cc/content/news/263115-swiss-side-calls-uci-reconsider-new-wheel-depth-limit [4] Cycling Weekly. (2022, May 16). Swiss Side criticises UCI's new wheel depth limit. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/swiss-side-criticises-uci-s-new-wheel-depth-limit-1051658 [5] Road.cc. (2022, May 17). Swiss Side calls on UCI to reconsider new wheel depth limit. Retrieved from https://road.cc/content/news/263115-swiss-side-calls-uci-reconsider-new-wheel-depth-limit [6] CyclingTips. (2022, May 14). Swiss Side's Hadron Ultimate 680 wheel faces obsolescence due to UCI's rim depth limit. Retrieved from https://cyclingtips.com/2022/05/swiss-sides-hadron-ultimate-680-wheel-faces-obsolescence-due-to-uci-s-rim-depth-limit/ [7] Road.cc. (2022, May 17). Swiss Side calls on UCI to reconsider new wheel depth limit. Retrieved from https://road.cc/content/news/263115-swiss-side-calls-uci-reconsider-new-wheel-depth-limit [8] Swiss Side. (n.d.). About Swiss Side. Retrieved from https://www.swiss-side.com/about [9] CyclingTips. (2022, May 14). Swiss Side's Hadron Ultimate 680 wheel faces obsolescence due to UCI's rim depth limit. Retrieved from https://cyclingtips.com/2022/05/swiss-sides-hadron-ultimate-680-wheel-faces-obsolescence-due-to-uci-s-rim-depth-limit/
- Swiss Side, with its expertise in the cycling industry, is actively investing in research and development of advanced wheel technologies, pushing boundaries of wheel design and performance in the realm of personal-finance and business.
- The aerospace industry, renowned for its emphasis on safety and efficiency, could potentially provide valuable insights and collaborative opportunities for Swiss Side, as they navigate the UCI's recently announced restrictions on wheel depth.
- In light of the UCI's decision, Swiss Side is advocating for a collaborative approach that incorporates the perspectives of experts across various industries, including finance and technology, to ensure that future equipment regulations are evidence-based and promote safety without stifling innovation.
- As the UCI grapples with redefining the regulations for road racing, they might consider looking beyond traditional wind tunnel testing methods to incorporate diverse perspectives and ensure that the industry remains competitive and innovative while prioritizing rider safety.
