Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Why are these handlebars forbidden?

Hi, I've been roped into a 300 km group ride in sweden next summer. I'm a commuter and loaded tourer so this is a first for me :)
http://www.vaetternrundan.se/Default.aspx?module=4&content=12&lang=SV&fwsite=2

While reading through the regulations I discovered that my handlebars (see picture) are not allowed:


"Handlebars
Vätternrundan complies with the Swedish Cycling Federation regulations which state that standard handlebars must be used for events with mass starts. All forms of aero Bars (also known as triathlon, delta, cowhorn, clip-ons spinachi and other similar non-standard handlebars) are therefore not permitted. It is very important that handlebar ends are plugged."

I mailed the organizers to find out why and the answer I got was: "for safety reasons"...

Can anyone explain what the "safety reasons" may be? for me? others?
I've been riding with chopped and flopped drops for 25 years or so, I love the hand positions and speed I can get to the brakes.

Of course I'll buy new drops, but this seems a lot of hassle for one day, and I'll probably be a more unsafe rider on unusual handlebars. Not trying to start a battle about handlebar merits (I rode drops for years before changing), just trying to get some clarity to a regulation that I frankly don't see the sense in. :)

Thanks!

p.s yeah yeah, I know my stem shifters are dangerous as well! ;)

Because they make the rules. That's why.

Because they make the rules. That's why.

yeah I know... I'm not trying to change anything, just curious as to WHY there is this rule, something historical or situations that arise in mass start rides or what?

When aero-bars (forearms on pads and very stretched out position) initially became popular there were quite a few riders using them who had poor bike handling skills when in the aero position. As a result rules were established to ban such bars from mass start events where a twitchy rider might easily cause a crash. The rules weren't really targeted at bars like yours, but it's hard to word a rule so it only affects bar designs that may make the bike harder to control while allowing all other bar types and modifications.

Ah thanks Prathmann, I think I see... more like not banning lots of different things but only allowing something standard which is easily distinguishable from anything custom... (you put it more succintly though :D

gives me an excuse to buy new handlebars... which I can chop and flop if I don't get bitten by the "long distance bug" (which I probably will) :D

Hi, I've been roped into a 300 km group ride in sweden next summer. I'm a commuter and loaded tourer so this is a first for me :)
http://www.vaetternrundan.se/Default.aspx?module=4&content=12&lang=SV&fwsite=2
...

p.s yeah yeah, I know my stem shifters are dangerous as well! ;)


Why are stem shifters dangerous?

Why are stem shifters dangerous?

From Sheldon Brown's glossary:

"Stem shifters also present a danger in a collision. Depending on what gear you have selected, stem shifters can be like having a dull knife aimed at your groin!"

I don't think they really intended to outlaw your handlebars. Although I must say I think you'll be happier with full drops at the end of a 300k.

If you look at full time trialling aero bars, they typically do have a bullhorn in addition to the narrow bars in the middle. Those are usually flatter and offer considerably less control than your bars. In the U.S., you can use clip-on aero bars. I have wanted them on a 600k when I couldn't get my hands comfortable.

20,000 in 4 start waves on a 300k course. Yikes.
And I thought that the Seattle to Portland ride was crowded last year with 9000 people on a full double century!

Another reason is that forward facing bars can injure other cyclists if you run into them. Not that a regular drop bar won't hurt at 20mph, but just imagine some forward facing setups at the same speed.

20,000 in 4 start waves on a 300k course. Yikes.
And I thought that the Seattle to Portland ride was crowded last year with 9000 people on a full double century!

yeah, I've often ridden imperial centuries on fully loaded tours (with the same handlebars) but I'm still trying to get my head around the 300km thang even if I won't be carrying 40 lbs (I always have a guitar in hard case with me, which I'll definitely NOT take on this jaunt ;) hihi.

Thanks for your replies, I understand a bit better now, so I'll just "man up and take a wrench to it", probably get a new stem and handlebar and stick my old non-aero brakes on to save the bother of unwrapping my bars, moving brakes and cables and so on...

oh BTW anyone know how thin tires I can put on my Mavic A719 rims (I'm guessing 25's)?.. Thanks again :)

Hatin' on the tri guys. Pure and simple.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3310176123_1a6ddaabb7.jpg

Hi, I've been roped into a 300 km group ride in sweden next summer. I'm a commuter and loaded tourer so this is a first for me :)
http://www.vaetternrundan.se/Default.aspx?module=4&content=12&lang=SV&fwsite=2

While reading through the regulations I discovered that my handlebars (see picture) are not allowed:


"Handlebars
Vätternrundan complies with the Swedish Cycling Federation regulations which state that standard handlebars must be used for events with mass starts. All forms of aero Bars (also known as triathlon, delta, cowhorn, clip-ons spinachi and other similar non-standard handlebars) are therefore not permitted. It is very important that handlebar ends are plugged."

I mailed the organizers to find out why and the answer I got was: "for safety reasons"...

Can anyone explain what the "safety reasons" may be? for me? others?
I've been riding with chopped and flopped drops for 25 years or so, I love the hand positions and speed I can get to the brakes.

Of course I'll buy new drops, but this seems a lot of hassle for one day, and I'll probably be a more unsafe rider on unusual handlebars. Not trying to start a battle about handlebar merits (I rode drops for years before changing), just trying to get some clarity to a regulation that I frankly don't see the sense in. :)

Thanks!

p.s yeah yeah, I know my stem shifters are dangerous as well! ;)

I guess you have an excuse now to upgrade your bike. Go for some carbon drops then. And don't forget the fancy bar tape. You might as well upgrade the hoods while your at it. It should only cost you a grand or so. :D

I guess you have an excuse now to upgrade your bike. Go for some carbon drops then. And don't forget the fancy bar tape. You might as well upgrade the hoods while your at it. It should only cost you a grand or so. :D

grrrr!!!! I'm in the process of rebuilding my touring bike (have already ordered parts for over $1500, hihi) so this was not exactly what I needed at the moment :D .... *hiho hiho it's off to work we go...* ;)

oh BTW anyone know how thin tires I can put on my Mavic A719 rims (I'm guessing 25's)?.. Thanks again :)

I've run 25's on my Mavic A719s before, I didn't have any problems with them, but I've since decided to stick with tyres that are at least 28mm wide.

oh BTW anyone know how thin tires I can put on my Mavic A719 rims (I'm guessing 25's)?.. Thanks again :)

I use 25mm tires on my A319s.

I've run 25's on my Mavic A719s before, I didn't have any problems with them, but I've since decided to stick with tyres that are at least 28mm wide.

Thanks! I have 28 front and 32 rear for touring but thought if I put 25s on for this LD ride it'd give me a bit more speed..

BTW I've talked to the local road club and they have training twice a week, with a faster and a slower group, so I thought this would be a good way to practice group riding (aswell as meeting new people)... so you see see I am rapidly getting sucked into yet another type of bike "culture" ;) ... I can even see where this'll end up... a new race bike, lycra clothes, and NO rack!!! (sorry all my BF touring and commuting friends! :D hihi

Can anyone explain what the "safety reasons" may be? for me? others? The purpose of the rule is assure that all riders would be using bicycle equipment known to be "safe" for general bicycling while in a group. The only "simple" way to do this is use rule language that disqualified all but "standard" equipment.

There is nothing more or less safe about your particular bars.

Your bars have brakes while in an aero position.

The clip on's I've seen do not, and there are guys who ride in charity events in aero position, in traffic, without being able to get to the brakes quickly.

On usual tri-bars, your hands are no where near the brakes, therefore it takes longer to get to the brakes --> longer to stop --> more crashes.

Also, as alluded to above, on usual tri-bars, the steering and general handling control of the bike is reduced.

Many / most cycling groups do not allow tri-bars in a pace line for the same reasons. Or if they allow them, only the lead rider is allowed to use them. When the lead rider swings off the front, s/he must go to the normal handlebars.

oh BTW anyone know how thin tires I can put on my Mavic A719 rims (I'm guessing 25's)?.. Thanks again :)

Mavic recomends 28's as a minimum.
http://www.mavic.com/road/products/a-719.324119.2.aspx
Click on dimensions.

When aero-bars (forearms on pads and very stretched out position) initially became popular there were quite a few riders using them who had poor bike handling skills when in the aero position. As a result rules were established to ban such bars from mass start events where a twitchy rider might easily cause a crash. The rules weren't really targeted at bars like yours, but it's hard to word a rule so it only affects bar designs that may make the bike harder to control while allowing all other bar types and modifications.

You use past tense...should be present tense. There are still lots of riders that have poor bike handling skills, and aero bars simply tend to amplify that unsteadiness.