Originally Posted by
Xgecko
I believe the UCI decided to eliminate all the silly bikes that may or may not give an added advantage and return track cycling to the same type/style that Merx rode his hour record on
Exactly the case. Other unorthodox positions gave the rider a lot more aero advantage, including the awkward styles that Graham Obree invented.
Like the "I-have-no-clue-what-it's-called" or the Obree signature style:
And it was banned because it was Obree and his Old Faithful was making a too much improvement towards to track records. Later, he invented "Superman" style, which a lot of riders would later adapt.
His friend, team mate and often rival, Chris Broadman:
The Superman Position was banned in 95? 96? after numerous riders won world stage events with it and made significant changes to the record books.