Quick Step Gets Ultralight Bikes For Mountain Stages
 

Eddy Merckx Cycles has given Chavanel and De Weert super-light frames for the next two weeks of the tour.

I guess it safe to assume their bikes have been over the UCI's minimum weight limit....

maybe with some lead weights in the seat tubes.

A lot of the bikes are lighter than the UCI weight limit and are forced to add weight some how.

The UCI weight limit is so friggin stupid. They seem to specialize in dumb rules, particularly when it comes to bike tech.

anyone know how long the UCI rule has been in effect? My guess (and it is only that) is that at one time the limit was judged to be the point at which if you went below, bikes would become overly fragile or require overly exotic/expensive materials. Perhaps the best answer is to revisit the rule periodically in view of technology evolution. Since the rule applies not just to the TdF but to many other local/lower level races, it needs to allow reasonably affordable bikes to meet the limit

they started the weight limit rule in 2000.

They should make the rule so that the bike should weigh 10% of the rider.
Only then will there be an equal competition between riders.

So a 200 pound rider can only use a 20 pound bike? ;)

I'd also be a little concerned that the riders will try to lose undue amounts of weight to get a lighter bike, sort of like how all the kids in my high school who were on the wrestling team went on crash diets a week before a match to get into a lower weight class.

Yea cuz that doesn't happen already. :rolleyes:

http://triplec.ca/wp-content/uploads.../rasmussen.jpghttp://www.atwistedspoke.com/wp-cont...1277297243.jpg
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos...y08-skinny.jpg

I'm actually surprised they have to give them special bikes to get to the UCI limit...it is pretty easy to take a top end frame and get it under the UCI min these days.

That was a joke, right? That's the exact opposite of what that would do.

If you would think about it some more and count in all the variables you would see that it makes sense.
Right now lighter riders with less power have to carry relatively heavier bikes up hills than heavier and stronger riders do.
Physics say that lighter riders have a disadvantage there.

At a certain level, and pros are definately there, you can not lose weight without sacrificing power.
Pro athletes are basicly bones and muscles and you can't just "choose" your body type.
Lighter riders have less power and so they carry relatively heavier bikes because all bikes weigh exactly the limit these days.
It's unfair to guys like Pantani or Contador.

^ pro troll

Hmm….it appears to me many of the “variables” you speak of have not been considered finding your conclusion in error. But then again, I was taught by mean nuns (oh…sorry for offending any mean nuns who are reading this thread…I will mention this at my next confession ;-)

I'm pretty sure this is just a marketing spin just like the Cannondale Evo is. They just include ballast on the frame to keep it above the UCI limit. The 15 lb limit has its place in racing as it prevents the lower budget teams from facing a disadvantage from the start as many of them ride on stuff that's not the bleeding edge of technology... Think of the many continential teams.

As for the above picture... That look isn't true for everyone, just the climbers. If you look at the sprinters or the strongmen they look a lot more normal than the rest of the peloton.

No, they should lower the weight limit to reflect the continual improvements in high end bike technology. I think they should take it down from 14.9 lbs. to 14 lbs or high 13's, whatever that is in Kilospeak. I think the weight limit is good for a number of reasons, it's just out of date.

NOT ALL - the lighter riders likely are smaller/less frontal area/better aero.

The Evo isn't just marketing spin, it's a legitimate sub 700 gram frame.

Is this thread another 41 Imbecile Competition? Those are so hard to judge.

OMGosh! I seent that dude!
-----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J06DW...ailpage#t=230s

http://www.atwistedspoke.com/wp-cont...1277297243.jpg

I wish I could get that skinny (and not be terminally ill).

Then you'd have to run around in the shower to get wet.

Wow, this is really bad news for all the teams besides Quick Step who'll have to use their heavy 25+lb bikes in the climbing stages.

I don't think that dementia is terminal, so there's hope for you yet.