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Dirt Rag Fresh Dirt
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10.24.2003
UCI Says No to Cyclocross Disc Brakes
By: Michael Browne
Posted on the USA Cycling website, the news that Elite-level racers may not race using disc brakes comes not from any particular UCI decision, but simply from falling back on their own governing rules.
When asked why the UCI had disallowed disc brakes in cyclocross, Shawn Farrell, the USA Cycling Technical Director responded, "It isn't so much that the UCI has disallowed disc brakes as it is that they have not approved them yet. Our rules system is based on freedom of choice unless someone tells you you cannot do something. The UCI system is not the same. Any new piece of equipment is automatically disallowed until it is approved by them. That is a subtle distinction, but one that is important to understanding this situation with disc brakes.”
Chris Peck, of Cannondale’s R&D dept. says, “This won’t really affect Cannondale that much, as most of our disc-brake cyclocross customers are not at the Elite race level. It’s disappointing to me and a few other people who race at that level because our disc frames are designed without cantilever brake mounts. We use an extremely light seatstay that is not designed for cantilever brake loads. Now we have to go build new frames in order to compete. We don’t plan to alter our production frames because we’re confident that by filing a protest, the UCI will come around to our way of thinking. After all, Gary Fisher was able to get the UCI to reverse its decision on the legality of 29” wheels for mountain bike races.”
For others, the fall-back makes sense. “Disc brakes are unnecessary for Elite-level cyclocross races. Cantilever brakes keep the bike as simple as possible. Also, by adding disc brakes, you have to overbuild the fork and frame, which is where a lot of the necessary compliance comes from. At last year’s Napa Finals I saw probably three disc brake-equipped bikes. I just don’t see the need for disc brakes on cyclocross bikes.”
UCI officials have not returned emails regarding the ruling. Perhaps what causes the most confusion is the UCI’s statement that disc brakes are a “new piece of equipment.” The superior stopping power of disc brakes has been proven time and again on the mountain bike circuit. Whether or not the weight-to-performance tradeoff is worth it to racers should be left up to individual choice. After all, aren’t most cyclocross venues covered in mud anyway—the exact place that disc brakes offer an advantage?
What do you think? Should the UCI let racers use disc brakes or should they prohibit this "new technology"? Voice your opinion at:
the Dirt Rag forums
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