What are the wheel restrictions for road racing bicycles?

The wheel restrictions for road racing bicycles, as per the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) regulations, are as follows:

Width:

- The maximum allowed wheel width is 28 mm for both front and rear wheels.

Depth:

- The maximum wheel depth is determined by the wheel-to-wheel distance.

- The minimum wheel-to-wheel distance is 10 cm, which translates to a maximum wheel depth of approximately 50 mm.

Shape:

- The wheels must be circular and have a continuous outer rim.

- No aerodynamic attachments or modifications are permitted on the wheels that extend beyond the outer rim.

Spokes:

- The number of spokes in a wheel must be between 16 and 36.

- Spokes must be fixed to the hub through spoke holes.

Materials:

- Wheels can be constructed from a variety of materials, including carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, or a combination of materials.

Weight:

- There is no weight restriction for road racing wheels.

Tire Size:

- The tire width allowed for road racing bicycles ranges from 23 mm to 32 mm.

- Tires must be inflated to a minimum pressure of 7 bars (100 psi) for safety reasons.

Wheel Change:

- During a race, riders are allowed to change wheels if necessary, provided they do so in the designated pit area.

These wheel restrictions are in place to ensure fairness and safety in road racing competitions. They aim to prevent riders from gaining an unfair advantage through the use of non-standard wheels or modifications that could affect the performance of their bicycles.