The newly set 2027 UCI equipment regulations created plenty of discussion amongst the track cycling community. New geometrical constraints are forcing the industry to quickly respond with 2027 looming. Nations are probably the worst off - with the rules coming into effect on January 1st, but the nations targeting the world championships in August to debut their new Olympic equipment. This leaves many nations hanging for almost 8 months with very few options.
The Vector Sprint Handlebars builds on the success of the Altias Sprint Handlebar, ridden to three Olympic medals. Glenn led the design, developing them to maximise the 2027 technical regulations of track cycling.
Building on the success of the Altias Sprint Handlebar
Two changes in the 2027 UCI equipment regulations directly influenced the development of the Vectors. First, the maximum outside to outside width has settled at 350mm. Second, the allowable top section width has been reduced from 80mm to 65mm. The Altias Sprint Handlebar was developed to maximise the previous rules and its 80mm top section no longer complies with the updated standard come January 1st 2027. 
That being said, off the back of the Altias handlebars success, we did not want to abandon what was already working. Instead, we carried over key elements of the original design, including the proven drop shape. The drop area itself was made taller to support the increasingly popular sprint hand position, all while ensuring compliance with the updated width requirements.
From idea to prototype
Development began with dozens of 3D printed prototypes. These early versions allowed testing of widths, drops shape and new hand positions in quick succession. Before the full rules were published, even some radical concepts were created that met the 350mm width, but positioned your hands well inside of the limit (these concepts were squashed once the full wording was published). Each iteration revealed small but significant improvements in comfort, particularly in how the hand interacted with the upper section of the drop. Numerous riders provided input and explored the new hand positions all before the first carbon prototype was produced.
Stiffness to Weight Ratio
A premium - no compromise high modulus carbon fibre layup was tuned for sprint specific loads, delivering a considerably higher stiffness to weight ratio over its predecessor, the Altias Sprint Handlebar. The elimination of the integrated faceplate system found on the Altias Sprint Handlebar meant a decrease in weight which has become a requirement everyone is chasing in modern sprint bike setups.
Same Drop, New Position
The Vector Sprint Handlebar retains the same 73mm drop as the Altias Sprint Handlebar, ensuring familiarity and transferability for riders moving from the previous model. However, thanks to the updated design, the Vector Sprint Handlebar enables an additional series of hand positions that was not possible on the Altias Sprint Handlebars. This means athletes upgrading from the Altias Sprint Handlebars can maintain their current drop height with the same stem length and angle making the transition seamless while unlocking improved ergonomics and aero potential.
Who it is for?
Like all our track products, Vector was developed with world-class sprinters in mind. It is engineered for track sprinters but remains a versatile drop handlebar. Anyone chasing maximum speed and acceleration benefits from the improved stiffness, reduced weight, refined ergonomics and rider-centric aero considerations that came out of this process.
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