Prototype tool to measure UCI mandated 10 degree maximum brake lever tilt

prusaprinters

UCI's own version has been released!The same day I posted this I got the link for UCI's own version: https://www.uci.org/equipment/bh2JJzw1eB0n876rX2iB1This will take you to the “Equipment” page. Scroll to the bottom and expand “UCI 3D PRINTING MODEL REPOSITORY” and click on the link for the “BRAKE HOOD BODY INCLINATION TOOL”. This will take you to the UCI's SharePoint where you can download the STLs. There is also gcode for the Prusa MK3S, but I should mention that their use of supports is quite heavy handed so I'm not sure I'd recommend using that gcode unless you want to be 100% certain your printed version matches theirs exactly.I should also say that in my limited test sample, I like mine better.Work in progress!This is a work in progress and I am sharing for interested mechanics, and have created it with no communication with the UCI, so no guarantee is given that a setup that passes this gauge will pass an actual UCI check.I'm sharing this hoping that the UCI makes their final version available and this turns out to be unnecessary.If you try it, please share feedback with me either through a direct message here or by getting in touch on Instagram.DescriptionThe UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) is the governing body for bike racing across the world, and for the 2024 season has mandated a maximum 10 degree inboard tilt to the brake levers on bicycles used in road racing. Currently the UCI is developing their own jig which is also 3D printed, but several mechanics have been trying to get access to the files so they can print their own but so far have not had any luck. As I understand it, the UCI is still addressing fitment issues with the range of bikes that they see, so that may be the reason for the files not being shared. Until that happens, however, I've had requests from many mechanics looking to be able to check their own team's bikes, so I've created this version.Ronan Mc Laughlin of the Escape Collective has an excellent article talking about the ban that includes photos of the UCI tool in use at the Tour Down Under.My version is quite obviously inspired by the UCI tool in those photos, but based on my initial testing on a very limited number of bar/brake lever combinations, I've gone with a slightly different approach. The UCI version has an extra “wing” that can be used to check the angle of the brake lever directly from the side, but for mine I kept it simpler and used a large rectangle for a visual check.Using the tool is straightforward, place the angle gauge with the rectangular faces and the wider opening behind the brake lever, approximately aligned with the center of the lever, then drop the “bar aligner” piece down onto the handlebar. Visually check the lever against the rectangular faces on the angle guage from above. The official UCI rule (page 36 and 37 of this document) states that the 10 degrees is measured from the centerline of the brake body.PrintingThis should be an easy print. Both files should load in the proper orientation in your slicer. The angle gauge shouldn't need any special attention and should print without supports or the need for a brim. The bar aligner may need a brim due to the small contact area on the sides and the height of the model.AssemblyThis is designed to be used with an M3 screw, either 25 or 30mm should be good. These should not be hard to source, but I have had interest in a version that uses a piece of filament for the pivot, and will try to get that uploaded soon.The M3 screw should pass through the larger side of the angle gauge, and then cut its own threads into the other side when tightening it. This does not need to be tightened at all, so just thread it down until the screw head is near the face of the hinge. FeedbackPlease let me know your thoughts on this, or if you have any suggestions for improvement. I've got a very limited set of bars and levers to test with so would be very happy to hear your thoughts.