The CTT requirements for Road Bikes have been updated for 2026. They are now contained in Regulation 15b, reproduced below. For full details of the Regulations, refer to the latest CTT handbook.
a. Time Trial Machine Class
(i). The competitor must normally assume a sitting position on the bicycle. This position requires that the only points of support are the following: the feet, on the pedals, the seat on the saddle, the elbows/forearms and the hands holding the handlebar or aerobar. The use of the so-called ‘tuck’ or ‘superman” positions are not allowed.
(ii). The riding position must be set so that vision is not compromised such that the competitor cannot react safely to events that can reasonably be expected to occur during the event in question.
(iii). Machines may be fitted with aero/tri bars.
(iv). Brake levers must be secured to the handlebars in such a position as to enable the competitor to readily apply both brakes whilst holding the handlebars at their widest point. The width of the handlebars must be no less than 350mm.
(v). Deep section rims, tri-spoke and wheels of a similar design may be used. The front rim must have a depth of no more than 101mm.
(vi). Disc wheels or spoked wheels fitted with cover may only be used on the rear of a machine.
b. Road Bike Machine Class
(i). The competitor shall normally assume a sitting position on the bicycle. This position requires that the only points of support are the following: the feet, on the pedals, the seat on the saddle and the hands holding the handlebar, tops, drops or brake hoods*.
(ii). The road bike must possess drop or flat handlebars. No tri-bars or clip-on bars are allowed. The minimum width of the handlebars must be 350mm outside to outside at their widest point and 250mm inside to inside minimum distance between brake lever hoods at their narrowest point. The maximum distance between the rearmost edge of the handlebar top and the foremost part of the brake lever (the “reach”) to be 240mm. Handlebars must not be modified or cut down in any way.
(iii). Both front and rear wheels must have at least 12 spokes each with a maximum rim depth of 90mm.
(iv). Helmets used in road bike category events must not cover any part of the ears, have a tear drop / long “tail” or be marketed as a time trial specific helmet. The helmet should not be modified in any way but any features of the helmet (such as sliding vents or covers) can be used.
(v). Hydration storage is limited to the use of water bottles or cages mounted within the main triangle of the frame for events up to 30 miles.
(vi). Road bikes, hybrid bikes and mountain bikes may be used in the road bike class provided they comply with the above criteria.
*N.B. Holding the brake hoods or drops may result in additional points of contact between the wrists/forearms and a rider’s handlebars. Such contact is permitted.
This is an uncontrolled copy of Regulation 15. See the CTT Handbook.