The new Speed line from rh+ comes out of more development and testing with their Fundación Contador development team. The product of the in-house rh+ technological development group at their Powerlogic Lab, Speed was a project to bring together aerodynamics, temperature regulation, and overall comfort to a broader range of users than just road pros. Rh+ sees the benefit of aero improvements across all types of riding, especially for things like granfondo racing, XC and marathon racing where cyclists often spend a lot of time out on their own, but aerodynamics have traditionally been ignored. The Speed line-up starts with an aero cut SpeedCell jersey and bibs, and expands tin include a rain shell jacket and paired helmet and sunglasses. Take a closer look at each after the break…
Rh+ designed the Speed line around the needs of cyclists in general, not just their discipline. As such every cyclist can benefit from better fitting and better performing kit. That said, by sponsoring the rh+ Polartec Fundación Alberto Contador Team, rh+ has been able to pull in the expertise from developing their team race kit and having the chance to properly test it in real riding conditions.
The heart of the Speed line is the SpeedCell jersey. Developed to limit drag, it uses a well-formed and pre-shaped fit tailored for an aggressive on-the-bike position. It combines a DrySkin front with a textured Dual Cell back, and adds a 3D mesh panel at the back that together create a slippery jersey that minimizes drag of the rider’s back. Pockets are streamlined to lay flat out of the wind and sleeves are cut long with a flat finish end to transition smoothly to the lower bicep. The 150€ jersey is available in black, grey, and white.
The SpeedCell bib shorts use the same waffle textured Dual Cell fabric on the sides to break up air as it passes over the rider’s spinning thighs, and a 3D mesh back and bib straps to keep cool. The 175€ bibs use Elastic Interface’s new Lìege dual-density chamois for long ride comfort on either road or trail, and also add nice little features like a rear radio pocket, reflective details, and seams that are claimed to sit especially flat. Like the jersey, the bibs are available in this grey, a similar white with red accents, and an all-black version.
An rh+ aero rain jersey aims to do away with flapping in the wind when the weather turns foul, and get the same aero add-on benefit. The 120€ SpeedRain shell is a compromise between a rain vest and a rain jacket in what is essentially a 3/4 sleeve wet weather jersey. It gets similar on-the-bike pre-shaping (especially around the neck), but here uses a 4-way Polyester stretch fabric that still claims 10,000 mm/ca waterproofing. It gets taped seams around the shoulder and arm to keep water out where it really matters.
To complete the aero rh+ Speed setup, they suggest adding the newly introduced fast Z Alpha helmet. Rh+ claims that the MIPS helmet delivers much better aerodynamics than typical helmets, and way better ventilation than current aero offerings. That places it somewhere in between, as a happy medium style helmet for all types of riding. Top it off with a pair of 135€ Olympo Triple Fit shades. The glasses build adjustability into their nose piece and temples to ensure a close and comfortable fit, keeping the wind out.
