First Look: Bra RS1: Entry-level aero racer from Spain

Product news / racing bike: With the BH RS1, the Spaniards are presenting a new aero racer that, in contrast to the well-known G8 Disc, with a somewhat softer geometry and lower price, is also intended to appeal to price-conscious buyers with less pronounced racing ambitions.

Aero racing bikes have blossomed from being specialists into secret all-rounders among racing bikes. For more and more manufacturers, the wheels optimized for low air resistance now occupy a central position in the portfolio of the asphalt specialists. The problem: Due to the complex construction, aero racers were significantly more expensive than "classic" racing bikes in the past. On the other hand, the frames with their flat tube shapes weigh a few grams more.

BH RS1: Aero racer with a wide range of uses

However, these two "disadvantages" of aero racers - weight and price - have been put into perspective somewhat in recent years. Better simulation options and a wealth of experience on the part of the designers lower the price, while technical advances in carbon processing lower the weight. This is how bikes like the new BH RS1 become possible: modern aero bikes at an attractive price and competitive weight.

As race specialists, aero racing bikes in the past had a fairly uncompromising geometry and a very sporty seating position. However, a lot has happened here to make them more accessible to the general public; This can be seen clearly on the BH RS1: the geometry of the frame is clearly more relaxed than on the Basque high-end race machine, the G8 Disc. so you sit here much more relaxed and even as a non-racer you have no problems during longer trips.

BH RS1: Customization thanks to BH Unique

The BH Unique program may already be known to one or two fans of the Basque manufacturer, but will be significantly expanded for the 2021 season. A configurator on the BH website not only allows the frame design of selected models to be adapted to one's own wishes: From the color to the decals, the Spaniards offer a huge range of different combinations - even bright special colors with metallic effects can be selected. In addition, some components such as handlebars or saddle can be adapted to your own wishes. With the new RS1, the 5.0 and 4.5 models can be configured via BH Unique – for a surcharge of around 300 euros.

BH RS1 3.0: First look

 

BH RS1: models, trim levels and prices

The RS1 is launched with five models. All equipment variants rely on the identical basis of frame and fork, the biggest differences are in the built-in shift and brake groups and the wheels. From the Shimano 105 on the entry-level model for 2.699 euros to the Ultegra Di2 on the top model for 5.499 euros. The wheels are either solid Vision Team35 or the in-house BH EVO 38 Disc with carbon rims.

Website

www.bhbikes.com