Rapha's Guide To Racing Suits
Proven through wind tunnel and real-world testing, racing suits are no longer the reserve of professional riders. Crucial for those chasing 'free speed' and, fundamentally, that winning edge. Drag reduction is key, but performance is the sum of all parts, so details matter too. Our guide will help to determine which suit is best for you.
Intended Use Case
Racing suits have come a long way since their introduction to the velodrome and at time trials in the late 1970s. Developed to be aerodynamically superior, they've seen continuous innovation in material type, seam positioning, and finer or more practical details. Originally engineered for speed alone — they’re always faster than a jersey and bib shorts due to the close-fitting nature — modern iterations now offer a whole lot more.
The choice of skinsuit should not only be discipline-led, but also personal, and based on the trade-offs you’re willing to make. Considerations on pure speed, cargo volume or extra comfort for longer rides should inform your decision.
In the wind tunnel
Watt savings and CdA (Coefficient of Drag x Frontal Area) are captured at various speeds and yaw* angles to simulate riding outside. Our suits save up to 40 watts compared to a standard jersey and bibs.
*Yaw is the relative angle between the wind direction, and the direction and speed of the rider (wind velocity vs. rider's forward velocity). Measured in degrees, the faster you ride relative to the crosswind, the lower the yaw angle.
DON’T FORGET THESE CONSIDERATIONS
Fit and Feel
Although comfort is essential for physical and mental performance, a skinsuit should always be worn tight; flapping of loose material will negate any aero benefits. Keep in mind that a racing suit is designed to fit perfectly in a riding position, not off the bike, and therefore might prove difficult to wriggle into at first, but you'll get to know 'the dance'.
Fabric science
Fabric science influences textures, placement, and combinations of materials. Seams are just as important: how they sit and whether they are bonded, sewn, or removed completely to create strategically-placed seamless areas. Minimal air resistance is the objective when every fraction of a second counts.
From the Lab to the Road
Wind tunnel data proves the advantages of pulling on a one-piece suit in most cycling disciplines. Myriad factors can impact aerodynamics on the road, and a racing suit is just one part of the bigger picture. Bike and wheel setup is a major contributor, as is rider position and helmet. Clothing similarly makes a significant difference, and even slight watt savings can conserve enough energy for when it matters most.
The finer details
Usability is as important as the numbers. Pocket volume and accessibility, chamois comfort, fabric breathability and support, zip design: all these things matter, and can make the difference to your performance.
Training
Many cyclists will save skinsuits for racing, but familiarity with your full race setup is an effective way to mitigate against unwelcome challenges before, rather than mid-race. Alternatively, you may choose a suit simply to help you feel locked in when chasing down a segment or a personal best – thanks to Strava there are crowns around every corner.
Familiarise yourself with your setup. Get race-day ready
Gravel and Endurance
The demands of ultras and gravel races are different. Adequate fuel and maximum comfort are just as important as speed. You may need more pockets, you may need more space for hydration. The functionality of our suits can turn a good performance into a podium-worthy one.
When you demand more than just speed.
Road and TT
Racing against the clock, individual and team pursuits, fast road races: this is where the focus is fully on crossing the line in the fastest time possible. These are the races where hundredths of a second can be critical. Speed might be everything, or you may require additional comfort or features.
Speed is everything.
Hot Conditions
The hotter you get, the harder your body has to work to keep your core temperature down. All this extra work means more muscle fatigue and reduced strength; excess heat really can slow you down. Preventing overheating is, therefore, a priority, and a summer racing suit should be as lightweight and breathable as possible. Our Ghost and Summer Roadsuits are engineered from advanced fabrics that rapidly remove moisture and heat, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
Keep the legs awake and make the break.
Related guides
The Pro Team Roadsuit
Developed for race-winning speed with riders of EF Pro Cycling, our next generation Roadsuit is built for chasing seconds.
Chapter 5: Hell or High Water
Unbound in the Flint Hills of Kansas is a proving ground for the ever-quickening sport of gravel racing. In a discipline where rules and possibilities are continually redefined, we discover the story of four riders at the feed zone – where for a moment, the race stands still.
Chapter 6: Pro Team Ghost
Introducing Ghost – a radical new group of designs made for extreme heat.
Faster Goes The Future
Progress, like the peloton, never stands still. If you don’t innovate, you get left behind.