BH RS1 5.0 Review

While it displays the elegant and clean lines of an aerodynamic bike with extensive integration of disc braking, components, and cabling, the new BH RS1 features a design and ergonomics conceived to make it above all comfortable. And as versatile as it is high-performing. The 5.0 version of the new BH RS1 that we tested embodies this spirit of riding.

Photo credits: 3bikes.fr / Sylvain Bourgois

Unveiled at the end of summer 2020, the new BH RS1 has enriched the road bike range of the brand based in Vitoria Gasteiz in the Spanish Basque Country, alongside the BH G8 Disc, BH Ultralight Evo Disc, and BH Ultralight. The BH RS1 draws its inspiration from the lines and technologies shaped on the G8 Disc, but it features its own geometry, with the aim of making it more comfortable and accessible to the widest range of riders. As with the G8 Disc, it boasts advanced aerodynamics with full integration of cabling and components for a clean, always appealing style.

The BH RS1 we tested in recent weeks is the 5.0 version, the top-of-the-range model in the new RS1 collection, which spans from €2,699 to €5,499 for our test model. At this price, the BH RS1 5.0 is equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset (52-36-11-30) with hydraulic disc braking. It features an FSA SLK crankset and BH components such as the Evo Monocoque ACR cockpit, a BH RS1 seatpost paired with a Prologo Dimension saddle, and BH Evo 38 Disc V3 wheels fitted with Hutchinson Epsilon tires (700x28C). The complete setup, without pedals and in size M, weighs just under 8.2 kg. The model is available in five standard colors, and it benefits from the BH Unique program offering 32,000 color combinations.

The design of the BH RS1 is therefore reminiscent of the G8 Disc, with its subtleties. The new RS1 frame benefits from all the experience BH has acquired over generations of bikes in BH’s G (Global Concept) range in terms of aerodynamic development. It features Kamm Tail tubes in a truncated teardrop shape, established through the analysis of computational data and fluid dynamics tests collected by BH in recent years.

As with all premium frames in the BH range, the HCIM-Hollow Core internal molding manufacturing process is used to produce the RS1, offering the most optimal compromise possible between weight and a high degree of rigidity. The technique also promises a frame without imperfections, with complete control over tube thickness and a very neat finish. The BH RS1 relies on a BB386EVO bottom bracket shell, from which an oversized down tube extends with the aim of increasing torsional rigidity.

All cabling is routed internally thanks to the use of a BH Evo Monocoque handlebar/stem combo and the ACR system. This ensures a refined design for the bike and high-level aerodynamic performance, matching that of the G8 range according to BH’s calculations and analyses.

In the same vein, the BH Aero RS1 seatpost clamping system is inserted into the frame’s top tube to eliminate any clutter. The seatpost is specific and follows the same aerodynamic design as the frame. It is available in two versions, straight or with a 25 mm setback, to meet the requirements of a maximum number of users. Giving it this aerodynamic touch was the primary objective for the brand on its new model.

One of the other key areas of focus was the desire to give the bike a geometry that would provide comfortable and versatile handling, as well as high performance. The RS1 thus benefits from a raised front end and an oversized head tube. The chainstays are described as “extremely short” (415 mm in size Medium) with the ambition of increasing the bike’s responsiveness, and the seatstays are lowered. The RS1 chassis is designed to accommodate tire widths up to 30 mm.

Integrating disc braking, the BH RS1 houses clever Quick Levers (a 12mm thru-axle lock) at the heart of its wheels, simple to use and very practical for manual operation, without the need for tools. The Quick Levers are integrated into the wheel axle, and can be pulled out as needed for maintenance actions.

Efficiency, steady pace, and comfort

On the road, from the very first pedal strokes, you feel the good sense of rigidity and the aerodynamic effect promised by the initial visual impression, with the sculpted tube shapes linked to the BB386EVO bottom bracket shell. This BH RS1 5.0 seems to suffer from no aerodynamic drag, and the frame absorbs and transfers power efficiently. We are more measured on the bike’s overall responsiveness, which we find a bit sluggish to accelerate. It appears a little more physically demanding under the pedal, and rather harsh at the end of a ride after three hours on the road (especially if you start to struggle and lack energy). The overall weight of 8.2 kg initially seems a bit heavy to propel. But it should be noted that in recent weeks we have been riding bikes weighing around 6.5 kg / 6.8 kg maximum. It is therefore quite logical in this configuration that the “two kilos” difference is felt at first. This does not prevent us from easily tackling rolling hills and flats, which quickly appear to be the model’s preferred playgrounds.

Over the kilometers, we especially begin to appreciate its comfort, despite a good rigidity and a strong sense of solidity. The bike filters well, and the level of comfort reaches a good degree. And finally, once the weight assimilation is over, the feeling of hitting a wall dissipates, and we enjoy exploiting it and benefiting from its efficiency at a steady pace. Like many manufacturers, BH opts for 28 mm tires here (which are not a handicap, offering good performance and a touch of comfort), whereas our preference as riders would have been for a 25 mm section.

The shape of the Evo Monocoque ACR cockpit handlebar contributes to the very good overall comfort sensation, whether you’re gripping the drops or the wide, profiled top section. While its ergonomics somewhat limit the possibilities for installing a bike computer, it perfectly complements the bike’s aerodynamic lines and fully integrated appearance. Be careful when handling it at a standstill, for transport or cleaning, that the handlebar and its un-taped section do not hit the top tube.

The handling qualities, contributing to riding comfort, are also present: the bike is precise, quite lively, and seems easy to position on the road. This adds to an impressive resume featuring a contained price-to-performance ratio, and reinforces the impression of efficiency, versatility, and performance of this BH RS1 on multiple terrains.

The BH RS1 range

Our test model, the BH RS1 5.0, sits at the top of the new range, priced at €5,499. Available with disc braking only, the new RS1 is offered in five different versions, equipped with electronic or mechanical transmissions, starting from €2,699, with a choice of five colors. Versions 5.0 and 4.5 offer customization options via the BH Unique configurator, with 32,000 possible combinations.

• BH RS1 3.0: with Shimano 105 Hydraulic / Crankset: FSA Gossamer (50-34) / Wheels: Vision Team35 / Tires: Hutchinson Nitro 2 / Saddle: San Marco Monza / Cockpit: FSA Energy ACR Compact. Price: €2,699

• BH RS1 3.5: with Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic / Crankset: Rotor Vegast (52-36) / Wheels: Vision Team35 / Saddle: Prologo Nago RS / Cockpit: FSA Energy ACR Compact. Price: €3,199

• BH RS1 4.0: with Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic / Crankset: FSA SLK (52-36) / Wheels: Evo 38 Disc V3 / Tires: Hutchinson Epsilon / Saddle: Prologo Nago RS / Cockpit: FSA Energy ACR Compact. Price: €3,990

• BH RS1 4.5: with Shimano Ultegra Di2 Hydraulic / Crankset: Rotor Vegast (52-36) / Wheels: Vision Team35 / Tires: Hutchinson Nitro 2 / Saddle: Prologo Nago RS / Cockpit: Evo Monocoque ACR. Price: €4,699

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