Galibier Rapide Aerosuit

Galibier's Rapide Aerosuit is a good quality one-piece cycling garment: aero, comfortable and reasonably priced.

One of the things aerosuits can lack is comfort. Unlike the bespoke suits that the pros use, which are designed to fit anatomically to their bodies with a hint of compression thrown in, off-the peg suits can be constricting in the body – but the Rapide Aerosuit is nothing of the sort.

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Getting it on takes no longer than an ordinary bib short/jersey combination, while pulling it over your shoulders and getting your arms in is also easy. I say this, because despite my swimmer's frame I was able to fit in it snugly. The zip zips down to the waist, at about the same length as a full-length zip on a standard jersey.

The sizing works on an overall weight measurement, with medium, for example, suiting a 68-78kg rider. I weigh a slim 83kg presently, so it's not hugely accurate, although the sizes are set up in an overlapping matrix so there's a bit of wiggle room, as I amply demonstrate.

The body is made mainly of an elasticated polyester blend, with mesh panelling in the back for improved ventilation. It works well, and, thanks to the body-hugging fit, wicks away moisture extremely effectively, though there aren't any of the high-tech fabric stripes that help channel air neatly over your body.

In keeping with the aero feel, the hems are textured rather than fitted with silicone gripper – an approach I like to see in every jersey and bib short I ride in, to be honest – and seams are internal to keep them out of the wind. Nothing unusual here, but their overlocked nature does result in a neat look and no chafing.

The neckline is relatively wide, pulled down by the overall fit. It's a little odd if you haven't ridden in one like it before, but actually goes unnoticed after a while, which is ideal for first-time aerosuit users.

One area where the suit does constrict is around the arm. As comfortable as the textured arm gripper is, it is a little tight if you don't have pipe-cleaner guns. Still, having extra folds and fabric in this area could be to the detriment of aero performance, so it's a small price to pay.

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It's a resilient garment, washing through on a delicate cycle without any problems, and the quality of the 3D pad is also very good. It's the same as seen in Galibier's Pro Team4 bib shorts, which means it has pedigree further up in the range. It lacks slightly in density compared with some I've used, but for rides of up to 100km, plus time trials, it cuts the mustard.

Finally, Galibier has fitted three pockets in their usual spot on the lower back. They're not big, just enough to carry bare essentials and a bar and gel or two, but they're ample for the presumably shorter distances this aerosuit is designed for.

Overall, this is a very competent aerosuit. At £84, it's also not ridiculously expensive – and although it's not absolutely cutting edge with wind-tunnel-researched tech, it does offer sleek performance if speed is your thing.

Verdict

A solid drag-reducing design that doesn't sacrifice rider comfort