The RH77 brand has one foot in Austria and the other in South Africa. Founded by René Haselbacher, a former pro whose career saw him riding stages of Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and the iconic Belgian classics, René’s journey wasn’t confined to European roads. His wife was born in South Africa and he soon found his winter motivation in the rugged landscapes around Cape Town – now his second home.

Even when he was racing professionally, René was already involved in designing and selecting fabrics to ensure optimal fit and appearance for the riders. He’s carried that passion forward with RH77, which is world-class and as stylish as it gets.

We got to test two of their premium bib shorts.

Pro Premium Ice White

R 3,599.00

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White bibs are hot and in fashion right now, with none other than Matthieu Van der Poel leading the trend. Don a pair of these and you too can be the king of the peloton.

The performance features of these bibs are legion: seamless laser cut straps with mesh panels to wick moisture; a mesh back panel; curved leg cuffs with silicone grippers; reflective detailing; and a multi-layered, breathable chamois.

And unlike some European brands, where us braai-loving South Africans often have to size up, RH77 sizing is pretty much on point. If you normally wear a medium, you should fit a medium in these. Now, go turn some heads.

Race 7.7

R 2,999.00

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These all-rounders are just what you need for any kind of event, from an all-day gravel ride to a furiously fast road race. They’re durable enough to be worn while you’re training, too.

On social media, Haselbacher is fond of the hashtag #LookProRideSlow, which basically sums up these bibs: they look like something a World Tour racer would wear, at a price that doesn’t make your eyes water, with technical design features that will benefit every rider, not just the ones who can push more than 500 watts.

They’re lightweight and breathable, with a sleek profile, and made from quality materials. New for 2024: The ‘Coal’ colourway is available in a limited-edition long version, with 2cm longer legs than the standard bibs.

For more info about the full RH77 range, click here.

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