BH

Ultralight RC

We're wary of calling the BH Ultralight RC the Ultralight's little brother. However, if we were to draw this analogy, the Ultralight RC would be the kind of little brother that annoyingly wins the light of its parents' eye. The reasons are obvious. While both frames have the same genetics, in this case geometries, the RC's very existence rises from a dutiful sense of responsibility. It packed on a little weight, but in return, it provides a more confident level of handling, compliance, and stability. So, in a sense, the RC shed its elitist beret, and dropped its intelligentsia friends to better serve the masses.

You're probably wondering what a two-letter distinction amounts to between the two frames? Well, in the abstract sense, we like to think that 'RC' stands for 'race conscious,' but in the tangible world, our definition still applies. You see, the RC and Ultralight are cut from the same cloth. Both frames share an identical geometry and carbon arrangement technique, only the RC forgoes the Ultralight's F1 carbon fiber composition. Instead, the slightly different carbon blend adds around 125 grams to the frame, but it also provides more stability, an increase in dedicated tracking, and an equilibrium between compliance and rigidity.

So, with their differences expounded, let's explore the similarities. The RC was constructed using BH's Hollow Core Internal Molding Technology, or in plainer speak, the tubes are constructed from the inside out. By paying attention to the internal structure, BH avoids any inconsistencies within the carbon composition. Additionally, this system eliminates unintended mold pressures, which means that BH is able to create a greater compaction rate during the mold process. So, not only does this create tubing that looks as flawless on the inside as it does on the outside, but it also increases the finished carbon's overall strength.

You'll also find that Hollow Core Technology enables BH to achieve higher levels of preciseness with the RC. And along these lines, like the Ultralight, the RC features a 100% monocoque construction that's comprised of specific modulus carbon fibers throughout the frame. So, with a one-piece construction, the RC becomes ultra-responsive due to the high levels of rigidity. Additionally, the monocoque design eliminates excess weight by requiring less carbon and resin application at the tube junctures of the frame. As a result, at around 880 grams, the second-tier RC is still lighter than most companies' featherweight frame offerings.

However, construction techniques and fiber selections aren't solely responsible for the RC's impressive stiffness-to-weight ratio. No, in fact, a major player in this attribute is the frame's BB386 EVO bottom bracket. At the moment, this bottom bracket is exclusive to Wilier and BH frames, as the two parties worked extensively with FSA in its development. With it, the bottom bracket width has been increased from BB30's 68mm to 386 EVO's 86mm. This shell extension results in BH's ability to widen the seat and down tube diameters by around around 20mm. And as simple logic tells us, this drastically increases rigidity, while also promoting an efficient power transfer to the rear triangle. But, this also permits BH to decrease the tube's wall thickness, further shedding grams. Additionally, BB386 EVO was developed to use press fit bottom bracket cups, eliminating the need for alloy inserts in the shell. Of course, this also shaves a good deal of unnecessary weight. Altogether, BH credits BB386 EVO with increasing overall torsional rigidity by 133% and rear triangle stiffness by 115%.

And to set the RC completely over the top, BH incorporated a full-carbon, 1-1/8 x 1-1/2in tapered head tube. Additionally, this has been mated with a full-carbon fiber fork that was dual-developed with Enve Composites. Starting to see a trend here? The RC is carbon crazy. In fact, even the bottom bracket shell and integrated front derailleur boss are 100% carbon fiber. And to top off the already lightweight, clean aesthetic, the RC features BH's internal cable routing. And regardless of if you intend to run either mechanical or electronic shift systems, the RC's routing will accommodate both.

The BH Ultralight RC is available in six sizes from XX-Small to X-Large and in the colors Blue and Red.