***UPDATE: THE WORLD’S FASTEST AERO SUIT HAS BEEN BANNED #BANNEDBYTHEUCI FROM USE IN UCI RACES IN MARCH 2019. READ MORE ON ENDURA D2Z.***
Endura and Drag2Zero launch their game-changing Endura D2Z Aero Collection to the public today. The collection contains the world’s most advanced aero clothing and helmet, developed by the Scottish cycle wear experts in cooperation with leading aerodynamicist Simon Smart of Drag2Zero at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 wind tunnel in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Endura’s relationship with Smart is long-established. Their latest project is a collection that changes the game for aerodynamic kit, with suits, jerseys and bibshorts faster than their competitors’ across a range of speeds and an aero helmet that leaves the flagship aero helmets of six leading brands behind.
The Partnership
Smart’s partnership with Endura has rendered impressive result. His work at Mercedes F1, a combination of scientific calculation and engineering intuition, is rendered in fabric some 350 miles away in Livingston, Scotland.
“You have to specialise in the thing that you’re good at,” Smart explains. “Ours is aerodynamics, so it made sense to partner with Endura, who are so far down the road with textiles, having built up an amazing resource in Scotland with their prototyping and manufacturing facility, which seems second to none.”
Rapid prototyping, in a real sense, rather than 3D printing, has underpinned the speed of development.
Endura Drag2Zero® Aero Methods
While most brands test at one single speed, Endura Drag2Zero® understands the critical variations in aerodynamic efficiency at different speeds and in different riding positions. A suit optimised for a TT rider, averaging 50kph in an aggressive aero positon is not necessarily the fastest suit for a rider on a road bike, averaging 35kph. Developing the Endura D2Z® range around this broader philosophy has resulted in products which are finely tuned to the requirements of the target rider, not only faster than the competition at one selected data point but across a range of speeds.
Endura Drag2Zero® Aero Products
D2Z® Encapsulator Suit™
The halo piece of the Endura D2Z® collection represents the pinnacle of aerodynamic apparel technology for the rider who is obsessed with speed. Optimised for speeds over 45kph and in a TT position, the Endura D2Z® Encapsulator Suit™ is the go-to piece for any serious time trial rider looking for the fastest suit in the world.
The Encapsulator Suit™ uses ground breaking STT™ (Silicone Surface Topography) technology. This exclusive, patent pending technology has been developed by Endura in close collaboration with Simon Smart of Drag2Zero® and validated by the world’s top road riders on the UCI WorldTour. SST™ is the result of years of R & D, studying airflow in wind tunnel in conjunction with the development of ground breaking new production methods to bring theoretical ideas to real world riding. Strategically positioned 3D chevrons positively affect airflow around the body, reducing drag at the speeds relevant to the target rider.
Providing a simple solution to the challenge of neatly attaching a race number, the Encapsulator pocket protects the delicate fabrics from the damage caused by pins. Initially banned, then accepted, by the UCI the super fine, translucent Encapsulator pocket allows race numbers to be clearly visible while retaining the breathability of the pocket area around the number.
D2Z® Roadsuit
For the passionate rider looking to gain extra seconds on the local race circuit, hit ambitious targets on a big Gran Fondo or just beat their mates on the club run the Endura D2Z® Roadsuit provides the perfect fit. The heavily textured sleeve and flank panels and SST™ leg prints maximise aerodynamic efficiency through a wide range of speeds while the one piece construction ensures a close, race fit and minimal bulk. Optimised for road racing position and a speed range of 32-50kph, the suit boasts the 1000 Series Aero Pad and three rear pockets with bonded, windproof spoiler cover to retain a smooth, clean profile along the back of the Roadsuit even when the pockets are full, while still allowing easy access.
D2Z® Bibshort and Jersey
The Endura D2Z® Short Sleeve Jersey and Bibshort provide the same aero advantage as the Roadsuit for the rider looking for the versatility of a 2 piece outfit. A lightweight internal hem elastic with silicone gripper hold the jersey in place while the full front zip allows quick venting when the temperature rises. Shorts feature a high wicking, lightweight mesh bib for comfortable support with SST™ technology taking care of airflow.
D2Z® Aeroswitch Helmet
Developed with the goal of being the fastest in the world, testing of the Aeroswitch helmet against its rivals shows incredibly positive results. Extensive cfd modelling, wind tunnel prototype testing and a vast knowledge of experience have helped determine a profile which is not only exceptionally aerodynamic in direct airflow but also minimises the negative effects experienced as yaw angles increase. The full Koroyd® core provides market leading impact absorption. Koroyd’s tubular construction also keeps weight to a minimum and improves cooling over traditional aero helmets. A deep visor provides eye protection and the magnetic attachment allowing it to be easily flipped up out the way with one hand when not required.
The Aeroswitch’s name hints at its hidden feature of a patent pending* detachable aero tail which clips off to create a shorter, more open road aero helmet. Large front vents achieve an increased airflow, while the one-hand micro-adjustment fit system lets you adjust the fit easily. Antibacterial fast wicking, spacer fabric padding and the included EVA carry case and helmet bag round off the impressive list of features. Last but not least, the D2Z® Aeroswitch Helmet is covered by Endura’s Crash Replacement Policy and certified to CE standard EN1078:2012 + A1:2012.
