Race gloves strip away everything that isn't essential to the connection between your hands and the handlebar. The RSR Speed Gloves S11 from Assos represent their most minimal approach to hand coverage, designed for riders who find even lightweight summer gloves too much fabric between their palms and the bar tape. These target hot weather racing and fast group rides where grip feel and cooling take priority over padding or protection.
The construction centers on Assos's ultraThin fabric, a single-layer material that functions more like a second skin than traditional glove construction. The palm uses their rsvGrip technology, which maintains traction on the bars even as your hands sweat without adding perceptible thickness. There's no gel padding here, no foam inserts, no shock absorption beyond what the fabric itself provides. That's the point—the RSR Speed sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from endurance-focused gloves that prioritize long-haul comfort over direct feedback.
Assos cuts these gloves with their twinDeck design, which eliminates interior seams that could create friction points during repeated grip adjustments. The closure uses a simple hook-and-loop tab at the wrist, keeping the entry and exit quick without adding bulk to the back of the hand. Perforations across the upper hand allow airflow to pass through when you're moving, and the microfiber thumb panel handles sweat and nose management during efforts.... Read More
The fit runs true to Assos sizing, which tends toward a performance cut that sits close without restricting finger movement. If you're between sizes, the stretch in the ultraThin fabric accommodates some variance, though these work best when they fit snug enough to move with your hand rather than shifting independently. The minimal cuff height keeps them clear of computer mounts and watch bands.
These gloves make sense for specific conditions and preferences. If you race criteriums in summer heat, train through July and August, or simply prefer maximum bar feel over cushioning, the RSR Speed delivers exactly what it promises. Riders who cover long distances or deal with rough road surfaces might want more palm protection, but that's not what Assos designed these to do.
