The Italian brand presents two new sunglasses and an aero road helmet. – By Greg Kaplan, bicycling

At the company’s 30th anniversary in Venice, Italy, the nearly-80-year-old Rudy Barbazza was on hand to launch new gear for 2016. The seasoned cycling accessories innovator helped to announce a new aero road helmet and two different pairs of sunglasses. Of course, all of the new Rudy Project gear is available in the company’s signature hi-viz “fluo” pinks, yellows, and greens, as well as less obvious colour combinations.

The Tralyx sunglasses (pictured above) start at R2,900, are lighweight, (28g) and offer a newly designed temple that Rudy Project claims is its most comfortable yet — so no pinching above your ear when you’re wearing them with your favourite helmet. When you’re not wearing them, you can tuck them into your helmet’s air vents without uncomfortably poking your head. The Talyx’s vents have been scientifically incorporated through the entire frame to enhance air circulation, ensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency without disturbing vision. Available in 17 stock frame colour options, the Tralyx has five lens options. The Impactx2lenses were developed exclusively for Rudy Project. Thanks to their molecular semi-rigid properties, Impactx2 lenses minimise injuries during impact or fall www.rudyroject.co.za

The Synform sunglasses (starting at R3,895; 33g) fold up to an incredibly compact size, and come with a stowaway case for easy storage in your jersey pocket when you’re not wearing them. The sunglasses will be available in three different colourways, with four lens options. www.rudyproject.co.za

The Boost01 aero road helmet features many of the same drag-reducing technologies found in Rudy Project’s Wing57 time trial helmet. Rudy Project enlisted the help of aerodynamicist John Cobb for testing at the Pininfarina wind tunnel. The Boost01 is claimed to have 12 percent less aerodynamic drag at a variety of angles when compared with conventional road helmets. Rudy claims this delays the onset of fatigue, since there may be less shearing and twisting forces on the helmet, and thus your neck as well. Another helmet feature is the built-in eye shield, incorporating Rudy’s lens technology and a flip-up magnetic retention system. When it becomes available (in 2016), the Boost01 will be available in two different sizes, six different color combinations, and three lens options. Starting at R3,700. www.rudyproject.co.za

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