Everything you need to knowᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ about the latest range of Rapha clothing
(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha is a stalwart of many a road cyclist's wardrobe, and has been f🍰or a long time now. Its distinctive aesthetic - from💯 clean lines and block pastel colours to its white sleeve band and bright pink accents - can be seen on most country roads on summer afternoons.
Whether you're new to the sport and exploring kit options, or you're a seasoned cyclist looking to expand your ever-growing collection, here's an overview of Rapha's current range. From ♒merino base layers to Gore-Tex Shakedry jackets, via indoor cycling tank tops and detachable bib shorts that make women's nature breaks a doddle.
We've covered what we deem to be the brand's best offerings this year, so read on for🌃 our top picks of Rapha cycling kit.
Long sleeve jersey for high intensity winter training rides
Reasons to buy
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Soft fabrics
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Fit
Reasons to avoid
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Doesn't do much to cut cold winds
Made from slightly thicker fabric th🐎an the Pro Team Long Sleeve Aero Jersey that's brushed on the inside, the Pro Team LS Thermal top is🗹 fleecy on the skin and provides the right amount of warmth for high-intensity riding.
With the Pro Team moniker, this jersey is a race fit and is designed not to flap in the wind or bunch up at the joꦓints, it also features a triple rear pocket layout that sits completely flat when empty. Rapha has also removed all the seams from the front of the jersey, moving the bonded shoulder seams down towards the shoulder blades. Coming in six faded colourways there is a Vislon zip backed by a full-length placket and reflective accents throughout to aid visibility.
Does surprisingly well to keep the moisture out with only a DWR treatment
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Small enough to fit into a pocket
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Pays homage to the early days of pro cycling sponsorship
Reasons to avoid
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DWR not permanent and will need to be refreshed or retreated
Rapha's Shadow range was the brand's take on the wildly succes🅘sful Gabba Jersey. It's currently no longer available on the site, however, there is this limited edition Sonic Lightweight Shadow Jacket which comes with a very distinctive appearance. It pays homage to the '90s when big logo sponsorship came to the forefront.
Instead of using a multi-layer laminated fabric, Rapha has opted to use stretch woven yarns that are dipped in DWR an♏d then treated again after the fibres are woven into a fabric. Most of the time DWR only creates a temporary moisture barrier, however, in our experience the Shadow kit keeps the elements out almost as well as a fully waterproof garment for an extended period of time in the pouring rain. The advantage of not using a laminated fabric is the breathability of the garment isn't compromised, that said DWR treatments fade over time and need to be refreshed or retreated semi-regularly.
The is cut to a race f🌠it but features plenty of built-in stretch, a two-way zipper, and elasticated closures at the cuff. Rapha has also cut down on the bulk of the Shadow gear, a🅘nd it will now fit into a pocket.
(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha Classic Jersey II
Rapha's best jersey to date
Reasons to buy
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Packs down into a pocket
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Reflectivity
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Ventilation holes for cooling
Reasons to avoid
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No pockets
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Not the most breathable
Th𝔉is is the secondཧ iteration of Rapha's original Core Rain Jacket which set raised the bar on everyday weather protection. Now, the latest version ups the ante with an improved on-bike fit, which means long sleeves, a shaped rear hem for water protection, and a short front.
The jacket is extremely light weight at just 124g in a size small, while an off-centre zip helps to keep draugh✱ts out. Inner cuffs made from a lightweight stretch elastane fabric allow you to easily layer around gloves, and six laser-cut underarm holes help to shed heat, keeping you fresh and dry.
(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha Classic Flyweight Jersey
Simple, streamlined and super light for hot weather riding
Reasons to buy
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Classic style that always looks good
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Technical fabrics to keep you cool
Reasons to avoid
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Sleeves have a tendency to bunch at the shoulders
The Flyweight jersey is designed to keep you cool in the hottest conditions. The technical fabric is fast-wicking and breathable, to help move your sw🌞eat away from the body and allow some airflow at the same time. The low-cut collar offers a bit more comfort around the neck, while the reduced number of seams mean less bulk and more moisture transfer.
At the back there are three expandable pockets, which sit away from the body when stuffed full, reducing the likelihood of hot spots and allowing your skin to breathe. As with all Rapha's Classic range, the fit is relaxed, and inside you'🌳ll find a mesh lining to help you stay cool throughout your ride.
(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha Pro Team Aero Jersey
Designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic
Reasons to buy
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Performance fit
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Comfortable to wear
Reasons to avoid
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Pricey
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Small pockets
When you've got your eyes on the prize and all that matters is getting to the finish line first, it helps t🔯o be kitted out in watt-saving performance fit kit. Rapha's Pro Team Aero Jersey is designed to do just that. It's the jersey of choice for many pros, and has seen many WorldTour race winners to the podium.
Constructed from smooth and textured fabrics designed to slice through the air, this aero jersey hugs the figure but doesn't constrict movement, and is actually very comfortable to wear on 🌊the bike.
A good pair of shorts can make all the difference in your comfort on the road and if you're in the market for a solid set of bibs, you can't go wrong with the updated version of the Classic b🐬ib shorts.
The original version was the brand's best-selling pair of shorts, and Rapha has only made minor tweaks for the second iteration. The most noticeable difference is the new chamois which comes in three sizes and is used to tailor the contoured padding througꦆh each size. The bulk of the shorts are made from high-stretch, soft-on-the-skin lycra, and the soft mesh braces feature a sizable cut out over the spine to aid in breathability. All the seams are flatlock stitch and the lower hem sees silicone grippers to prevent them from riding up.
(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha Cargo Winter Tights With Pad
Pockets, pockets and more pockets
Specifications
Gender: Men and Women
Fit: Regular
Price: £240 / $325 / AU$410
Reasons to buy
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Rear and thigh pockets
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Reflective pannels on calf
Reasons to avoid
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The price
Mountain bikers have been us𝔉ing cargo bibs for some time so they can carry spares, tools and food without needing to take 🌄a backpack. While road jerseys have always had pockets, for the packrats among us (this writer included), it was hard to stuff everything in — especially on gravel rides.
The Cargo winter tights are made from a DWR treated, fleece-backed fabric and feature two pockets on the outer thigh and lower back. The pockets on the right side are made from mes𝐆h for quick access and those on the left are zippered and water-resistant. Rapha as also added reflective stripes on the rear of the calves for maximum low light visibility.
(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha Women's Pro Team Race Bib Shorts
Performance-focused bib shorts with clasp for easy nature breaks
Specifications
Gender: Women
Fit: Pro
Price: £195 / $270 / AU$340
Reasons to buy
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Detachable bib straps
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Chamois
Reasons to avoid
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Overly grippy leg band on the bottom hem
When nature calls, bib shorts are inherently inconvenie൩nt for women, because there is no way to get them off without fi💦rst taking off your jersey. So Rapha aimed to solve the problem with its detachable bib shorts.
Using a magnetic clasp at the bottom of the mesh braces which can be released with one hand, the bibs can be undone during a quick pit stop without first having to strip off layers. The magnetic clasp is made from injection moulded plastic for long term durability, and it's attached to a robust grosgrain fabric that's bonded to the mesh. Rapha then puts an extra section of material under the buckle to prevent rubbing or chaffing. Beyond the clasp, the women's Pro Team Race bibs feature a women's specific dual-density chamois, flatlock seams and softer fabric said to baꦺlance comfort and compression.
Supremely comfortable, highly breathable and moisture-wicking
Reasons to buy
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Versatile
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Superb thermoregulation
Reasons to avoid
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Slightly baggy fit
Merino wool is coveted for its many properties that do wonders for cyclists: it's highly breathable, it wickꦐs moisture away from the skin, it continues to insulate when wet, and it prevents bacterial build-up, which means it stays fresher for longer. That means less washing and therefore longevity.
Since the wool is so good at regul🤡ating your body temperature, it makes a suitable base layer fabric regardless of the weather. Pop on a short-sleeved merino base layer in the summer to keep you feeling fresh and dry, or a long-sleeved one⭕ in winter to help you stay warm.
Rapha's merino base layer features flat-lock seams throughout to prevent any chafing, and comes wi🎉th a fairly rel🍎axed fit.
(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha Pro Team Base Layer
Open mesh, highly wicking against the skin layer
Specifications
Gender: Men and Women
Fit: Regular
Price: £45 / $65 / AU$80
Reasons to buy
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Super stretchy material is soft against the skin
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Top notch wicking
Reasons to avoid
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Fishnet look is not for everyone
A base layer is designed to wick sweat off your skin, and can help your body ther🌺moregulate and prevent that gross, 'my jersey is a sopping mess, and it's stucꩲk to me' feeling.
Rapha's Pro Team Base has just been updated with a new open mesh fabric that's said to be lighter, stretchier a❀nd more breathable. Bonded and flatlock seams are used throughout, and the textiles also get anti-bacterial and wicking treatments to keep the fabric from becoming funky. Rapha makes the Pro Team base in Mens' and Womens' cuts, with and without ♋sleeves.
Perfect for keeping your core warm on a long blustery day on the bike
Specifications
Gender: Women
Fit: Pro
Price: £130 / $180 / AU$230
Reasons to buy
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Polartec Alpha insulation
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DWR treated exterior
Reasons to avoid
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Could use a set of rear pockets
Changeable weather conditions come with the territory when riding in autumnꦓ, winter or even spring and the Brevet Insulated Gilet is designed to keep you warm and toasty regardless of climate. The vest is lightly insulated with Polartec Alpha insulation which, for its weight, holds a surprising amount of loft for warmth but also breathes to help you thermoregulate.
The exterior of the gilet is DRW treated and the insulation is hydrophobic, ke𓂃eping its warmth even when wet. There is also a two-way zip, allowing you to dump heat after a hard effort. Available in three colours, the strips across the front and back of the vest are reflective for added visibility.
Rapha has long had shoes in its range, but they were usually based around an existing Giro shoe, with the British outfit adding design elements to the upper. Ra🐼pha since took design in-house with the Classic shoe, and then turned up the heat with the latest Pro Team Powerweave shoes.
The shoes are relatively narrow in shape, so might not be for those with wider feet, but, for our tech team at least, they were perfectly comfortable straight out of the box. You get modular adjustable arch support, too, so for𝓀 those of us with flat feet, there's no need to shell out for extra insoles.
They're certainly not winter cycling shoes but they don't fail at🍨 keeping your toes cosy on those chilly winꩲter mornings. They're also not waterproof, and they don't claim to be, yet despite the British weather doing its best to ruin the electric purple aesthetic of our sample pair, the DWR coating has kept them looking box-fresh and beautiful.
They are hyper stiff, ♋easily adjustable with the BOA dials, and feature a pressure-dispersing tongue, which is thicker and doesn't conform to the foot shape quite as much when 🐻pulling up in the pedal stroke.
Perfect for rides at temps around freezing — if you can afford them
Reasons to buy
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Fully waterproof
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Two-layer cuff design
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Reflective details
Reasons to avoid
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Pricey
Rapha's Deep Winter Gloves were developed and tested in the extreme cold and wet weather of Norway, and what results are these fully ♓waterproof, yet breathable, insulating and dextrous cycling gloves. They're pre-shaped to improve dexterity, which can often be an issue with bulky winter gloves.
The two-layer construction keeps the bulk down, with an outer membrane that's fully waterproof and breathable, and an inner fleece lining that's soft on the skin and provides additional warmth. The cuff is also designed with double layers: on the inside is a slim-fitting merino cuff that can easily be layered beneath a jacket sleeve, while on the outside is a lon💙ger cuff that forms a protective layer.
There's a reflective panel on the little finger to help your h🔜and signals be seen in low light, and the leather palm offers excellent grip and durability.
Minimal sleeveless top for hot indoor training sessions
Reasons to buy
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Baggy bike-specific cut for better ventilation
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Wicks moisture away from the skin
Reasons to avoid
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Limited colours
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Indoor clothing unjustifiable for some
The idea of 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:indoor specific cycling clothing might seem a little ludicrous, however as the likes of Zwift and TrainerRoad 🐭becomes ever more popular people are able to justify investing in a dedicated kit for training.
168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Indoor cycling garments prioritise breathability and moisture-wicking efficiency over aero and 🔯storage. The Rapha Indoor Training Tank uses a lightweight fabric with a gradient knit structure to help pull moisture away from the skin. Cut slightly looser than a base layer it features stretch panels, a long back and bike-specific-shaped armholes to assure a good fit in a riding position.
Rapha clothing range explained
Given the size of its range, you could argue Rapha has become more of a lifestyle brand than just a cycling brand, with everything from WorldTour-proven racewear, to everyday kit, luggage and even sunglasses and headphones. Here's a quick overview of the different ranges on offer🐭.
Pro Team - the kit used by the brand's sponsored race teams. Exღpect a slim cut for maximum aerodynamics and lightweight technical fabrics.
Classic - The brand's original kit, the name of the game is comfort. You'll find more relaxed ✱cuts here and heavy use of materials like merino wool.
Core - Rapha calls ꦜthese essentials for everyday riding. Garments that are just as comfortable on a commute as they are on a day in the mountains.
Brevet - This is the brand's adventure range. Here you'll find lots of pockets, puffy jackets and gear designed to keep you comfortable day after day, no matter how bad the weather ge✱ts.
City - Commuter and off-the-bike gear. You'll find lots of t-shirts, luggage and eve꧟n a coffee dripper and filters.
Logo - T-shirts, hoodies and socks
Mechanics - In case you had any r🎃eservations about calling Rapha a lifestyle brand, take a skim through the brand’s ‘casual workwear' range.
Who is Rapha?
Since its establishment in 2004, Rapha clothing has had quite an impact on cycling fashion with its plain aesthetic featurin🥂g a single trademark strip on the left sleeve and hot pink accents.
Founder Simon Mottram first leapt into cycling clothing because he felt the cycling kit market was dominated by loud kits plastered with gaudy 𓄧logos, and garments were cut for only tho꧃se with a 'pro' build, a physique that vast majority of riders don't possess.
The brand's first product was the Classic Jersey featuring a more relaxed fit, muted colours and a merino wool blend. From there the brand's range of cycling clothing, casual clothing and accessories have increased tenfold. They've also launched a worldwide cycling club complete with clubhouses, hosted a series of events and sponsored both the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:EF Education-Nippo and 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Canyon-SRAM pro teams. R🐠apha also offers free garment repairs and a jersey downsize program, offering discounts if you lose weight from training﷽.
Rapha has never been shy ab♊out being a premium brand, and in all fairness, their gear stands up to plenty of abuse, just don't be shocked by the hefty price tag. 📖;
🍎In 2017 Rapha was acquired by RZC, and investment firm run by the Walton family who also owns Walmart.✃
Based on the♏ Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to h🌊is other passion, skiing.
Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2021,꧟ during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine.
