Rapha has separated itself from the rest of the clothing market with simple, classic designs that mix retro styling with modern fabrics and construction methods. With the new year upon us, and several months of cold weather riding still to be done, Road Bike Action stopped by the Rapha offices in Portland, Oregon, to checkout their line of winter riding gear.
The Rapha Rain Jacket has been designed for severe wet weather riding and is a more robust version of Rapha’s popular Stowaway. The Rain Jacket features an effective waterproof and windproof outer layer for cold, wet days but still packs down small enough to fit in a jersey pocket. The Rain Jacket features a slim fit and a dropped tail to keep off rear wheel road spray. Fully taped seams keep water out at the shoulders while neoprene cuffs keep wrists warm and sealed off from the elements. Special venting panels under the arms aid in breathability and help regulate body temperature. The Rain Jacket has an offset, waterproof zipper with a fleece-lined zip guard. The zippered rear pocket is also waterproof and the cuffs and side panels feature reflective trim for increased visibility in low light conditions. The Rain Jacket retails for $295.00
Classic Softshell JacketRapha’s Classic Softshell Jacket features a synthetic membrane that is designed to be windproof, water resistant and breathable. Unlike many riding jackets, the Classic Softshell features side panels for a better fit and the sleeves have an ergonomic design to increase a rider’s range of movement. A rubberized pad on the left shoulder keeps bag straps stable when riding and seams have been positioned to prevent them from chafing. Both shoulders are edged with reflective piping, as have the collar and sleeves. The full-length zip has a reverse coil for a cleaner finish, a fleece-lined chin guard and a lockdown puller to eliminate rattles. A bite grip on the collar enables easy zip adjustment while riding and discreet zipped vents under both arms help regulate body temperature. Three large cargo pockets, with the center pocket including a pump sleeve stitched inside. The right-hand pocket has a islet for an iPod cable and an additional hidden pocket for valuables. Rapha finishes the Classic Softshell Jacket with a foldout storm flap that has a saddle grip to keep it in place. The Classic Softshell retails for $375.00
The Rapha Stowaway is designed for cool morning rides, summer descents and sudden showers. The high-stretch fabric is lightweight making for a 165-gram jacket that packs down small enough to fit into a jersey pocket. The jacket has a full-length, offset zip with a reverse coil (the back of the zip faces outwards) for increased water resistance. The Stowaway features a long-cut back for a better fit on the bike and a dropped tail to keep off road spray. The tail has been stitched to prevent the jacket flapping in the wind and friction locks on the waist cord make it easy to adjust the jacket while riding. Wear-resistant Lycra cuffs provide a windproof seal and the shoulder seams are taped for improved protection. Reflective stripes on the sleeves have been positioned for maximum visibility and a large Rapha logo on the lower back is also reflective. The Stowaway retails for $260.00
Softshell GiletThe Softshell Gilet is based on Rapha’s Classic Softshell Jacket, it is windproof and water-resistant. The polyester fabric is extremely durable and is treated with a breathable laminate to help keep the rider dry. Like the Stowaway, the Gilet is cut long in the back and has a dropped tail to keep off road spray. The armholes are reinforced with extra softshell fabric and cut to allow greater freedom of movement when riding. The Gilet has a full-length, offset zipper that is lined with fleece to prevent chafing. Reflective piping around the armholes and on the back of the Gilet aid in visibility. There are two large cargo pockets, a rear pump sleeve and a rubberized grip to attach a rear riding light. A zippered key pocket is added, as is a hidden pocket for valuables. The right back pocket also has an islet for an iPod cable. The Gilet retails for $205.00
Winter JerseyThe Winter Jersey is made from heavy Sportwool, a technical fabric made with a merino blend, for the weight and feel of a jacket. The Winter Jersey features lined panels in the front for added wind proofing. The brushed fleece inner keeps the rider warm while natural fibers in the Sportwool wicks moisture away to keep the rider dry. The Winter Jersey has a slim fit and is cut long at the back and in the arms for a better fit on the bike. The full-length zip has a large, lockdown puller to eliminate rattles and a fleece chin guard to protect against chafing. Zipped vents under each arm help the rider to regulate body temperature. The rear of the jersey has two large cargo pockets for storing bulky winter riding gear and an additional zipped pocket for valuables. A draw cord and friction locks help keep the jersey in place and make it easy to adjust on the bike. The Winter Jersey retails for $220.00
Long Sleeve JerseyThe Long Sleeve jersey is constructed from Sportwool. This means it wicks moisture more effectively than synthetic fabrics. The jersey is designed to be a mid-layer for cooler conditions with a base layer worn beneath or jacket on top. Since the Long Sleeve Jersey is constructed of Sportwool it doesn’t itch, is anti-bacterial and odor resistant. The jersey has a slim fit and is cut long in the back and arms for a better shape on the bike. Design elements include tailored shoulders and a contrasting armband. There are three main cargo pockets, with an inner pump sleeve stitched into the middle pocket. The middle pocket also has an islet to run an iPod cable. The Long Sleeve Jersey also features an additional hidden pocket for valuables, while the back of the jersey has a reflective strip for visibility. The Long Sleeve Jersey retails for $210.00
Merino Base LayerThe Rapha Merino base layer is made from 100-percent merino wool, which makes it naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant. The Merino base layer wicks moisture quickly, and is itch free. The Merino base layer comes in three styles; sleeveless, short and long sleeve. All three styles feature flatlock stitching to avoid chafing and are positioned behind the shoulders to avoid bib straps. The short sleeve retails for $80.00, while the sleeveless goes for $75.00, and the long sleeve for $85.00
Winter TightsRapha’s Winter Tights are made from durable Italian Thermoroubaix fabric and have a brushed fleece inner for insulation. The tights are shaped to provide an ergonomic fit and are designed to be worn over bib shorts so there is no pad. The Winter Tights feature flatlock stitching to prevent chafing and mesh stirrups that can be easily removed. A mesh panel in the back of the tights aids in regulating body temperature. Rapha finishes the Winter Tights with a hidden pocket in the lower back for valuables. The Winter Tights retail for $240.00
Winter HatThis classic, Belgian-style cycling hat is designed to be worn under a helmet and still keep ones head warm. It features a classic seven-panel design with foldable earflaps. The Winter Hat is made in Italy from brush-backed, stretch Sportwool (61% polyester, 25% wool, 14% elastane). This gives the hat insulation, while a mesh lining wicks away moisture to improve comfort. The Winter Hat retails for $45.00
Merino HatThe Rapha Merino Hat is made from merino wool to keep ones head warm in cold conditions. The Merino Hat has a small amount of nylon woven into the fabric to make it more durable and to ensure a snug fit. The natural fiber of merino wicks moisture away and the fabric dries quickly. It comes in black on one side with various colors options on the other side. The two-inch ear band can be folded up to help regulate body temperature. The Merino Hat retails for $50.00
Pro Team GlovesThe Rapha Pro Team Gloves are a full-fingered version of Rapha’s Pro Team Mitts, the Pro Team Gloves use a heavier Lycra than the fingerless version to provide protection and performance for cold weather. The gloves have a leather palm, which has been padded with high-density foam, along with additional padding at the base of the thumb for riding on the hoods. The index and forefingers also have leather on the grip side for increased traction on the brake lever. All the fingers have offset seams to prevent bulkiness at the fingertips. The Pro Team gloves also feature reflective piping, a synthetic suede nose wipe and an elastic cuff. A pull loop aids in the removal of wet gloves. The Pro Team Gloves retail for $85.00
OvershoesRapha’s Overshoes are made from 100% neoprene and have been designed to keep the rider’s feet dry. A reverse coil zip makes for clean lines, while the Velcro ankle closure ensures the zip bears a minimum amount of strain. A printed reflective logo appears on the outside of the foot and there is an additional reflective tab on the heel. The sole of the overshoe has openings for both a cleat and the heel of a road shoe. The Rapha Overshoes retail for $70.00
Winter SocksThe Rapha Winter Socks have been designed to keep the riders feet warm on cold days by using thicker yarn than Rapha’s traditional socks. The natural wool fiber wicks moisture to keep feet dry and feature handlocked stitching in the toes to prevent the seams from rubbing. Season-specific features include a padded toe and footbed for maximum warmth. The Winter socks retail for $30.00
To see Rapha’s complete Winter Line visit:
www.rapha.cc