High-end cycle clothing company Rapha have just popped into the office to show us some of their latest gear, and very nice it is too. We're hoping to get some in to test soon, but for now here's a quick rundown of the new kit.
There are a few completely new products, and refinements have been made to some older designs. Click on the thumbnails on the right for more images.
Jerseys
The pockets on Rapha's jerseys have been reinforced and redesigned to make them more usable. The Lightweight jersey is now more obviously Rapha, with an asymmetric arm stripe and full zip, and it's available in black or white.
Rapha's classically styled Country jerseys have proved popular and they're now available in French, Dutch and Italian designs. The Italian Country Jersey even has special edition matching kneewarmers to mark the 100th year of the Giro d'Italia.
Rapha's Country jerseys are now available in French, Dutch and Italian designs
The Club jersey is now available in red, cream or baby blue, and the Portland is a new jersey which will be available through retailers only, not from Rapha's website, and comes in a green, cream and olive green design.
The new Swift jersey with bird motif is aimed at the more casual rider – Rapha say it's "a race inspired jersey that's equally at home paired with Lycra or jeans" – while the Campionnissimo celebrates the 60th anniversary of Fausto Coppi winning the first Tour de France/Giro d'Italia double.
Rapha's latest (top, from left) Classic, Swift, Campion and (bottom row) Club jerseys
Outerwear
Rapha's new Summer Gilet is made from the same fabric as before but the shoulders have been redesigned for a better fit and it now has pockets on the back. It's available in black or white with a contrast stripe. The Stowaway jacket is available in black as before, but also in pale blue or hi-viz orange.
The Stowaway is available in black, pale blue, hi-viz orange or Rapha Condor colours
Team products
Rapha have been working with the riders on their UK pro team, Rapha Condor, to develop a range of race-ready products. A team kit (Sportwool jersey and shorts) is available, along with new Coolmax Pro Team socks and Lycra and leather mitts. A team version of the Stowaway has also been produced.
Casual and commuting wear
The Fixed T-shirt is available in brown, grey or cream, each with a contrast pocket on the back, while the Touring Shorts, last summer's big seller, now come in navy blue and black.
Rapha's Legends T-shirts are a cheeky homage to some legends of the sport. Available in three designs, they're priced at £30.
Rapha's Legends T-shirts are a cheeky homage to some heroes of the sport
The Fixed Shirt looks set to be popular with commuters with its classic look and discreet cycling-friendly features such as the wicking fabric, stretchy side panels and button-down collar. As Simon from Rapha says: "It's got a bit of cycling about it but it just looks really nice on." It's available in brown or navy blue and will cost around £65.
The Fixed Shirt and T-shirts combine cycle-friendly features with off-the-bike looks
Accessories
Rapha are now making a larger version of their Fixed Backpack, with 16-litre capacity rather than the old 11 litres. Due to the extra volume it now comes with a waist strap, although this can be concealed behind a nifty sleeve if not needed.
They are still producing a range of 'man bags', including the Bonk Bag which looks like a mini courier bag and is available in pinstripe, black or olive green, and an array of cycling caps – including some tweed designs – and water bottles.
Rapha's popular Fixed Backpack – it sold out last year – is now five litres bigger
Never ones to sit still, Rapha have plenty of new products in the pipeline which are still at prototype stage, including some cycling trousers and a fully waterproof jacket. We'll let you know as soon as we find out more.
