As the air gets colder in the northern hemisphere, Rapha has a few new warm pieces plus reworked editions of popular pieces like the Pro Team Jacket and Brevet Jersey. For those of you lucky enough to be down south — or down under — in summer weather, Rapha also has new editions of its lightweight gear.
BikeRadar will be posting reviews on a few of these items soon, but in the meantime check out our gallery of Rapha's latest clothing.
Super Lightweight jersey and Lightweight bibs
The Super Lightweight jersey and bibs come in some new styles
Jersey: US$160 / £100 / AU$175
Bibs: US$230 / £155 / AU$235
The Super Lightweight jersey is suited to hot, humid conditions, and is made from three synthetic fabrics, which are soft on the skin and fast-drying. Mesh side panels also add to the jersey's airy nature.
At the rear you'll find three large reinforced pockets and a small sweat-resistant zippered pocket. There are two ribbons of rigid fabric that run up the back of the jersey to prevent loaded pockets from bouncing or sagging.
The Lightweight bibs are made from a featherweight moisture-wicking fabric, and have mesh shoulder straps and a perforated chamois. To put that Lightweight moniker in context, a medium-sized pair weighs a measly 168g, compared to the Rapha Classic bib shorts, which weigh 214g in the same size.
The Super Lightweight jersey and Lightweight bibs will be available in sizes XS to XXL, and in three new styles: white and light blue, grey and pink, and blue and chartreuse.
We've tested previous incarnations of both items: check out our reviews of the Super Lightweight jersey and the Lightweight bibs.
Pro Team Padded Winter Tights
There are new versions of the Country Jersey, too, like Colombia edition shown here
US$295 / £200 / AU$310
The Pro Team Padded Winter Tights are wind/water-resistant on the front and more breathable on the backs of the legs. There are no zippers, but plenty of reflective detailing. The Pro Team Padded Winter Tights get the same CyTech chamois as the Pro Team shorts.
Long Sleeve Brevet jersey/gilet
The Brevet jersey is two items for the price of one
US$310 / £205 / AU$320
Made from the ever-popular Sportwool fabric, Rapha’s Brevet is both a jersey and gilet. The Brevet jersey has ample storage, including three reinforced pockets, a sizable zippered mesh pocket and a small zippered pocket for valuables. The merino-polyester blend is soft to the touch, and should help to regulate body temperature in a variety of weather conditions.
In addition to the hi-vis reflective strips on the jersey, the included neon pink vest will no doubt help you be seen. The windproof front panel will keep early-morning chills at bay, while large mesh panels on the sides and back of the shoulders will take care of unwanted hot air. An offset zipper should prevent any unwanted irritation.
The Long Sleeve Brevet will be available in both a men’s (below) and women’s (pictured) versions, in sizes XXS to XL.
Need more pink in your life? Rapha added a bright new Neoprene Overshoe style
Women's Souplesse jacket
The Women's Souplesse jacket is a new addition to the Rapha range
US$290 / £190 / AU$295
The Women's Souplesse jacket is another new addition. It's designed for cold weather riding, and the DWR front panel is made from the same wind-blocking fabric that's used throughout the Pro Team Jacket. The rear panel is made from a fleece-lined poly-nylon blend, which should allow the jacket to breathe nicely.
Instead of the standard three reinforced rear pockets, Rapha has opted for two large angled pockets in the outside, and a smaller middle pocket. There is also a small hidden zippered pocket with a sweat-resistant backing that's big enough for a smartphone or other valuables.
The Souplesse jacket will be available in sizes XXS to XL, and in three styles: orange and red, dark grey and chartreuse, and navy and hi-vis pink. It builds on the Soupless women's range, which includes the summer jersey we reviewed previously.
Rain jacket
Details are reflective
US$310 / £200 / AU$315
The Rapha Rain jacket comes in orange and blue this year. Taped seams help keep the rain out of the semi-breathable jacket. An AquaGuard zipper keeps the water out there, too. Logos and white details are reflective.
Women's padded tights
The Women’s padded tights are made from fast-drying Thermo Roubaix fabric
US$235 / £160 / AU$240
Rapha’s Women's padded tights are full length, fleece lined winter tights with a Cy-Tech women-specific chamois. Made from fast-drying Thermo Roubaix fabric, Rapha’s Women's tights feature a high-waisted bike-specific cut, and a silicone gripper around the back of the waist to help keep them in place. There is also a small zippered valuables pocket.
The Women’s tights will be available in sizes XXS to XL in black and white, or dark grey and chartreuse.
Pro Team Jacket and Thermal Bib Shorts
Pro Team jacket: US$330 / £220 / AU$340
Pro Team thermal bib shorts: US$290 / £190 / AU$295
The Pro Team Jacket comes in black, red or blue this season, with a Polartec chest and arms complemented by Super Roubaix rear and underarm panels. The Pro Team Jacket has proved a BikeRadar favorite for its jersey-like fit and feel with jacket-like protection. The arm band and stripe detailing are reflective.
The Pro Team Thermal Bib Shorts use Thermo Roubaix for warmth and come in black with red, white or green detailing.
Climbers shoes
The Rapha Climbing shoes are light and airy
US$420 / £280 / AU$440
Following the announcement of the Rapha Cyclocross shoe, the British cycling brand has once again teamed up with Giro and Easton to release a new road shoe that promises to be Rapha's lightest version to date. The Climbers shoe features Easton's flagship EC90 SLXII carbon sole, Velcro straps and a synthetic leather upper.
While we have not yet gotten our hands on, or rather, our feet into, a pair of the Climbers shoes, we will be reviewing them as soon as they are available.
The Climbers shoes will be available in blue and white, white and silver, and black and hi-vis pink.
Merino base layers
Full merino base layers come in a variety of styles
US$85 / £60 / AU$90
Merino base layers run the spectrum from sleeveless to short sleeve to long sleeve to turtle neck. New Zealand sheep provide the anti-bacterial technology.
Rapha essentials case
The essentials case now comes in more colors
US$65 / £45 / AU$70
The Rapha essentials case is a small leather riding wallet that will easily fit into a jersey pocket, and is ideal for carrying riding essentials such as a mutli-tool, energy gel or your keys and ID.
Inside, there is a soft microfiber phone pouch and a small zippered pocket. The essentials case is now available in green, navy, hi-vis pink or black.
Transfer jacket and Merino drawstring hat
Transfer jacket: US$295 / £190 / AU$310
Merino drawstring hat: US$50 / £30 / AU$50
The Transfer Jacket is Rapha's take on the puffy jacket. The Merino Drawstring Hat comes in a variety of styles, including those that match a few of the Country Jersey designs. You can wear it as a neck gaiter or a hat.
Rapha jeans
Rapha jeans are designed for riding
US$220 / £150 / AU$230
Made from an abrasion- and stain-resistant, fast drying fabric, Rapha's jeans have been designed for cycling. These trousers have a straight-leg fit with a high-backed waist that's cut lower in the front. The right rear pocket is reinforced to accommodate a small D-lock, and the front pockets are cut deep to keep valuables safe. Inside the right leg is a Rapha logo and hi-vis pink binding, which stays hidden until the cuff is rolled or folded up.
Rapha jeans are available in men's and women's (pictured) sizes XS to XXL and in black, blue, khaki and cabernet.