Rapha has included a whole range of cycling clothing in its latest Archive sale, where styles and colours from past seasons have up to 50 per cent off.
The sale includes men’s and women’s jackets, jerseys, bib tights and more, including favourites of our test team here at BikeRadar.
We’ve often praised Rapha’s quality, fit and style, with many of its products appearing in our best lists.
While Rapha’s kit and accessories are often on the pricier end of the spectrum, this Archive sale has many great products at more affordable prices.
I’ve searched the sale to find some of the best deals, which I outline below.
Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket – £300 £210
Our road tech lead Ash Quinlan awarded Rapha’s Gore-Tex Rain Jacket 4.5 stars, earning it a place in our pick of the best cycling rain jackets.
The jacket’s PFAS-free material offers excellent breathability and waterproofing.
Its tailored cut means it’s slim but more generous than other similar jackets and Ash found it well-considered for those who are more ‘average’ in shape.
The jacket also packs in a host of features. There is a comfortable double-thickness collar, an adjustable waist hem and a zipped pocket.
- Buy now: Men's Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket
Rapha Pro Team Winter Bib Tights with Pad II – £260 £156
Another product we’ve reviewed highly is the Rapha men’s Pro Team Winter Bib Tights with Pad II.
While the name’s a mouthful, they can be summed up as impressive deep-winter bib tights.
They provide a good fit, thanks in part to the legs, which are ‘pre-formed’ to bend around your knee.
Rapha has also used a combination of fleecy and water-resistant fabrics, which lock in the warmth and help keep road spray out.
Rapha Brevet long-sleeve jersey – £175 £122
One of my all-time favourite Rapha items is its long-sleeve Brevet jersey.
Rapha’s Brevet collection is designed for distance, often with a slightly more relaxed fit than its racing kit and extra details to make long rides less of an ordeal.
The jersey, available in the Archive sale for men and women, is made from a Merino wool and polyester mix. This is soft to the touch and won’t hold odours in the same way as 100 per cent synthetic materials.
The jersey is also less restrictive than Rapha’s go-fast jerseys, which is fine for virtually all cycling, in my eyes.
Alongside the typical three rear pockets you find on most cycling jerseys, the Brevet jersey has an extra zipped pocket on the back, which is great for stowing a gilet or jacket.
There is a smaller zipped pocket on the chest, which Rapha says is for the Brevet cards you use in audax rides.
Reflective bands loop the body for extra visibility.
- Buy now: Men’s Rapha Brevet long-sleeve jersey
- Buy now: Women’s Rapha Brevet long-sleeve jersey
Rapha Brevet insulated gilet – £165 £82/£99
Another favourite among several of the BikeRadar staff is Rapha’s insulated Brevet gilet.
Alongside protecting your core from any chilling winds, the thin layer of insulation adds some extra warmth.
I’ve used this gilet on many cold, winter rides over a jersey or winter jacket. I’ve also used it between a jersey and a rain jacket, and found it easy to stuff into a jersey pocket once the sun finally appears.
- Buy now: Men’s Rapha Brevet insulated gilet
- Buy now: Women’s Rapha Brevet insulated gilet
Rapha women’s Core bib shorts – £110 £82
Rapha’s bib shorts have received mixed reviews from our testers over the years. But Katherine Moore awarded the Rapha women’s Core bib shorts 4.5 stars when she tested them last year.
These budget-friendly women’s cycling shorts proved comfortable and true to size, and their subtle branding was welcome.
Katherine said: “I’ve certainly tried several more expensive options from other brands that haven’t matched the level of comfort or style Rapha offers with this more budget-friendly option.”
- Buy now: Rapha women’s Core bib shorts
Rapha Explore Powerweave Shoes – £295 £177
They’re a few years old now, but if you’re after a pair of super-comfortable shoes, Rapha’s Explore Powerweaves are still a great choice.
The knitted upper hugs your foot in a way that Jack Luke called “superb” when he reviewed the shoes.
He also praised the sole, which is flexible enough for walking, even if this probably rules the shoes out for anyone who’s looking to compete.
But, if adventurous gravel riding or bikepacking is more your thing, there’s a lot to like about these attractive gravel shoes.
- Buy now: Rapha Explore Powerweave Shoes
