After branching out from cycle clothing into skincare, films, CDs and more, Rapha have now launched their first bikes. The new Rapha Bicycle Collection is the result of a collaboration with some well-known names in the framebuilding world.
You won't find the British company's logo on the down tube of any of these four bikes – that honour goes to each bike's maker – but they share a common colour palette and a custom headbadge inspired by the number plate of Rapha's promotional Citroën H Van.
Here's a quick look at the four models, each of which has been designed for a specific style of riding and will be available for a maximum of two years:
Beloved Every Day
Portland, Oregon's Beloved Bicycles are apparently "inspired by the French constructeurs from the golden-age of handmade machines". Designed by Cycle Works Oregon and built by Chris King, the Every Day is a commuter with style.
- Fillet brazed and lugged frame made of Columbus SL (top, down and seat tubes) and Spirit (head tube and stays) steel tubing
- Matching fork with True Temper blades
- Sturmey Archer five-speed hub with down tube shifters
- Paul levers, cranks and custom-made chainring
- Chris King headset and front hub
- Nitto Priest Bar, aluminium stem and seatpost
- Rapha emblazoned San Marco Regal saddle
- Painted Berthoud mudguards
- MKS Sylvan road pedals with deep leather toe clips
The complete bike costs US$5,195 shipping ($115 US, $230 Canada and $400 global FedEx). For more details, visit www.rapha.cc/beloved-every-day.
Ira Ryan and Tony Pereira Continental Bicycle
Ira Ryan and Tony Pereira have been involved with the Rapha Continental project since its inception – as riders, as well as framebuilders. The Continental Bicycle is described as "an all-weather, all-terrain, all-the-time steel bicycle fashioned after the steeds ridden by the Rapha Continental riders". It's designed for riding fast and hard, regardless of the conditions.
- Fillet brazed and lugged frame made of Columbus Zona and Spirit steel tubing
- SRAM Force drivetrain
- Chris King headset
- FSA seatpost, handlebar and stem
- DT Swiss Wheels with Chris King hubs
- PDW mudguards w/ Tektro long-reach brakes
- Topeak pump
- F’zi:k Aliante saddle
- 25mm Continental GP4000 tyres
The complete bike costs $5,000 shipping. Only 100 will be made this year. One batch will be available from 11 January to 28 February, with the second 50 offered from 15 May to 15 June. For more details, visit www.rapha.cc/the-continental-from-ira-ryan-and-tony-pereira.
Independent Fabrication XS
This limited edition version of the lauded XS is aimed at sportive riders and uses a blend of carbon fibre and titanium to provide long-ride comfort while maintaining a racy feel. Features include laser cut titanium lugs and Rapha's trademark ‘story label’ painted inside the fork.
Prices start at $6,795 shipping for the frame and fork. Complete bicycles will be offered with a choice of Campagnolo Super Record, SRAM Red, Shimano Dura-Ace or Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrains, along with wheelset options from ENVE Composites and Mavic. For more details, visit www.rapha.cc/independent-fabrication-xs.
Cinelli XCr
Cinelli use seamless XCr stainless steel tubing from their Milanese neighbours Columbus to construct this aggressive criterium racer, which marries classic style with modern performance.
Only 30 frame and carbon monocoque fork kits will be available this year. Prices start at €3,500 + shipping for the frame and fork. For more details, visit www.rapha.cc/cinelli-xcr-criterium-racer-1. To see lots more pictures of all four bikes, check out our thumbnail gallery.
