Bikes & Gear

Reviews

Bike Features

Workshops

Buyers Guides

Gear Browser

Rapha IF Cross 3/4 Bib Short | $240
Change Currency What's this?

Rapha IF Cross 3/4 Bib Shorts

BikeRadar verdict

45 out of 5 stars

"Intelligent designs, excellent build quality, steep prices"

Wed 7 Jan 2009, 4:00 pm GMTBy Mat Brett, Cycling Plus

Rapha's new cyclo-cross clothing comes in both a standard version and this Independent Fabrication edition that features the US frame builder’s logos. 

Aside from the orange detailing and subtle black-on-black logos on the legs, the bibs are a similar design to Rapha’s normal 3/4 shorts, which we love. 

The super soft and stretchy Thermoroubaix fabric is exceptionally warm, while the Cytec seat offers plenty of padding and breathes well to keep you comfy when you work up a sweat. The fleece fabric extends right up your back so you get a lot more upper body insulation than usual, and a zipped rear pocket allows you to stash your keys away safely.

The Cross jersey is made from lightweight Sportwool with a merino wool inner face that wicks sweat away effectively, and a tougher polyester outer. The full length front zip means you can let plenty of air in when things get tough, although a larger zip-pull would be handy for use with full-fingered gloves, and foam padding on top of the right shoulder helps take the pain out of carrying your bike. 

The drawstring around the hem is easy to adjust on the fly as is the zip on the rear pocket, and Rapha’s usual high-quality workmanship is obvious throughout.

About BikeRadar reviews: Our review scoring system has changed in 2010. Therefore recent reviews may have comparatively lower scores than past reviews. Click here for a full explanation of our ratings.

Manufacturers description

When the wind whips up the murs and across the plateaux of Flanders, a pair of three quarter bibs is a staple bit of kit for the hardened rider. Three quarters are a recent invention, first popularised in 1990 by Belgian hard-man Edwig Van Hooydonk. Van Hooydonk had won the Tour of Flanders in 1989 in horrendous conditions. When this aggravated a recurring knee problem he conceived the idea of shorts that stretched below the knee (an elegant alternative to the wrapped bandages often used at the time). The new look (in smart WordPerfect dark blue) was debuted in 1990 and gained international exposure when Van Hooydonk returned to Flanders to win again in 1991. The Rapha three-quarters use a soft brushed-back Thermo Roubaix fabric, with mesh panels at the top of the bibs for breathability. The super-comfortable, black pad from Cy-Tech has elasticity and is curved to shape the body. Reflective white piping along the lower front leg panels and silver reflective tabs behind the knees improve visibility.

You need to login or register to post comments.


Please confirm you are a person by entering the words in the box below:

Bad Good    

Specification

Name:
IF Cross 3/4 Bib Short
Built by:
Rapha
Price:
$240.00

Description:
Contrast stripe down front of shin with tone on tone Rapha logo. Seams positioned away from front and back of the knee. Lightweight mesh bib, gripper on hem, single rear zip pocket, flat lock stitching throughout, black elastic Cy-Tech pad
Clothing Material:
Thermolite
Clothing Sizes Available:
L, M, S, XL, XS, XXL
Available Colours:
Black

Related articles

Related links

BikeRadar is not responsible for the content of external websites

Also on BikeRadar