Rapha's Brevet collection is the brand's long-distance technical clothing line and it's been given a full update this summer, with the includsion of an intriguing little backpack that caught my eye.
The new backpack is highly packable, so light you don't really notice the weight and made from a satisfyingly stretchy material.
It's designed to be filled to the brim with vital food and drink supplies during long rides where re-supply points are limited. The capacity is 10 litres and it helps to aid visibility when in use, with reflective straps and a striking colour.
Audax roots
The rest of the range includes features honed over many miles of ultra racing, from some of the biggest names in the sport, including women's around the world record holder Lael Wilcox, who called the updated Brevet line-up "by far the most comfortable kit I've ever worn".
This style of cycling harks back to the earliest days of road racing, where being self-supported over hundreds of miles was a regular part of race strategy. Audax is a non-competitive version of this style of racing that's still alive today.
Rapha’s Brevet kit is named after the small card an Audax rider takes to checkpoints on a pre-determined route. The brevet card is stamped at each point and used to validate a rider’s successful completion of the challenge.
Saving precious time
The Cargo Bib Shorts III promise a lot in the comfort department. They’ve been updated with an all-new seamless chamois and have a surprisingly generous four pockets.
The women’s version includes 'Nature-Break Optimisation', utilising a pull-down system. Ultra-distance cyclist Jana Kesenheimer said the new feature “saved me 1.5 hours over the 4,800km Transcontinental Race, saving precious time (and nerves)”.
Brevet Air Pocket
There are two jerseys in the collection – the Lightweight Jersey III I have here, and the Merino Jersey III.
I typically wear size-small jerseys and comparing this one to my others, I’d say it has a slightly relaxed fit. There's no sagging, though, just a little more room to move around – particularly around the shoulders and arms.
There’s a series of reflective dots around the chest for visibility. I don’t usually wear a black jersey, so the reflective elements are essential to help me feel better seen during dark hours.
The feature of this jersey that really stands out, though, is Rapha's Brevet Air Pocket. The rear pockets float over the jersey when loaded up, promising to help ventilate the lower back. I need all the ventilation I can get in this area, so I’m hoping it’ll help me stay drier, even during the autumn and winter.
The collection also includes a new lightweight windproof gilet, which comes in this highly visible 'Chartreuse' colour.
It has the same reflective elements on the chest, and is a mesh fabric on the lower back, which should also help with ventilation.
Rapha Brevet kit range pricing
- Brevet Lightweight Jersey III: £160 / $240 / €190
- Brevet Merino Jersey III: £195 / $275 / €230
- Brevet Wind Gilet III: £140 / $190 / €170
- Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts III: £260 / $360 / €300
- Brevet Mitts: £55 / $95 / €75
- Brevet Bidon: £16 / $24 / €18
- Brevet Cap: £35 / $50 / €40
- Brevet Packable Backpack: £60 / $85 / €70
- Brevet Socks: £24 / $35 / €29
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