The US$295 Rapha Lightweight Softshell jacket looks minimalist, but keeps your upper body warm when layering for cooler weather riding.
This 11.4oz/323g three-season windproof shell comes with all the standard accoutrements, including a slightly longer tail flap, three rear pockets, and Lycra cuffs to keep out the wind. Rapha's Hytrel membrane fabric keeps the warm body heat in.
Verdict
The sleeves are long enough to crouch in the drops, and the soft shell dries quickly the handful of times our tester got stuck in the rain. The tall collar and assymetric zipper are handy and accessible while riding. The snug, body-hugging shape is subtle and not distracting like other jackets of this type. Another fine, albeit spendy, Rapha product that's worth a second look.
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