Rapha has announced its clothing updates for the cooler weather coming up.
There are new pieces in Rapha's Pro Team collection, designed to cope now the summer heatwaves have passed. The Brevet collection also gets some new cooler weather options which incorporate features such as the Air Pockets and reflective dots first seen in the Brevet pieces for warmer weather, launched last May.
Together, they cover everything from rain jackets to overshoes. Here’s a run-down of Rapha’s key new product offerings.
Rapha Pro Team Thermal Jacket
£200 / $290 / €240
As its name suggests, this one is for cold conditions. Although since it’s DWR coated rather than including a membrane, it’s more suited for dry rides. There’s a mix of two fabrics used, which together offer wind proofing and a close, stretchy fit.
Rapha says it includes hi-vis elements, so it’s good for pre-dawn or post-work training rides. It claims the jacket fills a gap between its lighter-weight Pro Team Midweight jacket and more cold and wet resistant Pro Team Shadow winter jacket.
Brevet Gore-Tex Rain Jacket
£350 / $540 / €420
Rapha claims a men’s size M jacket weighs 142g, making this its lightest ever ultra-distance waterproof, which it says can be carried in a jersey pocket.
The three-layer ripstop fabric incorporates Gore’s latest ePE membrane, which replaces the forever chemical-based PFAS membranes formerly used in Gore-Tex jackets. Fully taped seams and a two-way AquaGuard zip are claimed to ensure complete water resistance.
Brevet Long Sleeve Merino Jersey III
£195 / $275 / €230
As the III in the name suggests, this is an update to a long-running jersey in Rapha’s Brevet range, which is geared to long-distance riding.
Made of a fast-drying mix of merino wool and recycled polyester, Rapha has included its Brevet Air Pockets, first seen in the Brevet Lightweight Jersey III, which suspend the pockets away from the back for increased comfort.
Rapha says the jersey is low in weight with a comfortable hand and odour resistance, while reflective dots, again also a feature of the previously released Brevet III pieces, increase low light visibility.
Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Cargo Tights
£215 / $285 / €250
Another one designed for cold, dry rides, the Lightweight Cargo Tights are made of a dense fabric that Rapha claims offers wind resistance. With two leg cargo pockets, the bit tights have room for extra food or to stash your cap if you start to warm up later in your ride.
Rapha Overshoes
£80 / $120 / €95
Winter wouldn’t be winter without squeezing into a set of overshoes and Rapha’s new numbers are made of 2mm neoprene, with a second, hard-wearing fabric layer on the underside to help reduce wear when walking or putting a foot down.
There’s a high ankle to help keep rain out, while Rapha says that its overshoes are streamlined, so they shouldn’t slow you down.
Rapha Bascule
£50 / €57 / $75
Also fresh out of the box are Pro Team Thermal Bib Shorts, a Brevet Lightweight Insulated Jacket and Gilet, Brevet Cargo Winter Tights, winter-weight overshoes, toe covers, reflective oversocks, Pro Team Shadow winter gloves and two Pro Team caps. There is also the new Rapha Bascule, which we imagine is an insulation patch a bit like the Albion Burner.
