These Italian-made 3/4-length shorts combine a mid-weight fleece-lined Thermo Roubaix fabric with a high mesh back. Despite the high back, there’s a large vent hole so your back won’t get sticky and sweaty.
The pad is from Cytec – who make inners for a wide range of brands – and it’s a good quality, comfortable mid-depth chamois with dual density pads.
The leg grippers are elastic with an additional ring of silicone to stop them riding up, and further down at the rear of the shins are two small Scotchlite reflective tabs – a nod to safety.
We also like the small pocket at the back – it sits under a jersey or jacket and makes a neat storage space for small change or an energy bar.
The fit is absolutely spot-on and the supremely comfortable Roubaix fabric actually makes them ideal for spring and autumn, but also the worst winter days.
At £160 they’re far from cheap – this is Rapha after all – but Cycling Plus art editor Warren Rossiter’s own pair of these are now into their fourth year and still haven’t shown any serious signs of wear.