Rapha SS19 Round-Up (updated 27/02)

Rather than turn into a Rapha page I thought it would make sense to just do a Rapha Round-Up rather than have 274 Rapha articles.

I'm a fan of Rapha kit, so no issue there, just want to keep a mix of brands to talk about so it makes more sense to pull all the Rapha news into one piece as they are so active at the moment. Which is of course brilliant, who doesn't love new kit to feast the peepers on.

Lots of new stuff landed, and loads and loads of great new gear just round the corner. We'll concentrate on what we have sight of.

Women's Souplesse Detachable Bib Shorts

I need to pee, I need to pee.....we've all been there, it's an absolute pain, literally. Biologically men get an easier time of it when it comes to a pit-stop. Rapha have decided that Women deserve far more than was on offer and got their design crew on the case of taking a fresh look at bib shorts. Great to see and very impressive. Here's Rapha's words on it if you don't believe me.

'Tried and tested in the professional peloton by the riders of the CANYON//SRAM team, previous iterations of our Souplesse bibs have set the standard in women’s racewear. Just like all other women’s bibs, however, they’ve all shared a common drawback: bib straps make it impossible to quickly remove mid-ride without removing your jersey.The new Souplesse Race Bib Shorts solve this problem with a breakthrough magnetic clasp technology at the bottom of the mesh upper section that can be released with one hand, enabling you to relieve yourself without removing your jersey. Positioned neatly just below the rear pockets of your jersey, the clasp is constructed with injection molded plastic for long-lasting strength that ensures it will never come undone. It is attached to the shorts with a resilient grosgrain fabric which, in turn, is bonded to the mesh upper section of the bib short. A thicker section of fabric is positioned between the buckle and the skin for padding. The system allows for quick removal without any compromise in comfort or performance.'

Women's Cargo Bib Shorts

A men's version has been available for some time, now a new Women's version joins the party! About time.

Core

The Core range gets a much needed freshen up. Surprisingly the 'Classic' Rapha look has been used for this second iteration of the range, and I have to say it looks absolutely spot on. As always you get a lot of kit for your cash with the Core rage , and for 2019 it looks like pricing may have been adjusted as well, down rather than ip. I'm all for that, opening up the brand and the range to more has to be a good thing. Encouraging people out on their bikes and looking good at the same time. Admit it, it is a part of the spectacle of cycling.

Added to the range is the very welcome new Cargo Bib Shorts, brilliant to see these trickle down into the range so quickly.

We also now get a kids Core range. As a father to a budding Grand Tour winner I'm more than happy to see that!

Aero Race Print

Damn cool new edition of the Pro Team Flyweight Jersey, 'features a design inspired by lines drawn by scientists and engineers as they plot the flow of air across a rider’s body. From the darker areas of higher air pressure at the shoulders, the design fades to become lighter at the waist.'.

Just looks the business doesn't it, proper cool

Rear On-Bike Pack

A great addition to the Rapha range of bike luggage, providing a 2 section larger rear pack, here's Rapha techie gubbings on what looks to be a great piece for those longer rides.

'Tested extensively on a recent Rapha shoot in Patagonia, the Rear Pack’s two-part design comprises of a dry bag and a rigid harness. Made of a hard-wearing PU-coated polyester, the dry bag is completely waterproof. Welded seams and a roll-up closure system keep water out while a one-way, downward-facing valve lets air out and enables you to roll the bag down small. The bag narrows gradually for a secure fit inside the harness, which is fixed to the seatpost using a durable velcro strap and to the saddle rails with two reinforced straps with a webbed design for added stability. An aluminium spine combines with a three-point strap system to cinch the upper and lower section of the harness together, compressing the dry bag and minimising bulk. Two tensioning straps are positioned on either side of the harness with a third at the rear which features a highly reflective finish for visibility on the road.'

Looks good on the bike, lots of helpful tech crammed in, what's not to love.

Rapha Shoes

Some new thumbnails added to the Coming Soon page giving us the first official sight of the new footwear, a Classic shoe and an Explore shoe

Canyon/SRAM Training Jersey

A nice new colourway take on the damn cool graphic design for the team

Pro Team Insulated Gilet

Pretty much does what it says on the tin, Rapha's insulated designs have been proving incredibly popular

Rapha Cycling Club x Paul Smith

Based on a heritage look, quite a cool design brief for them to come up with a range as if Paul Smith designed it in the past. Shame it's only for RCC Members, a massive disappointment.

Landing May 2019

One last thing....

Rapha like to keep teasing us, on their website is a nice image directing us to the list of Coming Soon....showing some Aero pattern socks....and.........NEW Rapha shoes....