Our Rapha Men's Fall Cycling Gear Guide

August 24, 2022

British cycling brand Rapha, founded by Simon Mottram in London in 2004, has been creating high quality men’s and women’s cycling clothing and gear for beginners to WorldTour pros.

There’s even a Rapha Cycling Club with over 17,000 members worldwide who ride together and share their love of the sport. Cyclists can also meet up in one of the 21 clubhouses across Europe, North America and Asia – café spaces that also stock the latest products.

[Retro fix: An ode to 1920’s/30’s Australian Tour de France cyclist Hubert “Oppy” Opperman]

Rapha has proudly worked with some of the best cyclists, formerly serving as title sponsor to the British UCI Continental team Rapha-Condor (2005 to 2012) and supplier to Team Sky (2012 to 2016). Since 2019, they’ve returned to the men’s WorldTour with EF Education First Pro Cycling.

As members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Rapha is committed to reducing their collective emissions by 45% by 2030 and by 2025, their clubhouses and offices will transition to 100% renewable energy.

With this world reputation in mind, we decided to look at several key items from their men’s collection for featuring in a fall gear guide.

Brevet Jersey

Rapha has put a lot of thought into designing their Brevet jerseys, from large cargo pockets and side pocket to high-visibility stripes. You’ll be able to pack several essentials within those cargo pockets.

The small chest pocket is a safe and dry spot for your ID, credit card or emergency cash. Made using Merino wool (naturally antibacterial), and recycled polyester, the Brevet is very comfy, with a looser fit for better freedom of movement as well as improved airflow.

The look and feel compares to a classic jersey. The zippers are unique with a functional small metal ring attached for ease of use and accentuating the classic look.

This jersey holds up in warmer weather as the merino/polyester blend wicks your sweat with ease, and it gives you some extra warmth in spring and fall weather.

In sizes XS to XXL in Stone/Dark Beige/White, Dark Yellow/Brick/Orange, Black/Black and Dark Navy. CAD $130/USD $95

Brevet Bib Shorts

Rapha offers a range of Brevet bib shorts for all-around road riding, adventure and mountain biking, all with their own unique features and comforts. These supportive shorts are made with recycled nylon to create a sweat-wicking, fast-drying short that also happens to help regulate your body temperature through varied climates.

We really like the slip pocket on the right leg: it’s super easy to reach your phone if you choose to store it there. The hi-vis and reflective stripes on the legs are an important feature for early morning and late evening rides.

There’s also a reflective logo to the rear for added visibility (if not wearing a jersey over them). These bib shorts certainly feel super comfy when you put them on, and they don’t disappoint on longer rides. The chamois is definitely a bit foamier, softer and thicker than other cycling brand bib shorts we’ve worn and road-tested.

Brevet Bib Shorts come in sizes XS to XXL and are offered in Dark Grey/Dark Blue, Dark Navy/Navy and Black/Black; CAD $240/USD $174

Rapha currently offers a 20% discount jersey and bib shorts bundle (CAD $530/USD $385).

Pro Team Full Frame Glasses

These Italian-made, UV400-rated glasses complement your Rapha gear. The nose piece comes in two sizes for an adjustable fit, with vents positioned along the edges of the lens to allow heat and moisture to escape.

We’ve yet to experience fogged-up lenses, which can sometimes happen during uphill rides in the heat. The oversized, fully-wrapped lens offers great field of vision too.

[L to R: Dark Navy/Purple Green, Clear/Pink Blue]

[L to R: Black/Black Mirror, Light Blue/Purple Green]

[L to R: Dark Navy/Purple Green, Clear/Pink Blue]

We like the clear vision and contrast these offer in sunny conditions. The lenses are interchangeable and each pair comes with a spare clear lens for use in low-light conditions. And at 30 grams, they’re so lightweight that you hardly notice them once they’re being worn.