Rapha – the brand voted by Total Women’s Cycling readers as the best women’s road cycling brand – has unveiled a selection of new items for spring/summer 2017.

Additions include new Collectors Editions of the Women’s Classic Rain Jacket and Women’s Classic Gilet, both with extra breathability built into the rear.

See: Rapha in the TWC20 Collection 

The Collectors Edition Women’s Waterproof Jacket (£200) is based on the Souplesse Rain Shell. It’s been created to offer full protection, but still packs into a pocket if need be.

This special edition version features a panel of overlapping horizontal slats on the back, inspired by “heritage manufacturing techniques”. The technique is said to allow improved airflow around the body, and therefore better regulated body temperature.

The material is highly water-resistant, with breathable panels where required and the bonded seams are made from hydrophobic, robust and breathable yarns. There are stretch panels and large zips, with velcro cuffs.

 

The Collectors Edition Gilet (pictured: centre, £150) features a hand woven rear fabric panel that is designed to provide extra ventilation. The key material is a windproof construction, that is showerproof and reflective piping has been included as well as a lockdown zip puller and a fleece chin guard. The lack of pockets on most gilets is often a cause for frustration among riders, so many will be pleased to hear this one comes with two elasticated cargo pockets to the rear and an additional front zip pocket for keys and valuables.

The Women’s Classic Jersey II (£110) now comes in navy, light blue and black, featuring the same light and soft RPM150 fabric which is breathable and features the classic armband stripe. The Women’s Classic Bibshorts (£165) remain largely unchanged, but feature  a new colourway with a light blue bodice and an improved leg gripper design.

The Brevet range has grown to include a Windblock Jersey (£135) – an addition that Rapha call “0ne of our most versatile multi-tasking jerseys.”

The idea is to combine the breathability of a merino jersey with the wind protection of a gilet. An extra panel of material – made from the fabric of the Rapha Brevet Gilet – has been added to the front.  There are reflective details at the rear – and the prototype of this garment was tested during the 4,000km Transcontinental race in 2015. The Brevet gilet has also  seen a touch of extra colour with a new light blue option.

Within the city range, Rapha have added charcoal and raspberry versions of our firm favourite – the Merino Breton (£100). The striped jumper still features the same reflective wool at the cuffs and relaxed and cosy fit.

Other editions are the Merino Sweatshirt (£95) and a logo t-shirt in an aqua green for £40.

You can see all of Rapha’s new editions on their site, here.