Rapha have always taken women seriously – organising mass participation rides like the Rapha Women’s 100 and ensuring they offer a near equal range in kit.
The focus on equality in offering has deepened even more so with their new winter range – and their decision to partner with brand new pro women’s team Canyon // SRAM as they part ways with the men’s pro Team Sky.
The winter range from Rapha continues to include some of the cult favourites – the Women’s Classic jersey still reigns supreme and the Souplesse continues to offer a race fit option.
However, there have been some changes – Rapha souped-up their jerseys and jackets with some stunning new splashes of colour and patters, and the city range just keeps on growing with some amazing smart and casual options.
The only real drawback? Well – you better have your credit card handy!
Here’s a look at some of our top picks from the winter range – some new, some old favourites we could just never leave behind…
All photos by Catherine Gaskell and Michelle Arthurs-Brennan
Women’s Souplesse Jacket – £190
Designed for riding hard when the weather is cold, the Souplesse jacket features a durable water repellent softshell treatment on the front and sleeves. Wearing the jacket on a blustery December day, we felt warm – even too warm as we heaved backpacks and assorted cameras up the hill in Richmond Park. This is definitely a jacket for days when conditions are chilly and your attitude chilled.
The brand have waved the reflective wand over several areas – but it’s mainly the colour that gives it a stand-out appeal. Available in blue (*cough – purple*) with plum details, or black with a vivid pink back, you’d struggle to be missed.