The staple of any fashion conscious cyclist's wardrobe - and there are many of them - Rapha produce some of the finest clothing you're likely to slip on. It's no secret we're fans of the stuff, we've tested much of their range already, but we've just been sent their new Stowaway Jacket and Fixed Shorts.
Stowaway Jacket
Designed to be the only jacket you'll pick for summer storms and alpine descending, the 100% waterproof Stowaway jacket is a quality piece of clothing. Carefully tearing away the packaging around the jacket, you can't help but let a smile break across your face: the jacket is an impressive item. From the first touch to further investigation of the detailing and concealed features, the Stowaway jacket is just perfect for having stuffed away on those days when the weather is anything but predictable - which these days seem to be too frequent.
The jackets made from 2.5 Ply Polyamide laminate material, it's a durable, water-resistant, breathable multi-layer material (says the US patent), designed to remove sweat from inside but keep outside moisture, well, outside. All seams are taped, with double taping on the shoulder seams. It could all get a tad warm inside, so there's a large vent at the back with Velcro for closure.
The cut is quite extreme, it drops down onto the bum a long way and rises way above the waist at the front, and it's only on the bike that the cut makes sense. The waist has cord lock adjusters, there are reflective stripes on the sleeves and moving on down to the cuffs there's lyrca cuffs which give a great seal - we really like these. A lot of features then, but it packs down small enough to be stuffed inside a jersey pocket.
- Price: £195
- Colours: Charcoal, cream and pink
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Fabric: 2.5 Ply Polyamide Laminate
Fixed shorts
Cycling into London on a daily basis you can't help but notice that cycle messengers have their own unique fashion code, and chief among them is the long ¾ length baggy shorts. Well you don't want to be walking into offices and chilling outside café in your lyrca do you.
So hot on the heels of their new Fixed range, and the recently reviewed Fixed jersey, Rapha have launched the ¾ length Fixed shorts. The Fixed range is all about clothing that has a casual loose fit, designed for everyday riding, whether that's just to work, down to the shops or going to the pub. It's all comfortable stuff yet practical on the bike, a perfect mix.
They're made from a fabric called Schoeller Nanosphere, it's a little bit stretchy and to keep you cool it's breathable too. A benefit of the material is the fact it's naturally self-cleaning and stain-proof. Inside the shorts is a foam pad, it's only slim but is there to offer some comfort, and while checking out the inside the waist is lined with a sticky grippy material to prevent them slipping down - there's belt loops in case you need extra uplift. The bottoms of the legs are adjustable: three buttons offer a loose or tight fit, and there are two front pockets and the two at the back are zipped.
- Price: £105
- Colour: Charcoal grey
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Fabric: Schoeller Nanosphere, water and stain resistant
Keep checking back for the full review once we've given them a thorough test, and in the meantime check out www.rapha.cc for more on their range.
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