Rapha first introduced a line of cyclo-cross specific clothing last year, with a long-sleeve jersey and matching three-quarter bib tights. For 2010 it's a case of subtle tweaks here and there and, seeing as RCUK didn't test the stuff first time around, we've had the opportunity to put the latest clothing through its paces this past couple of weeks.
It's popular stuff, cyclo-cross racing, with an active race scene across the UK inspired by the grit, sand and mud of top-level 'cross racing in Belgium. While this jersey is intended to be worn with the matching three-quarter bib tights, taken on its own there's a lot to like.
How can a jersey be cyclo-cross specific you may ask? The first hint is the practical brown treatment for the Sportwool fabric, which for a sport that principally takes place through the winter, seems a wise choice, and Rapha have added a dash of black and red - this colourway is used to distinguish 'cross clothing from Rapha's road-specific items.
Look further and there are actually a few design features that 'cross racers will find appealing. Most appreciated is the padded right-shoulder, a sliver of foam underneath a quilted piece of fabric just where the top tube of the 'cross bike will sit for the obligatory 'dismounting over obstacles' moments.
Another 'specific' feature is around the back of the jersey: here you'll find just the one pocket rather than the more traditional three. Makes sense really, as in true 'cross racing the efforts only last for one hour - heck, even water bottles and mounts for cages are considered overkill by the diehard 'cross fraternity. The pocket is zipped and slanted for ease of access, should you need to stash anything safely in there. There's also draw-cord adjusters either side of the waist to tailor the fit.
It's hard to see if cyclo-cross racers will rush out and buy this jersey for racing in, but it certainly has the details, the fit and style to stand up to the challenge. The dry dusty 'cross races of North America might be a more apt location for such a jersey rather than the mud of Britain and Belgium. In truth, on this side of the Atlantic it'll probably more likely be worn for 'cross training sessions or for the growing number of people who are attracted to riding a 'cross bike through the winter but have no desire to flog themselves around a muddy field for an hour. And I bet there's a lot more of those sorts of people out there...
A nice addition is a Rapha branded drawstring bag for keeping the jersey in when you're heading to the race.
Verdict
Tapping into the growing popularity of cyclo-cross racing with a well-styled and functionally impressive jersey, the Cross Jersey is a nice addition.
www.rapha.cc
