As the mercury begins to fall, Rapha has prepared for the Fall/Winter riding season with updates to its Pro Team collection of apparel.
The collection consists of everything from jackets, to bibshorts, bibtights, caps, gloves and knee and leg warmers.
At the centerpiece of the collection is the Pro Team Winter jacket that’s been designed to shield the cyclist from the elements thanks to a warm, perspiration wicking fleece lining and weatherproof fabric applied to the chest, shoulders and sleeves.
The jacket also features a small zip chest pocket for the men’s version, three rear pockets, a close fit neck with fleece-like material and reflective details on the front, back and armband for added visibility.
“Pro Team Winter Jacket is designed to be layered up as either the second (worn with a base layer) or third layer (with a base layer and jersey) depending on tempo, duration and temperature. The jacket has a race fit that suits an in-the-drops, on-bike position, and features denser fabric to the front and leading edges for greater weather protection. A more open, breathable fabric on the back panels allows heat to escape during higher tempo rides. An essentials pocket on the chest offers handy storage for cards, keys, or gels, and is easy to access with gloved hands thanks to an oversized, stay-down zipper. To the rear, three large pockets offer the storage space of a jersey should you choose to wear the jacket with only a base layer. And to keep you seen in the diminished light of winter months, reflective elements appear on the armband, logos, and rear tab for 360° visibility. Pro Team products are the leading edge of Rapha’s performance technology, developed and proven from several years of close work with the world’s best cyclists. Elite racewear, available to all,” says Rapha.
The men’s bibshorts get a 3-layer windproof and water-resistant fabric on the front of the legs, while the rear is treated to a breathable fleece-lined fabric for both increased warmth and heat management. Since only the women’s collection gets a full bibtight, there are both knee and leg warmers available to bolster coverage.
According to Rapha, “the combination of warmth and racing performance is tough to achieve because insulation usually results in a bulkier garment. But with the Pro Team Winter Bib Shorts and their hybrid construction, you’ll stay warm and comfortable through a wide range of effort, at the same time as staying sleek and fast for times when the pace picks up. The bibs feature a three-layer hybrid fabric that offers wind protection and water resistance to the front, and warm yet breathable thermoroubaix panels at the back, while a high waist and thermal uppers provide further warmth for your torso. A longer leg length gives your quads much needed extra coverage on cold days, and our men’s Pro Team chamois pad balances support and speed for a race-winning advantage. Designed for winter training when skies darken earlier, reflective logos and elements feature throughout.”
The women’s bibtights are an all-new design, which feature Rapha’s new magnetic rear clasp system that allows female riders the convenience to making a “nature call” without having to disrobe all that much.
“The combination of warmth and racing performance is tough to achieve because insulation usually results in a bulkier garment. But with the Women’s Pro Team Winter Tights, you’ll stay warm and comfortable through a wide range of effort, at the same time as staying sleek and fast for times when the pace picks up. The tights feature a three-layer fabric that offers water resistance to the front, and warm yet breathable thermoroubaix panels at the back, while a high waist and thermal uppers provides further warmth for your torso. A women’s-specific chamois pad with a fully moulded, seamless construction balances support and speed. When nature calls, a magnetic clasp at the bottom of the upper section can be released with one hand, enabling you to relieve yourself without removing your jersey. Positioned neatly below the rear pockets of your jersey, the clasp is constructed with injection molded plastic for long-lasting strength. Designed for winter training when skies darken earlier, reflective logos and elements feature throughout,” explains Rapha.
The remainder of the collection is rounded out with an updated version of Pro Team Gloves and a new Winter Cap.
In the case of the Pro Team Gloves, they keep the same flexible DWR-coated soft shell, but now feature a ribbed elastic cuff to seal off the elements, along with a one-piece suede palm, additional panels around the sides of the fingers and fingertips for better fit and touchscreen conductive thumb and index finger tips.
“Designed for early season racing and high tempo training rides, the Pro Team Winter Gloves provide full finger coverage to keep your hands warm when the temperature drops. The top hand uses a warm, fleece-lined fabric for wind protection and breathability that is treated with DWR for water-resistance. The palm is made with a highly durable suede which provides excellent grip in dry or wet conditions and thin for better bar feel and control. The tips of the index finger and thumb incorporate a conductive material that enables you to use a smartphone or bike computer. A low-profile, elasticated cuff makes for excellent integration with the sleeves of your jacket, leaving no skin exposed. Plus, there’s a pull tab here to make removing the gloves easier once training is finished”, says the British brand.
The Pro Team Winter Cap makes use of a thin, breathable and water-resistant material that’s designed to fit close to the rider’s head and over the ears. There’s also some reflective detailing and a slight brim to keep rain off of one’s glasses.
“The Pro Team Winter Hat is constructed from a softshell fabric with a durable, water-resistant treatment, and is also windproof, offering insulation against the cold while allowing sweat to escape during hard efforts. Traditional winter hats can offer too much insulation for the hardest rides, leaving riders with sweaty heads – this sweat can run into the eyes, or become uncomfortably cold when it reaches exposed skin. The Pro Team Winter Hat uses a breathable rear panel to release heat from the back of the neck, while the double layer thermal ear flaps provide insulation where it’s needed – without impairing hearing. A soft peak allows for under-helmet comfort, and 360° reflective binding boosts visibility in the diminished light of winter months.”
You can learn more about pricing and availability on the Pro Team Winter collection by visiting Rapha’s website here.
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