As mentioned in my last Rapha review, I talked a bit about the tipping point over spending such amounts on kit and that when you try one piece you more then likely won’t regret it. The only hold back tends to be the price point, which Rapha are known for being right at the top end.
‘The Rapha Core collection distills more than a decade of expertise in creating the world’s best cycling clothing, and delivers consistent performance and functionality with subtle, pared-back design.’
On first glance you immediately know you’re getting the same top quality as any other Rapha garment. There are absolutely no corners cut or quality sacrificed on this collection.
‘The range includes a Men’s Core Jersey and Bib Shorts, and a Women’s Core Jersey and Shorts, with additional products planned for upcoming seasons.’
They’ve reworked their expertise to select fabrics, detail and construction that allows them to offer the Jersey for £75, women’s shorts for £80 and bibs for £100.
The bib shorts are a less aggressive fit, coming a bit further up the waist and up the back with a good chamios that looks slightly bigger then the Pro Team bibs.
Totally stunned by the grippers to say the least.
I could hardly pull the bibs up at first as the gripper is so good. This gripper also features on the back of the jersey too.
Rapha never miss out on the small attention to detail, the chamios features an embedded ‘Rapha’ emblem which is a nice attention detail.
‘The Men’s Core Bib Shorts and Women’s Core Shorts are simple, all-black garments for everyday riding, and feature high-quality fabric, laser-cut leg grippers, flatlock seams and the same high-grade chamois found in all of Rapha’s classics legwear’
The branding is pretty low key throughout with subtle logos on the leg, rear of the bibs and right hand side of the Jersey.
Overall I’m thoroughly impressed, having ridden in the Rapha Pro Team and Lightweight kit I know the standard is already high – It’s no surprise one of their tag lines is ‘The New Standard’. The kit is of the highest quality you’d expect from Rapha, without a ‘breaking the bank’ price tag.
I’ve yet to test these out on the bike properly but I can safely say I don’t think I’ll be disappointed!
Fing out more about the Rapha Core Collection here.