London based Rapha are to expand their range over the next couple of months, while improving (if it’s possible?) some of their rapidly-becoming-classic products. The company has refined some best sellers, while the new products added mean even more choice for Rapha fans.

Updated

Club jersey	Classic jersey
Bibshorts	Cap

The Classic Sportwool jersey, a popular choice since being introduced in 2004, now offers a better fit by way of side panels and a modified rear pocket layout. Coming in either black or white, the £110 price includes free armwarmers in a contrasting colour.

The Bibshorts have been updated with a Nalini Protech chamois. The Italian company has been making clothing for the past 30 years, and the Protech chamois is their latest design. It’s made of different density materials with perforations to keep your bum cool, while the remainder of the short is made from soft Italian mesh fabric. With a large cut away section around the lower back, flat lock stitching and gripper material around the legs and a small key pocket at the back. We’ve got some on test and first impressions are good, but watch out for a full review soon. Price is £120.

The popular Rapha cap has been simplied this year. Instead of the two previous styles there’s now just the one, combing both the Schoeller 3XDry fabric from the Climber’s cap with the styling of the Epic cap. They claim it’s the world’s only waterproof and breathable cycling cap… you can find out for £25.

Last of the updated products is the Club jersey. Intended as an all-round three seasons jersey, the Club is a versatile bit of kit. The only changes for 2007 though is the bold lettering across the chest has now been reduced to fit on the rear pocket. Choose from three colours, sizes from XS-XXL all in exchange for 90 of your finest notes.

New products

While those updated products are all very nice, the really exciting stuff is the brand new products the company have added to their range. First, kneewarmers and redesigned armwarmers made from high stretch Roubaix fabric, with the knee warmers constructed from three panels for a better fit.

Armwarmers	Kneewarmers
Gilet	Lightweight jersey

The arm warmers are available in black or white, with a huge contrasting stripe along their length which will certainly make you standout in the pack. A really cool touch is the sticky removeable care labels that just peel off, so you don’t get any annoying labels irritating your skin. They’re both available in S/M or L/XL at £35 a pair.

The Lightweight jersey is exactly what it’s called, designed for the ‘most demanding, hottest rides’, it says here. Made from Sportwool fabric with a full-length mesh panel and a three quarter length zip if it still gets a bit hot. Despite being on the light side, Rapha haven’t skimped on essential features like pockets (there’s two plus a zipped one), a ballast pocket for stowing armwarmers etc, and a hidden pocket for carrying really small items. Available 7th May in white, sizes XS to XXL. Price £100.

We like Gilets. They can be used in some many different situations, from getting you through the early morning chill to those days when the weather just can’t make up it’s mind. This one is available in black or white with a large contrast stripe down the middle, and claims to be windproof, water-resistant and breathable thanks to the Epic material employed. A mesh panel front and back deals with heat removal, the zip is lined with a lock down zip pull and chin guard on the shaped collar, two cargo pockets and a zipped pocket flank the rear while a reflective Rapha logo increases visibility. Available 7th May in sizes S-XXL price £120.

Limited Edition products

Etape (Col De Peyresourde) Sportwool jersey	Workshop apron
Fixed shorts – nice in brown	Fixed t-shirt with single rear pocket
Paul Smith cap. Cool? We’ll let you decide…	Fixed back pack

As well as all that, there’ll also be some collectible limited edition products timed to celebrate certain races. From purple or olive green Grand tour gloves (£100), inspired by Eddy Merckx and made from African sheep hair, to a Rapha workshop apron (£35), a cyclist’s shaving kit (£130), to three special Sportwool jerseys celebrating the Etape, Giro and the special RaphaCondor Smithfield Nocturne event in London (£120 but only 200 will be made), there’s something for all tastes, that’s for sure…

Rapha have also worked with Paul Smith, himself a keen cyclist as well as a celebrated designer, to commerorate the Le Grand Départ with a Sportwool jersey that looks very retro-cool. We kind of like it. We’re stuggling to find affection for this tweed cycling cap though…

Fixed

For fans of the Fixed range (myself included), there’s now a Fixed t-shirt that is both high performing due to the Dri-Release material, and fashionable. Available in three colour combinations for £40. The shorts (tested here) are now available in brown or black with tweed detailing, just in case you can’t get enough tweed in your life.

Finally, Rapha have added a backpack to their lineup, in the shape of the Fixed back pack. It’s small, light and designed to carry just the essentials you need when riding to work/college, and should withstand some abuse being made from Cordura fabric. There’s space inside for a hydration bladder should you wish. Available June for £85.

Visit www.rapha.cc for more info and pics