Rapha’s Classic Softshell jacket has a great reputation for fit, quality of construction. level of detailing and, of course, wearer comfort and for 2010 has been mildly refreshed. The old rubberised fabric panel over the left shoulder has been replaced by by a panel in some sort of abrasion-resistant material and, er, that’s about it.
Current owners will recognise the offset zip, natty finishing around the collar, Lycra wind-proof cuffs and triple rear pocket arrangement as well as the neat lines and extensible tail flap. The polyester-based fabric employs Spandex for elasticity and a Hytrel® membrane to keep out wind and some rain while remaining breathable.
Which is where this reviewer finds the jacket’s performance to be less than satisfactory. ‘Breathable’ it may be, but the fabric keeps enough body-generated moisture inside to soak any undervest after a few minutes of hard effort. In truth, this is something that affects all breathable membranes to some extent, since airflow through the fibres of a fabric is required to evaporate perspiration. Otherwise, it gets trapped and, since water conducts heat much more effectively than air, reduces insulation between the body and the garment.
Much the same happens with any fabric that shields the underlying layers and skin from airflow and the problem is one that particularly affects riders prone to perspiration. In this case, an hour’s ride left the Merino wool undervest worn underneath soaked. In fact, the lack of evaporation of the sweat meant that I was perfectly warm underneath, until I removed the jacket in a cafe and quickly got chilled despite the very real insulating abilities of wool. There are vents under each armpit, but unless the jacket is worn with the front wide open to allow air to flow through, their effectiveness seems limited and the arms get soaked whatever.
Riders who don’t perspire much won’t experience this and will find the style, fit and detailing of the Classic Softshell a delight. All in all, it’s a fine piece of kit and one that has many satisfied owners but, as the first line of defence against the challenge of staying warm and dry in cold, dry weather, this reviewer prefers the greater breathability of somthing like Rapha’s Long Sleeve Jersey. You can always pull a Stowaway jacket over the top if rain threatens.
Rapha Classic Softshell £240.00. Red, Black. Sizes XS to XXL
