Rapha Transfer Jacket

The Transfer is a soft, padded, lightweight jacket, insulated with a synthetic down known as PrimaLoft One. The jacket feels extremely light and is the type that you could squash into a bag, a luggage rack on a train or aircraft, or even into itself (it has a pocket that serves as a stuff sack). The left shoulder is quilted, presumably to bear the load of a travel bag more effectively, and the pockets are lined to keep your hands warm when the Transfer is pressed into service for off-the-bike missions – its raison d’etre.

RCUK understands that the Transfer came into being as the result of a request from Team Sky for a jacket for its riders to wear off the bike, to keep off the chill after finishing a race, and to wear for a post-ride spin on the rollers or turbo trainer. Features include a wallet-sized internal pocket, and loops for headphones. Rapha warn that the cut is more generous than its other garments,  despite its slim fit and the bias is towards insulation.

Despite its primary purpose as a means of keeping warm off the bike, the Transfer has many of the features found on a riding jacket. The deep collar and fleecy cuffs should provide ample protection for cold days; likewise, the dropped tail reveals its cycling heritage. The off-centre zip is another rider friendly feature and is claimed to be water resistant, too. And there’s a deep pocket on the tail, although, as discussed with the jersey, we’ve yet to be convinced of the merits of a single rear pocket with horizontal zip.

The Rapha Transfer Jacket is available in black or orange and in six sizes from X-Small to XX-Large. It costs £190.