Rapha Commuter Jacket

Rapha's Commuter Jacket continues its reputation for understated style in the urban cycling market. However, don't let that name fool you too much. Yes, it's a relaxed, flattering and very effective waterproof. But other qualities often associated with modern urban cycling outer layers – such as breathability, insulation and even visibility – are in short supply.

• Pros: Looks great, stops rain getting through
• Cons: Not breathable, not insulated, reflective elements aren't brilliant

It's easy to caricature Rapha as an entity that exists only to indulge the pretensions of well-funded nouveau road cyclists. However, the brand has done a pretty impressive job of spreading its wings beyond that relatively small market. This Commuter Jacket is a case in point. It's a fairly simple, straightforward rain jacket designed for the urban cyclist, with a price tag that doesn't seem excessive by either Rapha's standards or even those set by other examples of on-trend urban cycle clothing.

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As it happened, my review sample Commuter Jacket arrived in a parcel alongside four other more general use jackets – two from Fat Lad At The Back and two from Proviz – and it was quickly obvious that the Rapha had the most appealing fit by an urban mile. You might not be overawed initially: in the soft Rapha-branded packet it looks just like a simple weatherproof jacket. However, put it on, and you'll find it is really flattering.

Wot, no breathability?

So the fit is excellent and the price seems OK, what about the performance? Here's where things take a turn. Because not only does it look just like a simple waterproof jacket, that's also how it performs.

According to Rapha, the jacket is manufactured from '2.5 layer fabric with waterproof membrane'. Combine this with the welted zip pockets and Aquaguard waterproof zip and there's no way any rain is going to slip by to get at you. But put too much effort in on the bike and you'll be more than capable of creating self-inflicted dampness because there's next to no breathability, with only a 'dry touch print' and a bit of mesh under a vent on the upper back to help deal with perspiration.

With no further lining of any kind, it's also not particularly warm or insulating, so you're going to need layers. Funnily enough, Rapha points out: 'Jacket fits large to accommodate layers, we recommend you size down,' which I can't quite get my head around – that seems to be akin to Spinal Tap's 'this one goes up to 11' logic.

It also has a slightly irritating rubbery feel to the inside surface and in the pockets. Because it looks so good, I've been wearing the Commuter Jacket a lot off the bike and I like to put my hands in my pockets. But each time I do, I experience a variation of the old 'fingernails-on-blackboard' kind of sensation.

Fit as a fiddle

That flattering fit off the bike also translates to being a perfect fit for riding. Arm length is very good; the cuffs are sufficiently secure to form a nice barrier between you and the elements; and the rear flap is deep enough to cover your lower back, but not so long that it screams 'cyclist!' when strolling down civvy street.

Although this is not a product overloaded with novelties, there are a few added extras. As I've mentioned, there are a couple of zipped side pockets, and a neat reflective retention strap is provided to help stow the hood away when it's not needed. (I'm not convinced by it myself and have tended to leave the hood out.) And the waterproof front zip is offset and really does keep your chin from chafing – although if you're the kind of person who likes things to be straight and level, it might just keep you up at night. Also, though I've had no problems, the zip feels just a little too delicate in use. The handy ring-shaped pull works well, though.

Finally, one last criticism is visibility. In addition to this black version, the jacket is also available in suitably brightly coloured yellow (officially called 'chartreuse'), bright orange, or high-vis pink, which will all help to keep you seen during daytime. But when the light goes out, you've only got some subtle reflective dots on the rear flap, and they aren't massively effective compared with the reflective elements found on other brands' jackets.

As regards value, at first glance £100 looks pretty good for something that... looks pretty good, but performance-wise it faces some competition at this price. It's cheaper than the Altura Nightvision Thunderstorm Jacket, but not as rounded in terms of being a complete practical product. And if looks matter less to you, the £75 Proviz Nightrider jacket offers impressive weatherproofing and breathability, and of course visibility, plus £25 in your pocket.

> Buyer's Guide: The best casual cycle wear for commuting

Despite the criticisms, this Rapha Commuter Jacket is still a very enticing waterproof layer. But rather than being a hi-tech modern commuting jacket, in many respects it's more an 'urban rain cape deluxe'. As long as you go into any purchase knowing its only two talents are to keep you looking good while being unaffected by wet weather, that £100 is just about acceptable.

Verdict

The most stylish commuting rain jacket in the world? Possibly. But it's a shame its beauty doesn't extend a little deeper