Rapha update City range

As well as the new spring/summer Training and Racing range that we told you about recently, Rapha have just launched their 2014 City clothing lineup aimed at commuters and other urban riders.

This Hooded Wind Jacket (£190), beautifully modelled by our man TR when Rapha came visiting last week, is a new addition to the range. As you’ll have guessed from the name, it is made from a windproof fabric. It has been given a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to add some protection from the rain and road spray.

You get two zip-up front pockets, woven cuffs, and reflective logos and piping to get you noticed by other road users. Pit-zips allow you to adjust the ventilation.

The hood can be rolled up and fastened in place with a buttoned tab so it won’t flap about when you’re not using it.

The Merino Hooded Top (£160) was in the range before in old gold and black colour options. Now it comes in blue/grey and the dark purple/dark grey shown here. The main fabric is 90% merino wool (the remainder being synthetic) and the front panel is windproof polyamide (nylon).

You get two zipped pockets at the front and a patch pocket around the back. That hi-vis tab back there is detachable so the top looks a lot less conspicuous off the bike.

As you can see, the hood is stowable: you roll it up and button it down, a lot like you do with the Hooded Wind Jacket (above).

The Short Sleeve Merino Polo (£110) now comes in new colours, including this blue. It’s a slim fit with offset shoulder seams, the idea there being to prevent your bag straps from rubbing.

In fact, there are new colours all over the place in the City range. The Short Sleeve Shirt (£130), for example, now comes in this blue option. It’s made from a new Italian cotton-mix fabric with plenty of stretch in it.

Over on the women’s side of things, the Lightweight Bomber Jacket (£190) is a polyester option with a DWR treatment. The band on the left arm is the same colour as the rest of the jacket but with embossed polka dots. It’s available in blue and orange.

Rapha are also offering women’s jeans that, like the men’s, contain nylon and elastane to add stretch and durability. They’re cut higher than normal at the back to keep you covered when you’re leaning forward on the bike.

This women’s belt (£80) is another new offering. It’s very similar to Rapha’s men’s belts, made for them by Anderson’s of Italy, but it’s slimmer.

For more info on the Rapha City range go to www.rapha.cc.