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review
£140.00
VERDICT:
A stylish and comfortable jersey with bags of storage and available in colours that will satisfy the most safety-conscious
Weight:
313g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Rapha's high-vis Long Sleeve Brevet Jersey manages to not only keep you seen in low light but also looks good and performs magnificently.
The Brevet jersey comes in three flavours: black, pink and green. We tried out the green, and the first thing that strikes you, as well as those around you, is how super-high-vis it is. Under artificial lighting it's bright green – it looks as per the photos on Rapha's website – but as soon as you step outside, the colour seems to get even brighter.
I wouldn't normally wear a fluorescent top – it's just not my style – but Rapha has managed to create something that really does make you feel safer, and at the same time looks like a high-end garment.
The fabric
The jersey is made of the familiar polyester and merino blend that Rapha likes to use, but here, interestingly, it isn't called Sportwool, though its 61% polyester, 39% merino blend is the same proportions as the Sportwool used in Rapha's Classic Jersey.
The fabric is noticeably soft and warm against the skin as well as being light, flexible and breathable. I've been wearing it over a Rapha merino baselayer for most of my rides and have yet to overheat or feel the need for additional layers. Having said that, the Brevet jersey fits closely enough that you could layer up over the top, and has enough stretch that you could wear an additional baselayer underneath without it feeling too tight.
The fabric also seems to cope very well in the wash. I have to carry my bike up and down a flight of stairs each day, which resulted in a rather unfortunate black oil smear on my arm. This came out in the wash without the need for any fancy detergents and after four or five washes the jersey is still looking fresh and new.
The tailoring is just right too. The collar is snug without being too tight, the sleeves are, unusually, long enough for me, and the rear of the jersey sits nicely at the base of the back, held in place with a line of gripper elastic. You can also adjust the tightness of the waist by tightening two elastic draw-cords with friction locks at the sides, a system that might be familiar if you own other Rapha jerseys.
Storage
The jersey features three large cargo pockets that are deep enough that you don't feel your belongings are going to bounce out of them and positioned well enough that you don't need to be a contortionist to reach into them. It also has a large, internal 'ballast' pocket designed to accommodate the Brevet Gilet, which I found useful for stashing food and rubbish. Its mesh interior made me reluctant to trust it with my phone, wallet or keys, though...
The front of the jersey also features a small zippered pocket for your 'brevet card'. I guess that sounds more appealing than 'credit card', but in reality it's actually a very useful home for the latter, which means you can leave your wallet at home and don't have to fumble around in your back pockets at the cafe stop.
Colour
The jersey is touted as being "designed specifically for riding in low light" and, as already mentioned, the green version certainly achieves this. In addition to the high-vis fabric, the white 'Schoeller' fabric band around the chest and arm on the green and pink versions is reflective.
> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling jerseys here
The black version is a more toned-down affair, and although it does have grey reflective bands, I can't imagine that overall visibility is as good as the other two options. It'll probably turn out to be the more popular version among Rapha's traditional client base, but I would urge anyone who is undecided, or has a significant other who likes to point out that "you aren't very visible in that black Lycra", to try the green or pink. High-vis and as stylish as you would expect from Rapha, it's a great addition to your wardrobe.
Verdict
A stylish and comfortable jersey with bags of storage and available in colours that will satisfy the most safety-conscious
road.cc test report
Make and model: Rapha Long Sleeve Brevet Jersey
Size tested: Small, Green
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Rapha says: "Based on the short-sleeve jersey rigorously tested by Rapha riders at Paris-Brest-Paris, the long-sleeve version has been created for endurance rides where additional visibility and storage are important but where extra insulation is required. It has three large cargo pockets, as well as a zipped ballast pocket for carrying the hi-vis Brevet Vest and/ or an extra jacket.
"The front of the jersey also has a zipped chest pocket for carrying a brevet card. Designed specifically for riding in low light, the jersey has two high-visibility stripes around the chest. Other visibility details include a reflective armband on the left arm and reflective tab on the back of the jersey. The jersey is highly breathable and versatile enough to be used from autumn through to spring."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Three large cargo pockets
Large zipped ballast pocket
Zipped brevet card pocket on chest
Reflective stripe and armband for high visibility
Robust fabric for durability and warmth
Full-length, fully lined zip
Lockdown puller
Drawcord with friction locks
Side-panel construction
Soft gripper on hem
Full-length, fully lined zip
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
After six trips through the washing machine the jersey is still looking "as new" and I was very impressed with its ability to shed oil-stains.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
8/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
10/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Last year's version came in a bundle with the Brevet Gilet for £195. This year the price (and the inclusion of the gilet) has dropped to a slightly more digestible £140. It is still one of the more expensive jerseys out there, but you do get Rapha quality and styling!
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The jersey performed exceptionally well. Its comfort, styling and even its colour were all great. Pair that with the performance that we've come to expect from a Rapha product and you are left with a very nice bit of kit.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Very impressed with its ability to make me feel stylish in a 'high-vis' jacket!
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 34
I usually ride: Rose Xeon CRS Road at the moment My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides
Latest Comments
- chrisonabike 2 min 46 sec ago
I think I saw something like that at a Welsh international - it looked a bit leeky though.
- Capt Sisko 2 min 41 sec ago
We used to say "if it ain't on strava it didn't happen", now we'll say "it ain't on strava because I've closed my account".
- dreamlx10 14 min 15 sec ago
Ah, Endura the company owned by the man who told his employees to vote against Scottish independence as it would result in Scotland having to leave...
- FionaJJ 22 min 43 sec ago
Could you make your point without being such a snob about how other people earn an honest living? Assuming that any law enforcement officer ...
- Mr Rodgers 23 min 49 sec ago
My money would go to the Giant Defy range. The Mrs has a 2023 model last year which has 105 di2, capably handled bike-packing LEJOG, and has lots...
- stonojnr 28 min 8 sec ago
No that's Señor Sainz Sr.
- hawkinspeter 2 hours 28 min ago
You don't?
- Andrewbanshee 2 hours 34 min ago
Tbh I ride cautiously at night when in dimly lit areas. I do have very bright front and rear lights too. It is true that many people seem oblivious...
- brooksby 3 hours 17 min ago
So the footpath has always been there too? Doesn't Cllr Lake think its a problem that motorists are apparently pulling out of the garage forecourt...
Add new comment
9 comments
how close a match to the frame colour of the cannondale synapse hi-mod 2015 sram red version is the green jumper?
I had no idea that clothing had to comply with various laws!
The reviewer seems to be missing basic knowledge what a "brevet" is in cycling. From there would follow the knowledge that a brevet-card is nothing at all similar to a credit card.
A brevet card is typically made out of thin cardboard or thick paper. It's used to collect stamps at control points, to prove that you have done all the route. So a pocket specifically designed for a brevet card should ideally provide some protection from the card being sweated through. Unless you're willing to fold over the valuable card, I'd say that pocket is also too small for a standard brevet card.
Also if the brevet rider desires to finish riding the brevet according to the rules, this piece of clothing had better confirm to the EN1150 safety standard. (The EN1150 safety standard is required for riding in low light conditions in France, and international randonneuring rules proscribe that the visibility equipment worn confirms to french law, yes, even outside France).
So, question to the reviewer, does the product confirm to EN1150?
If you did a little google search, you'd find out that they created the jersey in 2011 to ride PBP... and the card pocket is waterproof and fits.. and it meets all the regulations...
http://pages.rapha.cc/products/brevet-jersey
http://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/long-sleeve-brevet-jersey/product/BJR02
http://pages.rapha.cc/stories/his-bright-materials
(Let's leave asside the fun of someone writing a review of a product and expecting their readers to google the answer to important questions by themselves...)
None of the links you gave say anything about EN 1150. None of the linked pages say anything about a waterproof pocket either.
On the other hand, there are many reports out on the web that the gilet that Rapha created for PBP 2011 simply did not meet minimum requirements. One of the pages you linked says it "had to meet the race’s extremely high standards of visibility", but apparently it simply didn't. If Rapha disagrees, I'm happy to receive a link to their EN 1150 certification document.
Imagine you finally made enough time to go to that brevet ride, you prepared yourself with training and all that, and in the technical check before the brevet, they either send you home, or make you wear a flappy gas station safety vest above your shiny, sleek Rapha kit. Wouldn't it be good ifyou had known beforehand if the Rapha kit conforms to the rules? Having that "EN 1150" label in your kit is the simplest way to pass the technical check.
Sorry, went for black and got 30% off during the Black Friday event. Very comfy and as always a great fit
Obligatory comment about price and Aldi. Just got one of these myself, great for commuting and was a steal (for Rapha) in the Black Friday sales. Compared to other Rapha products it's a bit more generous in the arms, being 6ft 4, 'athletic' build I go for a medium and often they're too short but this is perfect. It's still got that super tight neck line though which makes it a bit uncomfortable to do all the way up, for me anyway.
I have the short sleeve version (in blue with the pink gilet) and its the best Rapha top I've had, and one of the best in their range IMHO. Really good value too when I got the gilet and jersey together.
I find its suitable most of the year round. I do get a bit hot in it in the summer, and didn't wear it in the Alps at the Etape. But apart from that its my go to jersey, even with thicker base layer and under a softshell when it gets really cold.
I've got the pink version and it amazes me how much extra room drivers give you when on the road. Shame that the gilet that came with it is dark blue and cancels out most of the visibilty when you need to wear it!