Rapha Women's short

Every woman spends her life searching for the perfect pair of jeans, ones that are comfortable, look great, aren’t too fashionable but just stylish enough, are versatile, and even forgiving when she puts on a pound or two. Most never find those jeans. Somehow, maestros of cycle clothing Rapha have managed to address the female cyclist’s equivalent quest, the search for the perfect cycling shorts. I am going to show my hand right from the word go, here, I cannot recommend these shorts highly enough!

Made from silky, stretchy non-shiny lycra, these are as close as you can get to riding naked, although probably significantly more comfortable. The fabric acts like a second skin, moving with your body as you ride, and with good moisture transfer properties to keep you comfortable and dry no matter how warm the conditions. The longer cut in the leg may not appeal to those who like to show a little limb, or want a tan up to their armpits, but it will most certainly appeal to anyone looking for a more flattering cut. The effective leg grippers are positioned just right to not bite into more generous thighs, but also not low enough that they pinch tendons. Sizing was absolutely perfect, and just that little bit forgiving.

Clever shaping of the lumbar area, with added grips means there’s no worry about gaps appearing between jersey and short, even when riding on the drops, while a soft panel at the tummy area means a flattering shape and no cutting in.

Most important though, the female specific pad is without a doubt the most effective and unobtrusive and comfortable I’ve ever had the pleasure to ride on. It’s just the right thickness and density, a great anatomical shape, has no irritating seams, it wicks well and remains comfortable throughout the ride, and it’s not even overly visible from the outside.

Bearing in mind that you will probably neglect all your other shorts from now on in favour of only ever wearing these, cost per wear is not an issue. If Rapha brought out some other colours, that’d be birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries and Valentines sorted for the rest of my natural life.

I’m not sure if it was an awareness of the value of the kit I was wearing, and a feeling that my riding should somehow live up to that, but I’d swear I was faster wearing these!

Verdict

Buy them. You know you’re worth it.