6 highlights of Rapha’s new autumn/winter 2016 clothing range - photos, prices and video

Are you ready for autumn and winter? If it’s time to invest in some new cycling clothing to take you through the next few months of cold and wet weather, Rapha has just sent over details of its latest range of clothing. 

The London clothing company now splits is clothing into seven collections - Classics, Pro Team, Brevet, Souplesse, Cross, City and Core - and there are updates across the board, with more colours, a bigger focus on visibility and much more. Rather than talk through every single garment, we’ve picked out six standout products.

Long Sleeve Classic Jersey has been revamped this season, with Rapha listing 12 improvements to a jersey that has long been a staple of the company’s winter range. The Classic wool jersey was the company’s first product when it launched in 2004, and it wasn’t long before a long sleeve version was added. Many of the changes first appeared on the updated Classic Short Sleeve jersey and include a new proprietary merino wool based fabric which is softer and lighter, an improved fit  and redesigned pockets, as well as a slight weight saving. It costs £120 and comes in four colours. 

Cyclocross has long been a discipline close to Rapha’s heart, and the Cross range has always been well received. There’s a brand new design this season, a reworking of the argyle pattern with a much bolder appearance. It’s probably a bit more Marmite than previous offerings. This is the Cross Long Sleeve Jersey, with a close-fitting design, dropped rail, full-length zipper, low profile rear pockets and a shoulder pad for protecting your shoulder when carrying the ‘cross bike. It costs £140 and comes in six sizes. 

The Souplesse Thermal Bib Shorts are designed for the coldest bicycle rides when the regular Souplesse Bib Shorts, which these are based on, don’t provide enough insulation. They use a Super Roubaix Endurance fabric to provide the necessary insulation with a high waist to offer more core protection, and the same padded chamois. They cost £190 and are sold in six sizes.

The Pack Jacket is a lightweight and showerproof jacket aimed at city cyclists and commuters that want a top that will keep them dry or stop the wind, while also being able to pack down into its own pocket, so it can live in a rucksack without taking up much space or adding weight, so it’s always ready for when you need it. It’s sold in three colours including this bright yellow and costs £120.

Originally designed for Team Sky, the Pro Team Lightweight Gilet is a lightweight and highly packable gilet, ideal for the first hour of an early starting ride, or you just need some wind protection on your chest. It weighs a claimed 76g so it’s very light and will roll up small enough to stow in a jersey pocket, with a low-friction zip intended to make it easier to get on and off. Worried about not standing out on the roads? This bright yellow colour option should take care of your visibility. A blue is also available. It costs £80 and is available in six sizes.

Lastly, these Pro Team Winter Socks are a new addition to the Team Sky inspired range. They’re made from what Rapha is calling an “ultralight, fast-drying yarn with exceptional insulating qualities.” Toe and heel areas are reinforced for improved durability and they’re available in four colours and four sizes. They cost £20 a pair, so not cheap.

Doesn't Rapha normally produce a video for its new releases? Course it does, and here it is. 

Rapha New Season Collections from RAPHA on Vimeo.

You can see the full range at rapha.cc