unknown Rapha classic softshell jacket

Price Paid:  $300.00 at online retailer

Favorite Ride:
anytime, anywhere, 365 commuter, weekend warrior

Bike Setup:
not important for this review

Summary:
This is a detailed review for the much touted Rapha soft shell. STOP reading if you are 1. Not extremely picky about your cycling clothing; 2. Do not have great difficulty finding cycling jackets that fit you; 3. Not willing to spend lots of money on quality clothing; 4. Do not have a wonderful wife who allows you to spend part of your tax return on "anything you want."

With that out of the way, this is the finest piece of cycling clothing I have ever worn. I am a slight 5'5", 125 lbs and have GREAT DIFFICULTY finding the perfect fit. With 300 dollars to spend on a new cycling jacket, I had lots of choices: Assos (can't say the name in front of the kids), Castelli (do not wish to look like a motocross rider), Giordana (too flashy), and umpteen others. After doing some research, I chose the Rapha because it 1. Was very likely to fit my body shape (it does perfectly); 2. It is understated and lacks words like "radiation" and "rosso corsa" and "Assoshole"; 3. Uses a very good synthetic known to be breathable and stretchy (Hytrel); 4. Has good pockets (needs a chest pocket though; 5. Has thumb loops (don't knock it till you've tried it, you'll never go back); 6. Has an offset zipper (same as 5.)

The Rapha has supreme build quality, a perfect fit, very supple soft shell material, and very nice styling. I hate fashion hype and blah, blah, blah. But, all the hype about wearing the Rapha soft shell off the bike is true. It actually is quite practical in the end. I routinely ride then go straight to work or meetings. I slip a pair of pants over my tights and leave the Rapha on...bam, presentable. Hair gets washed and dried in the sink, but that's another matter.

But, what really matters is performance. The jacket fits perfectly on the bicycle, is completely windproof, reasonably breathable, and has two critical strong points: 1. A PERFECT collar fit with soft fleece lining; 2. Nice long arms with thumb loops. These two features make the jacket for me. It is very hard to find the perfect collar for me, and the Rapha fits perfectly. I hate when arms are not long enough when extended in the cycling position. The thumb loops are comfortable and functional.

The rear pockets are huge and well positioned. Rapha needs to sew in an internal or external chest pocket though. Just do it and move on. 86 the little pocket at the waist, although this does fit keys and change perfectly.

The Rapha is not insulated. This means layers are required in extreme cold, something I ride in routinely. But it extends the range of use to higher temps. With an insulating layer, I am comfy down to the teens Fahrenheit. It is completely windproof! Don't you hate when expensive cycling jackets mix and match materials to provide "venting" and moisture management?! This is best achieved using great materials, proper fit, and pit zips. The latter are barely visible in the Rapha but they are there if you need them. I love pit zips.

I have not used the drop down butt cover.

Lastly, the bite guard. Pure hype Rapha! Since the collar fits so perfectly, I can't reach it with my teeth. It is not necessary anyway, since the zipper slides easily without counterpull.

Strengths:
Material quality, fit, perfect collar, great pockets, great understated styling, windproof and breathable, pit zips, offset front zipper, exclusivity (this is key to bolstering ego and making people ooh and aah at you at work or at the park with the kids)

Weaknesses:
needs a chest pocket, consider adding a little insulation for added warmth, expensive (love the tax cuts George)

Similar Products Used:

Similar Products Used:
Showers Pass, Adidas climawarm, Cannondale LE jacket, borrowed Assos airjack (hated that one but it was too big)