razmaspaz

As the lingo goes in the cycling world, I have new “kit” today.  A brand new Rapha Softshell Jacket shipped direct from London.  This was a toe dipped (my big toe for sure) in the water of the Rapha line.  Rapha is billed as a maker of luxury cycling apparel.  Known for mixing fashion with performance, which in mind ususally ends up with ugly, underperfoming outoor gear, Rapha has built a cult following of style minded riders that claim it all lives up to the hype.So here I am with my shiny new softshell.  It certainly fits the bill from the style perspective.  I’m a big fan of little details that nobody will ever see, but that show an attention to quality and finish.  The pink loops inside the jacket, and the piping as well as the pit zips and the rubber on the storm flap detent are all fine examples.   The jacket has Rapha stitched into the arm in a very muted black to match the jacket.  Again a huge plus in my mind when the brand isn’t plastered all over the garment.  Nothing I hate more than a Polo guy on a breast pocket or the word Abercrombie plastered across a chest.

The jacket is made of Schoeller fabric, and given other backpacking garments I own that are made of the same stuff, I know its tough stuff.  hopefully I will never find out if it stands up to falling off a bike at 20mph and sliding across the pavement (likely it wouldn’t fare all that well, as nothing ever does), but overall I am guessing it will be pretty bombproof.   It has a retractable mudflap for riding in wet conditions, and elastic-ish thumb loops, which I didn’t even realize were there until I put it on.  Additionally it mimics a standard jersey with some nice gear pouches and a little side pocket that I have yet to discover a purpose for.  Overall I think it will perform outstanding.I’m wearing it on my ride today, and I can’t wait for a bit messier day where I get to wear it in the elements.  I will report back with some more info after a bit of wear. Update: Rode today in some wet nasty conditions.  Normally this would involve me being cold and having a wet strip going down my back right onto my butt.  Today was quite pleasant.  In fact, even in the light rain that fell, I was quite comfortable.  Given the number of times I stayed home last year due to weather like this, I think I’m going to get a lot more miles and rides in this year.