Rapha cycling shoes: well cobbled

Rapha has extended its inventory to footwear with the launch of its first footwear line in conjunction with Giro.

They are as stylish and sleek as you might expect, with only a minimal degree of branding, in contrast to the other offerings that are out there. And what's more they're made of yak, which could mean they are good at climbing mountains. 

Get them here

Rapha Knock for Knock: rolling with the punches

You wouldn't usually associate cycling with boxing. As far as sports go, they're pretty much at opposite ends of the spectrum. Knock for Knock brings these two worlds together in a short film by visual artist  Antony Crook.

Obvuiously this would only involve Rapha, in conjunction with RSA Films and it chronicles one man's journey to self discovery. It is shot in Tokyo, and features a script from long-distance cyclist James Bowthorpe and a soundtrack from Mogwai.

Knock for Knock will premier at the KK Outlet gallery London’s Hoxton Square on April 5th, before going online at Rapha.cc the following week.

Rapha Van Diemen's Land video: winding

Rapha have again made me want to find a mountain to ride up which can be difficult in Essex, which isn't exactly known for its undulations. Unlike Tasmania, Australia.

This is where convicts from Britain were sent in 1803 when it was known as Van Diemen's Land, then it was known as the birthplace of that Warner Brothers cartoon character. Now it is lived on, and people ride up the hills. Where better to show off Rapha's latest collection?

Rapha SS12: the lookbook

It's hard to imagine it now but before long we'll be riding around in short sleeves, the warm summer breeze keeping us just the right side of cool, picking flies from our teeth. Of course with the new Rapha gear you'll not only feel cool, you'll look damn fine too.


This season the offering is pretty much tweaked versions of previous favourites. You have the country jerseys with additional placket detail and the addition of Ireland, as well as a freshly-fashioned line f club jerseys.


The stowaway jacket have been given a makeover and there are some other little extras that you don't need but you know within a few months you'll be carrying in your jersey pocket.


Allez! to that.

Rapha Focus Oakley Jawbones: keep your eye out

According to Rapha USA, these Rapha-branded Oakley Jawbone sunglasses in the Focus team cyclocros colours will be available from October 10. But they won't be for sale - you will have to bid on them in an online auction, to raise money for the Focus cyclocross team, and the starting price won't be cheap.

For the record I can personally vouch for these being the absolute best sunglasses for cycling, but at £200+ a pop I'm not entirely sure I would risk them on a cyclocross course.

Still, in those colours they look good, even if you might look a bit of a berk if you started to wear them off the bike.

Check www.rapha.cc on October 10.

Rapha hidden Alps film: look and ye shall find

The Hidden Alps from Rapha on Vimeo.
Another nicely put together piece of cinematography from those chaps at Rapha, who certainly have developed a knack for making their clobber look as good as it actually is.

Which is handy, because this is the first glimpse of the new A/W 2011-12 collection, in its shades of precious stones.

For the film Rapha took its riders up the Colle delle Finestre, or the 'Hill of Windows', which is one of Italy's toughest climbs, even if it doesn't feature as much as the other cols. 

More info to come soon, no doubt.

Read more here

Rapha+Paul Smith Essentials case: wearing in Part Two

For the second instalment of the Wearing In series I present you my Rapha+ paul Smith essentials case. It's quite an appealing little number if you overlook the fact that it bears more than a passing resemblance to a woman's makeup bag, and remind yourself that it does in fact contain very manly cycling-type things like tyre levers and a puncture kit.

It has some nice Paul Smith details such as the bi-coloured zip and embossed leather to one side, as well as a message from the man himself printed on the lining.

Seeing as this has already been up a few mountains with me on the Etape and done some considerable miles since and is still looking as good as new, I fear this might present a little less exciting subject.

But it is white leather and is already demonstrating a few signs of wear, so I live in hope that over time it might become a nicely battered piece of kit, especially with the grime of the winter looming.

Rapha Grand Tour mitts: wearing in Part One

For a while now I've been meaning to do a little series on items and the way they develop characteristics and become an extension of myself as they age.

Leather is an obvious candidate for this sort of thing so these new Grand Tour mitts from Rapha provide the perfect subject.

This is how they look after one 45 mile ride, and being white and unwashable I fully expect them to show every knock, bump, and piece of dirt that riding can throw at them as time goes on.

They are size medium and right now fit quite snug but are very comfortable. After a succesion of larges I now realise that this is the size I should have gone for all along.

Watching these mitts as they mature and then grow old and finally die is one journey we can all go on together.

Rapha visits Moots: made up

Rapha Continental USA Pro Cycling Challenge Moots Factory Tour from RAPHA on Vimeo.

They like building bikes in America. The type of bikes that dreams are made of, hand crafted, with cool little details that mass produced machines are sadly lacking. They build them with vision, flair, and a whole bucketload of passion. They take weeks on each bike and the waiting lists are global and years long.

One of these bike builders is Moots. A more lovingly produced machine you would be hard-pushed to find anywhere.

The Rapha Continental crew went to visit the factory on a day off.

Rapha luggage: well contained

Rapha has already had one foray into the world of luggage. There has been a rucksack, holdall and small messenger bag, as well as the simple yet effective bonk bag.

The line has been relaunched with a bit more substance and pieces which look a little suitable for the transportation of hefty loads.

The luggage line features seven pieces in all, ranging from a decent sized race bag through to a sturdier than average tote and even a wash bag.

Take a look at the full collection here.

Le P'tit Velo: new entrants

Here's a couple more P'tit Velo which are presently pedalling their way to a new life on Ebay.

This release features another Rapha Condor Sharp team rider, this time with a new and imnproved 2011 team outfit.

The other fella is in a more laidback mood, riding in a Rapha+Paul Smith purple short sleeved Henley and a red and green striped Rapha+Paul Smith racing cap.

The auctions can be found here and here.