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Some rather delightful Rapha-inspired illustrations by way of South Korea, courtesy of yangtaetae. If you are in the UK right now you'll understand the need for visual distraction from the blanket of melancholy that is the British 'summertime'. Still, a bit of precipitation doesn't stop you from riding (or drawing). See more on the artist's website:
The window for ordering a Tony Pereira / Ira Ryan Continental, part of the Rapha Bicycle Collection, will close at the end of June. This is the second run of these bikes and it's a great collaboration that brings together two Portland-based builders to make a bicycle that is a direct nod to their Rapha Continental riding style.
Caricature by Jon Knight
What is it about Italy?
I’ve heard that in terms of style or ‘fashion’ – whatever you define that to mean – Italy is at least 10 years ahead of the curve… Tell that to Filippo Pozzato. In fact, have a word with Mario, Marco and Paulo while you’re there.
In my view, the last couple of decades left a lot to be desired in terms of the ‘style’ adopted by Italian racers. But just like the most flamboyant of ostrich-leather Gucci loafers, Italian road racers display a somewhat rococo style, but they are made of the finest materials and are very strong.
Visual artist Antony Crook, in collaboration with Rapha and RSA Films, presents Knock for Knock.
Shot in Tokyo, with a soundtrack from Mogwai and a script written by long-distance cyclist James Bowthorpe, the film represents a sportsman’s fight against his inner demons.
Picture if you will the 1986 edition of the Tour de Suisse. The young rider that would go on to win the race – and do so again the following year – was Andy Hampsten. As important as the win was for the young American rider, it was what he pedalled on that held wider significance for the sport. The previous year, in 1985, a French ski apparel company by the name of LOOK had released a new product on to the cycling market. It was one that would help change cycling forever. By using technology developed for their ski bindings they created a new kind of cycling pedal, one that was far easier to operate than the existing clip and strap counterparts. Crucially for Hampsten, this new 'pédales automatiques' would, within a year of it appearing, ultimately save him crashing out of the Tour de Suisse.
The Winter Playlist 2012: 25 tracks chosen and inspired by folks here at Rapha for your listening pleasure (or displeasure depending on taste). Once more we'd like to stress that Rapha do not endorse plugging your earphones in whilst out riding, or even indoors on the rollers/ turbo. That's entirely up to the listener. Enjoy.
This season Down Under, Rapha Australia is providing select events with bespoke race numbers. Being Rapha dossards they aren’t your average kind of race number, using a distinctive palette and printing riders names as well as the number. They aren't your average piece of Tyvek, either. Hopefully the more races you enter, the more Rapha numbers you collect. The images show the dossards' first outing at last weekend's Tour of Bright.
