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The Classic Softshell Jacket

Por Joe Hall • 24th September 2009 05:50pm • Publicado en Products

Test Rapha's Classic Softshell Jacket today with a no quibble 30-day free returns offer. We are confident you will be completely satisfied by the unrivalled performance and style it offers.

Rapha’s Classic Softshell Jacket arrived in this world in 2005. Then it was simply the ‘Softshell Jacket’. Before this, many prototypes were tested (and detested) including something called the ‘Eddy Jacket’, named after everyone’s favourite Belgian cannibal. Jump ahead to the start of the Autumn Winter season 2009/10 and now the jacket rightfully resides upon its throne as a classic. Biased opinion aside, this is a piece of immaculate design.

'A thing of beauty' - The Times

Several evolutions have taken place: The 2007 version had two protective shoulder pads (reminiscent of a donkey jacket), taking into consideration that riders use both shoulders to carry their bag of choice. We soon realised this was over-egging functionality and jeopardising form and that the one shoulder pad was how it should remain, an iconic and practical detail. We have had pink linings, grey linings, light grippers, three, four and five pocket configurations and various weights of fabric. But now, it appears, we have struck the ultimate balance of fabric, cut and features. Not only this but the 2009/10 Classic Softshell now comes in a red colourway. For those who found the only reason not to own the ultimate road jacket (the fact that it was black and not as visible as the more dizzying fluorescent hues available) there is now no excuse not to invest.

'The best road jacket money can buy' - Cycling Plus

The Classic Softshell Jacket is not only the perfect outershell for winter riding or even milder spins through the autumn leaves and spring sunshine, it can also function as an ideal jacket for commuting, skiing (?) and even down to the bar or restaurant. Whilst it is packed with technical features it does not scream this to others as you wear it. Many other jackets look technical and complicated without actually offering that much practicality. The minimal and understated aesthetic design of the Softshell Jacket disguises the functionality of the thing.

There are over 20 recognisable features and elements to the jacket. However, the main aspect that I find (and even now I am always impressed after each ride) is the breathability. How can a jacket keep you warm and dry but allow your body to breathe like that? Coupled with the ergonomic tailoring that makes the jacket comfortable in any position, on or off the bike, you can’t go wrong with the Classic Softshell. Whether you wear it simply with a baselayer and/or jersey, or even a Winter Jersey on those really cold days, temperature always seems to stay regulated. It is almost like the jacket has your internal thermometer on speed-dial.

'No other bit of kit has done 5 hours training in the snow and a trip to the pub in the same week, which I think speaks volumes about it's form and function. Still warm and comfy even when snot has frozen onto the shoulder.' - Simon Richardson - Ras Tour of Ireland winner 2009

I took the new red version for a spin today and I almost can’t wait for the temperature to drop so I have no excuse not to wear it everyday, whether riding through the Essex lanes or reading the paper outside my local café. Every cyclist should own one.

Comentarios

Jon Moss

24th September 2009 10:07pm

Ok, point taken, it's rather blooming good, and yes, an order will be placed very shortly indeed!

Regards from Yorkshire,

Jon :-)

PS Same fit as the fixed jacket?

Phil McHoul

25th September 2009 12:07pm

It's very smart but how do you justify a price tag of £240 ?

There are plenty of decent softshells around for under £100. The Endura Air Defence is just £72 (inc p&p) at Wiggle.

Joe Hall

25th September 2009 12:51pm

Well Phil, if you would like to review the Endura Air Defence (sounds like an air freshener) and let us know how you got on with it, please do. I've used Endura products and I would say you get what you pay for. Most cyclists know that you get a lot more if you invest £1000 in a bike than if you spent £400 (as a general example).

Gary MacLean

25th September 2009 08:39pm

Burn the unbeliever. Seriously though Phil the Rapha softshell is a fantastic jacket. I've got one of the originals and its still going strong. I've never found endura stuff very good, the zips are woeful, I had to buy an endura gilet in an emergency the evening before a sportive and every time I use the thing the zip jams and the cut is terrible. The softshell jacket just feels right when you put it on.

I was out for a ride with my 12 year old son today and he was feeling the cold so he stuck my stowaway jacket on, he even remarked how amazing it felt to wear and clothing isn't something he normally comments on.

I'm very tempted by the red one now.

Phil McHoul

26th September 2009 10:41pm

Fair comments by you all. I wear Rapha *and* Endura and I like both to be honest. I suppose that Rapha is undoubtedly selling at the luxury end of the market. Good luck to you. It's a buyer's market.

Incidentally, I note that both of my Rapha Fixed jerseys are Chinese made. I'm interested to know if you have a Fair Trade or fair labour policy.

Joe Hall

28th September 2009 10:25am

Thanks for your comments chaps.

Yes Phil, we have a portion of the range manufactured in the Far East as this is where factories can produce to the standards we require on the scale of production we need. We have products made throughout the world in places including Italy, Turkey and England. It depends on the type of product - caps in Italy, gloves in England etc.

In terms of fair labour 'policy' or guidelines, we visit the factories at least twice a year and have a very good relationship with our manufacturers. From what I gather they are safe, friendly environments and meet all FLA standards. We are hoping to create a page on the site very soon outlining this and discussing our approach to production.

Stefan Rohner

3rd October 2009 04:04pm

I agree with Phil McHoul,

yes Rapha makes nice stuff, thats fore sure, but the prices are (MADE IN CHINA is a NO GO for me) no relation for what you get. even Assos and Descente what have very good stuff are less expensive.

best Stefan

Joe Hall

5th October 2009 11:56am

Hi Stefan, sorry to hear this is the conclusion you have arrived at. Which Rapha products in particular have you used and which of our competitor's pieces are the ones you refer to as better value? It is interesting for us in terms of product research and development.
Thanks.

Stefan Rohner

5th October 2009 04:59pm

Joe, some days ago I got two wonderful Rapha pieces, they look very cool! I cycle for 20 years now ( Iam 46), did never hear of Rapha ;) was happy to see the nice designs you have. I got a green Cross Jersey and a Team Issue Stowaway Jacket.

I never buy "made in china", not only when it is about cycling cloth. very difficult and not always possible. I would not buy even if much cheaper. what would happen if more people would have this consumer habit? company's would change their ideas, would create working places in Europe, even if it would be maybe for example in some east Europe country. what will happen when one day we will not produce any more in Europe? with which money we will buy "made in china"? since we are not producing any more we have no money to buy….

I just took a look at some cycling cloth I have.

assos: made in CH
nalini: made in IT
etxeondo: made in ES
descente: made in IT

Stefan Rohner

5th October 2009 05:58pm

Joe, I would like to add something else. I live on a small island in Spain, here most things are more expensive then anywhere. in general bikes and all bikes parts are more expensive here in Spain, when comparing with the big internet shop prices, internet is much much cheaper then the two bicycle shops here. so no reason to buy the stuff you need here, well, but what with the life of these two guys, they also have to survive, they also have families …. sometimes I buy over internet, but most of the time I buy here in the shops, telling them to make me a good price, better a good price then earning nothing.

Stefan Rohner

7th October 2009 12:44pm

so Joe, what are your thoughts? make the money possible in shortest time possible? ;)

Joe Hall

7th October 2009 05:07pm

Stefan, I think you make some very valid points here and I respect your viewpoint. However, Rapha are a young, UK based company and, like your local businesses, use the most economical and logical channels to survive in a very competitive market. You're right, it is very difficult to source cycling apparel that is not made in the far east, but that is where the majority of the factories that produce the kind of garments we develop are based. I assure you that we would use more domestic manufacturers if it were possible. Thanks for your comments.

Stefan Rohner

7th October 2009 11:13pm

people get more and more aware of things, well, maybe not the masses, but people who are able to spend 150 and more for a cycling short, or 300 for a brooks bag… see the costumer comments under the brooks bag:

http://www.brookssaddles.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=bags+-+cycle+bags+%26+accoutrements&;prod=BARBICAN+Shoulder+Bag

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