Based in London but with an Italian soul, Imperial Works was a secret society of sorts which took its name from the turn-of-the-century piano factory that housed Rapha’s first offices. To commemorate the gruppo sportivo’s place in our history, we’ve recreated the cycling club’s luxurious black, gold and purple livery. This limited edition version of our Classic Bib Shorts is made with a soft lycra fabric which guarantees all-day comfort and now incorporates recycled materials for a lower impact. The uppers are constructed from a lightweight mesh which provides excellent breathability, with a central cut out on the back to further aid temperature regulation. The Classic chamois pad comprises several layers of quick-drying foam with a sweat-wicking, antibacterial top sheet for comfort on all-day rides. Updated low-profile silicone leg grippers keep the shorts in place, while new reflective piping on the side panels improves your on-bike visibility.