Rapha's Guide to Riding in Winter
Engineered with world-class protection and insulation, Rapha’s winter apparel unlocks the confidence to be out there, whatever the weather.
October 25, 2024
Pillars of Protection
Visibility
The coldest months mean shorter windows of daylight. The safety and reassurance of garments with reflective elements enable you to keep riding through the darkest days.
Active insulation
A layering system using active insulation is crucial to comfort on your ride. Technical fabrics balance warmth and breathability and adapt to ride intensity, body heat and fluctuating conditions.
Waterproofing
Insulation and thermoregulating fabrics can only work so far, if the heavens open you need additional protection to continue your journey. That’s why we partner with the undisputed leader in fabric technology: GORE-TEX.
EXTREMITIES
Weather-proofing and insulation for those crucial contact points can make or put the brakes on riding and training in winter. Forget any threat of frozen extremities with our comprehensive selection of gloves, overshoes and eyewear.
Active Insulation
Materials that strike the balance of breathability and warmth when you’re moving. Working with your effort and the environment, industry-leading ultra-functional textiles like Primaloft®, and Octa insulation provide adaptability. Alongside this is a range enriched with the natural performance of merino wool.
“Layers of insulation form air gaps that keep you warm. The active insulation manages the moisture within the system, creating the right balance of heat retention and evaporation.”
– Anne Weir, Material Developer
Waterproofing
The key to active water-protective fabrics is to let moisture evaporate from the inside. Our partnership with Gore and GORE-TEX® Performance Fabrics allows us to explore the cutting edge of hydrophobic technical layers for riders of all abilities and disciplines.
“Our weather protection systems are optimised for maximum breathability, allowing moisture vapour to escape while still repelling the rain and wind.”
– Anne Weir, Material Developer
Visibility
From vibrant colour-ways to subtle reflective branding, we design for high mileage in low-light with signature visibility, never compromising on style. Tailored with reflective branding at strategic points, you won’t ever go unseen.
“Reflective elements, such as micro-beaded retro reflectivity, are an integral part of our Autumn and Winter designs, helping you stay seen on long winter rides that start and finish in the dark.”
– Lauren Hunt, Apparel Designer
EXTREMITIES
Finding the balance of material, fit and weight for unhindered contact and control is vital when it comes to hands and feet on the bike, as well as the head and eyes. Carefully road-tested components are tailored for ergonomic efficiency and unhindered performance to keep you operating at optimum capacity, even when the weather really starts to bite.
“To ensure dexterity and grip the challenge lies in creating a product that protects whilst enabling the tactile feedback needed for control amongst the elements.”
– Remi Jauze, Luggage & Gloves Designer
