For the ultimate endurance rides, comfortable kit is a must. While cycling is a sport which can be focussed on pushing limits, you don’t want to have to grit your teeth when it comes to wearing poorly made bib shorts or an ill-fitting jersey. With its Brevet collection, Rapha aim to provide kit suitable for all variations of weather conditions that a rider might face on a long-distance adventure. Warmth, breathability and protection are at the heart of this range inspired by the original 750 mile Paris–Brest–Paris audax in 1891.
The 2022 Brevet bib shorts lead the way as the flagship product in Rapha's new launch. Made for enduring long hours in the saddle, the shorts feature the brand’s most supportive dual-density chamois with an antibacterial topsheet, as well as a side pocket to carry provisions for the long road ahead. The Brevet shorts also have UPF50+ sun protection and high-visibility strips to ensure that the rider can be seen in dark conditions. Described as “the Swiss Army knife of cycling shorts” by Rapha, the Brevet bibs are designed to reach the requirements of ultra enduring riding.
Shop the new Rapha Brevet Collection
Alongside the bib shorts, Rapha also has launched a women’s Flyweight Wind Jacket in the 2022 collection. Extremely packable so it takes up as little space as possible, the jacket is treated with DWR (durable water repellent), making it ideal for unexpected downpours. The wind jacket is made from 28 gsm ripstop fabric for complete windproof protection and features zipped pockets for carrying extra provisions. Similarly to the Brevet bib shorts, the Brevet Flyweight Jacket has reflective strips and is high-visibility, with safety clearly a priority for Rapha when creating the new Brevet range.
As an alternative to a full jacket, the Brevet gilet is now available for both men and women. Made from a nylon shell to provide complete wind protection, it also features the same 360° visibility as the Flyweight Jacket for darker conditions. The requirements of travelling light when on a long endurance ride means the gilet also packs down into its own pocket. A double zip allows both ventilation and pocket access, while mesh side and shoulder panels also aid airflow throughout the garment.
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The final core product in Rapha’s latest drop is the men’s Brevet GORE-TEX Rain Jacket. As the most waterproof jacket in the collection it has a 2L GORE-TEX shell, but this doesn’t mean the jacket carries extra bulk – it's still highly packable with an integrated roll loop ensuring easy storage. A ripstop structure also helps to ensure durability when the jacket is stuffed into bike-packing bags or a rear pocket.
Rapha’s merino Brevet jersey finishes the collection. With the signature Rapha stripe on the arm, sweat-wicking properties and reflective stripes, the Brevet jersey serves as an ideal base for the all-day epic. The jersey, alongside the Brevet bib shorts and Brevet GORE-TEX Rain Jacket, is made from recycled fabrics as part of Rapha’s wider mission to minimise its environmental impact.
Worn by seasoned ultra-endurance athletes such as Emily Chappell, it’s clear that the Brevet collection has been designed by those acutely aware of the requirements of kit for long days in the saddle. Tested by Rapha’s athletes on an overnight endurance ride across Lanzarote, the Brevet range focuses on safety and packability, without compromising on comfort or performance.
Shop Rapha's full Brevet Collection here
