Apr 9, 2010
Rapha creates some of the finest cycling clothing and accessories in the world. Designed without compromise for the most discerning rider, Rapha products blend style with optimum performance. A passion for road racing means Rapha is more than just a product company. It is an online emporium of performance roadwear, accessories, publications and events, all celebrating the glory and suffering of road riding.
602nds spent some time with Paul Barton of Rapha to discuss the company, what makes them tick and why they make such great cycling gear (reviews to follow).
602nds: Lets go back in time for a moment. What can you tell us about the Rapha brand name and its beginnings?
Paul: Rapha began two years before its 2005 UK launch as the brainchild of founder Simon Mottram. A keen cyclist, Simon was unable to find in men’s apparel what he desired to wear and so, with his brand consulting background, he was inspired to bring to cycling the finest clothing brand available.
602nds: Before we begin an interview at 602nds we like to put in some research and learn a little about the passion that drives the brand name.
Paul: Apart from creating the finest men’s and women’s cycling clothing in the world, what else is in the Rapha product range? Rapha is an emporium of cycling apparel and accessories that support every aspect of a road cyclist’s lifestyle. From the Essentials Case to travel (the first Rapha Randonnée is this May) and from the magazine Rouleur to music we seek to celebrate road cycling both on and off the bike. Later this year you will see us release an embrocation and chamois cream as well as a full luggage range!
602nds: Apart from being an online emporium are there plans to distribute the range via retail stores here in Australia?
Paul: Rapha is stocked at Spoke(n) in Melbourne and Sable and Argent in Sydney. Our retailers are as passionate about road riding as we are! We will look to stock in other major cities this year.
602nds: The Rapha range of jerseys ooze quality and class thanks to the Sportwool fabric. What are the main features of the Sportwool fabric compared to inferior brands?
Paul: Sportwool™ is 40% merino and 60% polyester which allows us to achieve the best of both worlds, namely supreme comfort as well as durability. The wicking ability of natural wool fibre (as with our Merino Base Layers) is what stands the jersey apart. ‘Breathability’ is often bandied around in most product descriptions out there but I found the black Classic Jersey comfortable even in the hottest days of the recent Aussie summer.
602nds: When reviewing cycling bibs at 602nds we learnt early that one of the most important features is the chamois. What technology does the Rapha range use?
Paul: Rapha uses a deluxe pad by Cytech with their ‘Elastic Interface Technology’. Apart from the high comfort factor they’re also good at helping to regulate temperature I find. Throughout the rest of the knicks you’ll find a highly breathable back, soft gripper and flat lock stitching. Labels are positioned away from skin which adds that additional bit of comfort.
602nds: These days in Australia you see so many cyclists riding $6,000 + bikes thou throwing on a $50 jersey. is this the gap in the market that Rapha is reaching out to?
Paul: Until recently i had been living in London only returning to Melbourne each summer to visit family (and ride!). I was amazed at the progression of cycling in Australia, particularly the explosion of interest in performance cycling. Demand has seen better and better quality hardware hit the roads but generally speaking, a lag in the apparel side of things. So yes, Rapha is reaching out to those who are seeking the finest in style and performance – just ask the Rapha Condor Sharp squad!
602nds: What has proven to be the most popular lines since entering the Australian market?
Paul: The Classic Softshell, the Lightweight Jersey and the Merino Base Layers.
602nds: Describe the Rapha brand name in 3 words?
Paul: Stylish, passionate, inspiring OR to quote our favourite phrase “Glory through suffering”.
Take a look at the Rapha website for more information or follow the guys on Twitter and Facebook.
Images courtesy of Rapha
