At a glance Lightweight Merino and polyester zip-up Cyclocross jersey that's exquisitely detailed and strikingly styled.
Tested by
Ped Baker, tester for The Bike List
Performance
Cyclocross races (if you’re not already familiar with them) take place on a mix of paved roads, grass, mud, woodland and anything else the organisers can find to make the route ‘entertaining’. The events typically last an hour, a hi-energy sprint rather than a marathon.
The bikes used are road-based machines with 700c wheels, cantilever brakes and knobbly tyres. It looks bonkers, and coming from a mountain bike background it does appear the competitors have all turned up on the wrong bikes. As Sean Connery says in the Untouchables “don’t bring a knife to a gunfight”.
The racing season runs from September until February, so Cyclocross clothing needs to be insulating, but due to energy levels, also highly wicking. The Rapha Cross Jersey is made from a mix of 78% Polyester and 22% Merino. This makes it both very stretchy and, once you start pounding the pedals a bit, warm enough.
Fit is slim and figure hugging. I tested the large size jersey and it’s comfortable enough on my 14 stone 6’4” frame. There’s enough room under it to squeeze in a thin base layer but not much else. So, unless you stick a jacket over the top, the Cross Jersey is only good for high-paced, chilly road rides or summer morning commutes. Or, of course, Cyclocross racing. The jersey’s cut is short, sitting just below the waistline. This is fine with bib tights and there’s a rubberised band around the hem plus an elasticated drawstring to ensure the jersey doesn’t ride up.
Cyclocross-specific details include thin padding on the right shoulder for lugging your bike up un-rideable muddy slopes and, on the rear, there’s a bidon-sized elasticated pocket and small, zipped compartment.
Rapha clothing is always exceptionally well finished and, for the most part, the Cross Jersey is superb. Every stitch is millimeter perfect and the contrasting colour panels give a sophisticated appearance. The Jersey also comes in a cute Rapha drawstring bag.
There’s not much to critisise, but the Polyester Merino mix fabric isn’t as luxurious as the materials found on other Rapha kit. It looks and feels like the fabric found on a hundred other cycling tops. And the washing labels on the inside are large and made from a cheap plasticky paper. These criticisms may sound petty but I say if you’re going to spend £130 on a jersey then it’s details like these that make the difference.
Rapha says:
The Rapha Cross Jersey has been constructed for the high-energy demands of cyclocross. The jersey has side panels and a slim, race fit and the lightweight fabric is excellent at wicking moisture away from the skin. It also has a soft merino inner for warmth and a raised collar offers additional protection from the elements. Off-set seams eliminate any discomfort. The jersey is versatile enough for everyday cycling as well as racing.
Specific design features include a reinforced foam pad stitched into the right shoulder, with a blue, red and pink cross-stitch detail. The jersey also has a rear pocket with an angled O-ring zip for easy access and outer sleeve with blue contrast binding at the top. Other styling elements are the blue, red and pink diagonal sash stripe across the shoulder and back and multicolour armband stitching and blue Rapha motif on the left sleeve.
The Rapha Cross Jersey also comes with a drawstring bag for stowing post-race kit. Large enough to accommodate both the Cross Jersey and Cross Bib Shorts, it is made from a soft water and stain resistant fabric and finished with draw chords and a reflective Rapha logo.
- Comfort-rich Sportwool™ (78% polyester and 22% merino). Great four-way stretch.
- Low-profile, right-shoulder pad prevents bike top tube rubbing.
- Angled zip allows easy access when carrying bike.
- Exclusive drawstring bag for stowing post-race kit.
- Eyelet construction ensures excellent moisture transfer to keep you dry and warm.
- Itch free, anti-bacterial and odour resistant
- Sizes - XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Find out more and buy from www.rapha.cc
