Rapha Core Jersey And Bibs Review
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Owner's Verdict
Summary
The Rapha Core jersey and bibs are great value for money that most cyclists will be happy with. They fit well, are comfortable to wear, look stylish, and are well-made.
The only minor downside is that the pockets are a bit small, and the valuables pocket isn’t very big. But overall, it’s hard to find any major issues with the jersey and bib.
Pros
- High-quality material
- Exceptional fit
- Understated yet stylish design
- Great value for money
Cons
- Pockets way too small
User Review
( votes)Rapha Core Jersey Review
The Rapha Core Jersey is designed to provide cyclists with exceptional performance, comfort, and value. It’s an everyday jersey perfect for a weekend ride or a race.
Made from premium materials, the jersey is:
- Lightweight
- Breathable, and
- Moisture-wicking ensures you stay cool during summer
What’s The Fit Like?
Rapha’s Core products are designed to provide the essential features of high-quality cycling gear without the extra frills. The Core Short Sleeve Jersey is made from a smooth and comfortable fabric that feels great against your skin.
The jersey has neat stitching around the shoulders and waist, and the edges of the body and sleeves are finished with a raised hem. This creates a clean and tidy look that’s perfect for any cyclist who wants to look and feel good on the road.
What About The Materials?
The Rapha Core Jersey is manufactured using a strong and durable material known as polyester. It is lightweight and allows air to pass through it, making it an excellent choice for hot days.
However, if the temperature exceeds 90 degrees, the clothing might still feel too warm to wear. However, that said, I tend to get hot easily, and I do wear black. In general, though, the quality of this material is good.
How’s The Zipper?
I find the Rapha Core Jersey zipper to be incredibly user-friendly and sturdy in design. I tend to use the zipper frequently, especially during summer months when I prefer to ride with the jersey completely open. Despite constant use, the zipper has held up well and shows no signs of wear and tear
Pockets?
Although the Rapha Core jersey has four pockets, three traditional ones, and a small security pocket, they are not spacious or deep. For instance, the small security pocket cannot accommodate phones but can hold keys and things like Allen Keys.
However, I chose a size too small, so the pockets are too high up on my back. I will make sure to order one size larger next time to avoid this issue.
Rapha Core Bibs Review
The Rapha Core Bibs are highly functional and comfortable bib shorts perfect for daily use. These value-for-money bib shorts are crafted from top-quality materials, making them durable and comfortable, allowing you to ride comfortably for extended hours.
Additionally, they include several practical features, such as a chamois pad that provides:
- Extra comfort
- Breathable fabric that keeps you cool
- A secure fit that keeps them in place even during the most intense workouts
What’s The Fit Like?
The Rapha Core bibs should fit well for different body types, with their flexible material stretching well around the shorts and straps. This makes it comfortable to wear both while cycling and when taking a mid-ride coffee break.
The large size fits me nicely, with a snug fit around my thighs and a bit of extra room in the torso area. This makes it perfect for people who like to enjoy a donut or three and a coffee during their ride.
How About The Materials?
The Rapha Core bibs are designed with silicone dot grippers at the bottom that keeps the shorts securely in place without being overly tight or restrictive. I particularly appreciate this feature as it ensures the shorts stay put during long rides, so I don’t constantly have to readjust them.
The shorts’ stitching is expertly done to prevent any irritation or discomfort, even on extended rides. The bibs are made from a stretchy fabric that provides a snug and supportive fit while allowing for a full range of motion.
The fabric also covers most of my leg, providing ample protection and shielding from the sun, although, like any cyclist, I do value my tan.
What About The Chamois?
When it comes to cycling shorts, the padding or “chamois” can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel during long rides. The Rapha Classic chamois that comes with the Core is one option many cyclists like because it’s not too thick but provides good support and cushioning.
It also has a unique design that helps reduce pressure down there, and the material is soft against the skin. Most cyclists find it works well for rides up to 2-3 hours, but for longer rides, I definitely prefer a thicker chamois for extra cushioning.
Who Are The Rapha Bibs And Jersey For?
If you need a comfortable and good-looking cycling kit, I suggest checking out the Rapha Men’s Core Cycling Jersey and bibs. They are made with high-quality materials and have excellent attention to detail, making them durable and pleasant to wear.
Both are incredibly stylish and have different color options available to choose from, so you can pick one that suits your taste and personality. As you saw from the photos, I went for black on black.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The pockets on the jersey are a bit small, which may not be ideal if you need to carry many things with you. Additionally, the security pocket, which is meant to keep your phone or wallet safe, is also quite small.
Overall, I think the Rapha Men’s Core Cycling Jersey and bibs are fantastic options if you’re in the market for a good-quality, good-looking cycling jersey that won’t break the bank. I’ll definitely be buying again.
Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience working with professional athletes. These athletes have combined to win more than 15 international events. He holds a Degree in Sports Coaching and was the Head Advisor to the Japanese Government Sports Institute and was the former Manager & Head Coach to Australia’s Governing Sporting Body. Brenton currently consults with several professional athletes and clients from varying backgrounds and sports. Check out Brenton’s ride on STRAVA.