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Shorts & 3/4s
Rapha 3/4 women's tights Rapha 3/4 women's tights Rapha 3/4 women's tights Rapha 3/4 women's tights
Rapha 3/4 womens tights

Rapha 3/4 women's tights

8
by Africa Mason
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published May 14, 2014

15
£150.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Super comfortable, soft 3/4 tights at a slightly less comfortable price
Weight: 
195g
Contact: 
www.rapha.cc
How we test

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Designed for those rides when you don't want to wear bib shorts, these Rapha Women's Tights are made from a comfortable high-stretch fabric. You honestly wont feel you even have them on.

The extra length of these leggings gives a flattering shape. Features such as the v-shaped waistband add a feminine touch to the overall design and also ensure that they won't dig in. A high-rise back ensures an excellent fit in the riding position and reflective details increase visibility.

Flat lock stitching reduces chafing, and they're held in place around the calves by soft gripper elastic. The tights also feature the signature polka dot label and a tonal, gloss Rapha logo - that's what you're paying for, right?

The sizing is odd. I am a size 8 but wore a 12 and they were not too baggy at all, slightly loose but comfortable. I always think it is better to have them too small to ensure there is no catching of the padding on the saddle. Make sure you try before you buy as the padding gathered slightly at the front of my saddle and this was slightly irritating. When you consider the cost, you wouldn't want to get sizing wrong.

Although the colour may appear boring the 'Slate' shade is very subtle, more of a grey/blue than a dull grey and similar to yoga style capris, which are very in at the moment. This item is a staple piece of kit which would match many of my jerseys in my kit box, these could also be worn on casual rides yet still look fashionable as the length ensures a modest compromise through the spring and summer months.

If you have cash to splash then these 3/4 tights are a great option comfort wise, they are well suited for steady road rides or commuting as a subtle design ensure that these leggings can be worn through spring and summer.

Verdict

Super comfortable, soft 3/4 tights at a slightly less comfortable price

road.cc test report

Make and model: Rapha 3/4 women's tights

Size tested: Medium, Green

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Comfy, and stayed in place even with no shoulder straps.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

No issues on test. It feels like the material might wear out if used for big mileage.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Most comfortable tights I've worn

Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

No getting away from the massive price here.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Well, but I found they would be more suited to shorter rides as the fabric gave a more relaxed feel.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

* Soft material. I wanted to keep them on and wear them around the house; comparable to the feel of yoga pants.

* The soft grey colour is suitable for casual cycling and commuting.

* Beautiful cross over design on the front.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

* At a price of £150 I feel this is too much to pay for a seasonal item – it really depends how much you wear them

* Although the design on the front is lovely, there was no tightening cord. Therefore getting the fit right is really important to avoid saggy padding catching on the saddle.

* No pockets anywhere! I love storing my house key or small change on the back of my leggings, it's always useful and for the price of these I would expect one.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Not at this price.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? If they won the lottery.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 0  Height:   Weight:

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for:   I ride:   I would class myself as:

I regularly do the following types of riding:

 

Rapha 3/4 women's tights
Rapha

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