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TECH NEWS

Rapha launch 2015 Pro Team clothing range

Spring/summer range available in a very un-Rapha Data Print pattern as well as in classic looking designs

Rapha has today released a new Pro Team range for Spring/Summer that breaks new ground for the brand by using what it calls a ‘Data Print’ pattern. It’s a pattern that’s certain to divide opinion. There are more classic-looking, typically Rapha designs in the range too.

What’s that Data Print pattern all about?

“A unique collaboration that creates art from the science of modern road racing, London-based design studio Accept & Proceed used the ride data from an individual racer’s entire grand tour to make a very special graphic," say Rapha. "Charting the rider’s performance levels for each stage, the resulting print is made up of precisely scaled chevrons mapping the rider’s distance, elevation gain and Training Score Stress (TSS) levels.”

It’s obvious when you think about it. We're embarrassed for asking.

The Pro Team range comprises jerseys, bib shorts, a base layer, cap and socks, plus an accessories line. As the name suggests, the clothing is aimed at performance-type riders; racers and anyone else of that go-faster persuasion.

The Pro Team Jersey (£120) is available in both white on black and black on white Data Print designs. It also comes in green and coral (pinky orange) versions.

It’s made from a lightweight synthetic fabric with mesh side and rear panels, and it comes with a low cut collar.

The Pro Team Bib Shorts (£190) are made from a Lycra-based fabric and they use a Cytech seatpad. Like the jersey, the shorts are treated with Coldblack, a dye that’s designed to reflect the sun’s rays to keep you cool.

There are shorts with white, green and coral highlights to match the jerseys.

The Data Print sleeveless base layer is £45. It’ll be available in a short sleeve version too.

Socks (£15 or £20, depending on length), caps (£30) and arm screens (£35) are available in the Data Print pattern too. There’s also an essentials case (£45) for an inner tube, tyre levers and so on, and bidons (£12).

For more info go to Rapha’s website.

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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25 comments

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tomwoodbury | 9 years ago
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I'm a big fan of their products but the data print stuff is horrendous. Part of Rapha's appeal for me is that their stuff is generally understated (unlike Assos). I have to say, if I saw another rider in full data print kit I'd think they were trying too hard.

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Beefy | 9 years ago
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Not a big rapha fan though there classic design looks ok, God knows why go for data design though I'm sure people will buy loads because it's rapha, but then if we all liked the same things wouldn't the world be dull

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slam that stem | 9 years ago
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Ugly. I hate it.

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SuperG | 9 years ago
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Should be called the 'De Stijl' jersey

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wycombewheeler | 9 years ago
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I've come as the doppler effect.

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Deac | 9 years ago
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Razzle Dazzle Camouflage not sure that's a good idea.

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Stumps | 9 years ago
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Not bad, i quite like the coral colour, but i agree its overpriced. £45 for a sleeveless vest is steep, but if you've got the money to waste why not ????

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The _Kaner replied to Stumps | 9 years ago
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stumps wrote:

Not bad, i quite like the coral colour, but i agree its overpriced. £45 for a sleeveless vest is steep, but if you've got the money to waste why not ????

Yep 45 smackeroonies for a fancy printed wife beater...just think how many bottles of Stella that would buy from Tesco's

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Colin Peyresourde | 9 years ago
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Don't hate it, but it is a bit of a move away from their classic stylings. I can't see it being a big seller.

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a_to_the_j | 9 years ago
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will love seeing that in on london City riders out on their Yorkshire Tour De Holidays this summer.
 3

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KAR_Cyclist | 9 years ago
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Actually read the comments and was amazed how far down I had to go to find the first anti-Rapha remark

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KAR_Cyclist | 9 years ago
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Yep, great collection. Nice job Rapha!

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themartincox | 9 years ago
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Not convinced about the jerseys, but the vests are pretty awesome (even if nobody will ever see them!)

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michophull | 9 years ago
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Horrid over priced rubbish. Wouldn't wear any of it even if it was ten bob a piece in Asda.  31

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Cyclist replied to michophull | 9 years ago
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michophull wrote:

Horrid over priced rubbish. Wouldn't wear any of it even if it was ten bob a piece in Asda.  31

I wondered how far I had to scroll down for the first hater...  41 predictable.

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philly replied to Cyclist | 9 years ago
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Cyclist wrote:
michophull wrote:

Horrid over priced rubbish. Wouldn't wear any of it even if it was ten bob a piece in Asda.  31

I wondered how far I had to scroll down for the first hater...  41 predictable.

I wondered how far I had to scroll down for the first smart ass. People are allowed an opinion...surprised you didn't put haters gonna hate!
And for the record, I'm on the fence over this design.... Do like the baselayers tho!

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gmehje1 | 9 years ago
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Very distinctive the Data Print stuff. I like it.

It reminds me a little of the digital camouflage car wraps that prototype cars get wrapped in:

http://www.carwrapdirect.com/camouflage-car-wrap/

The reason they do this is to trick the cameras auto-focus (due to the contrasting shapes/colours).

I wonder if you going to get the same problem with this Data Print.

"Sorry Mum, don't have any photos of posing me on that Ride London Sportive. The official photography said they were all blurred".

Just saying...

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KirinChris | 9 years ago
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I never thought I would say this about Rapha but that is truly awful.

If I saw that without knowing who made it I would think Assos. It looks like their houndstooth blocks.

At least if you can put up with the design you'll be able to get them dirt cheap in a few months.

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Benjamin Nickolls | 9 years ago
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Death Spray Custom's jersey for Morvelo still winning my vote  1

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The _Kaner | 9 years ago
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Dazzleships!!

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Meaulnes replied to The _Kaner | 9 years ago
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Ha ha, well done.

The kit isn't something I'd wear, and I've not been attracted to Rapha's colour palette in the past couple of seasons. But the black Brevet jersey with the white and grey reflective bands around the chest is breathtakingly lovely. The accompanying gilet looks like an Edwardian gentleman's bathing costume, however…

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hsiaolc | 9 years ago
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I thinks it looks great.

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Iamnot Wiggins | 9 years ago
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Not to my taste. Love Kennaugh's bike though, looks awesome is the smaller size.

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marche | 9 years ago
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Nice!
Looks like Mash Cinelli:
//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0037/3982/products/mash_jersey_1_grande.jpg?v=1402780997)

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stenmeister | 9 years ago
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I love it and I am buying one.

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