Rapha has launched a Brevet Insulated Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey which it pitches as the do-it-all winter jersey.
Made with Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric, the £240 / $325 / €285 Brevet jersey is said to be fully windproof and water-resistant, with taped seams and a raised collar.
The brand says it features insulation which has sweat wicking properties for added warmth and that the jersey is ideal for all-day rides in any conditions.
It also comes with Rapha’s trademark stripes.
Whilst the brand calls the Brevet a jersey, it could be argued it has all the attributes of a jacket. When does a jersey become a jacket? Semantics though.
A rival to greatness?
In the world of cycling jerseys (and jackets), there is a hierarchy and hovering near the top (at least in terms of Cyclist ratings) is the Castelli Perfetto RoS, essentially the long sleeve version of the Castelli’s famous Gabba.
Now in its fourth iteration, the Gabba is widely seen as the revolutionary jacket, and when we delve into the tech of the new Rapha entry, the spec isn’t too dissimilar.
The Perfetto RoS is also made with Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper technology and can be worn with just a base layer underneath. It is positioned as an all-season jacket (hence RoS – rain or shine)
We reviewed the Perfetto in April and gave it 4.5 stars. It missed the five-star mark because it is water-resistant, not waterproof, but still, not a bad rating. The Perfetto is a seriously good jacket. It also sounds very similar to the Brevet and at £210 it’s a little bit cheaper. It doesn’t have stripes though.
Will the Rapha Brevet jersey live up to its marketing spiel? Only time, and some ghastly weather, will tell.
The Brevet jersey is available now in both men’s and women’s versions and costs £240 / $325 / €285.