Rapha says its newest jersey can save you nearly eight watts
Rapha’s improved Pro Team Aero Jersey is the brand’s 'fastest-ever' jersey and boasts an overhauled sleeve and shoulder design to minimize drag
Today, Rapha launched its Spring-Summer 2024 Pro Team collection, including a jersey which the brand says its its fastest and most aerodynamic yet - offering a reported "nearly eight watt" saving.
The new and "completely overhauled" Pro Team Aero Jersey is the result of extensive wind tunnel data and bolstered by Rapha's long collaboration with riders from the EF Pro Cycling teams. In fact, Alison Jackson (EF Education-Cannondale) wore a prototype of the new jersey in April 2023 when she took the win at Paris-Roubaix Femmes.
In the wind tunnel, the SS24 Pro Team Aero Jersey yielded an average savings of 7.8 watts across speeds of 32, 46 and 58 Kph (19.9, 28.6, and 36mph) and a 4-watt saving compared to the previous iteration of the Pro Team Aero Jersey at 46 Kph (28.5mph).
The latest version of the jersey boasts several notable improvements, both in performance and comfort for riders.
The biggest change from previous versions of the jersey is that the sleeve and shoulder design were redesigned and now incorporate Rapha’s proprietary Italian Clima fabric, aiming to strike the perfect balance between stretch and compression.
Rapha says the Italian Clima fabric will mold to the rider’s body, “eliminating drag and enhancing performance.”
The low-cut collar intends to prevent irritation at the neck and the lightweight, quick-drying fabric was chosen with hot weather riding in mind.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Summarizing the jersey's updates, Canadian National Road champion Alison Jackson, said: "The ABC's of Rapha's [Pro Team Aero] jersey is Aero Begets Champions. The fit is fast and comfortable."
For those who prefer to ride in the cold, Rapha has also released the Pro Team Long Sleeve Lightweight Jersey, which is suitable for temperatures from six to 20 degrees Celsius.
The jersey is also designed for performance gains off-road and has been worn by Keegan Swenson, the 2022 and 2023 Men’s Lifetime Grand Prix champion and 2023 U.S. National Gravel Champion.
“I love the dimensions of the Pro Team Aero Jersey,” Swenson said. “There is no bunching up of the fabric when you are in a fast position - it just fits well.”
The Pro Team Aero Jersey is now available and retails for $245 in Navy Purple/Dark Lilac, Silver/Deep Red, Black/Grey colorways for men and Silver/Deep Red and Black/Grey colorways for women. The long sleeve counterpart retails for $165 - and if you’re still looking for some aero gains without breaking the bank, the SS24 Pro Team Training Jersey is also available for $145.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Kristin Jenny is an elite triathlete based near Boulder, Colorado. Although most of her time is spent in aerobars somewhere in the mountains, she finds time to enjoy eating decadent desserts, hiking with her husband and dog, and a good true crime podcast.
-
Knog Blinder 1300 review - excellent visibility for you and other road users
Solid performance, great mounting options and a respectable price point make the Blinder a great competitor for long nights this winter
By Joe Baker Published
-
Everything you want to know about the Q Factor
What it is and why it matters, how to measure it, what the Q stands for, and more
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
'Rapha came out of my frustration that cycling was this weird niche thing that people thought was sh*t' – an exclusive sit-down with Rapha founder Simon Mottram
Few brands can match the impact Rapha has had on cycling culture but as the marque celebrates its 20th anniversary, it's grappling with shifting tides
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Rapha focused on increasing 'profitability and resilience' as losses deepen by over £10 million, meaning seven years in the red
The British brand have not posted a pre-tax profit since 2017
By Adam Becket Published
-
Rapha appoints former Team Sky boss as new CEO to 'guide' clothing brand into 'its next chapter'
The former CEO of Team Sky will now head up British cycling brand
By Adam Becket Published
-
EF Pro Cycling and Rapha launch black Giro d'Italia switch out kit
The American team have gone for black instead of their usual pink, in order not to clash with the maglia rosa
By Adam Becket Published
-
Rapha lays off employees, closes North American office
Citing 'strategic realignment and current market dynamics' Rapha North America is reportedly closing its current Bentonville, Arkansas, and has laid off six out of the office's eight employees.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Rapha's new eyewear collection features three unique styles, bucking the current big shades trend
Today, Rapha released three new lenses: two play off a unique futuristic style while the third is more in line with classic cycling eyewear.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
From palette to panache: How cycling brands decide on colours for your kit
Who chooses the colours for the latest season’s cycling kit, and how do they identify the hottest hues? Adam Becket explores the competing priorities – flair, fashion and function
By Adam Becket Published
-
The ‘ultimate California bikepacking adventure’: Rapha's newest film follows Lael Wilcox, Chris Burkard and others as they tackle the inaugural Yomp Rally
Rapha Films today launched a new film documenting the inaugural Rapha Yomp Rally, an ultra-cycling event that took place in southern California in May 2023.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published