Originally launched in 2013, Rapha has overhauled its Brevet collection, claiming it is ‘designed to meet the demands of ultra racing, validated by TCR champions Victor Bosoni and Jana Kesenheimer, offering a performance edge for self-supported adventures.’
I’m guessing it was designed to do that before, but with feedback, things can improve. When it comes to the Women’s Merino Jersey, there was never formally a Version II to follow on from the original design, rather a series of rolling fabric and fit refinements over the years.
For Version III, Rapha says it has revised the fit, fabrics and features to further optimise comfort, functionality and performance for endurance riding, but how does it stack up against the best cycling jerseys?
(Image credit: Rapha)
Design details
The jersey is made from Rapha Performance Merino (RPM), a blend of 64% recycled cationic polyester and 36% merino wool. Rapha says the antimicrobial fabric is designed to offer natural temperature regulation, while drying quickly and resisting odours over consecutive days in the saddle. It’s also intended to be durable enough to cope with the demands of endurance riding, including the occasional mid-tour hand wash.
The distinctive signature Brevet stripes remain, though they’ve been updated with a ‘new perforated design’ that the brand says delivers a noticeable reduction in weight.
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Brevet Stripes still distinguish the jersey but they are more lightweight than previously
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
The biggest update comes at the rear, where Rapha has introduced its new “Brevet Air Pocket.” Rather than stitching the pockets directly onto the jersey, the multi-pocket arrangement sits on a separate panel (attached laterally and with reinforced tabs at stress pinch points).
According to Rapha, this allows the loaded pockets to stand away from the body, improving airflow and helping to reduce heat and moisture build-up across the lower back. A mesh panel beneath the Air Pocket is also intended to boost ventilation.
The through-pocket, when stuffed, lifts the entire set-up away from the body of the jersey
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
A silicone dot print around the hem keeps the jersey securely in place without adding unnecessary bulk.
Fine silicone dots line the base hem
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
The jersey is available in sizes XXS to XL and currently comes in two colourways: Black/Black (a black jersey with black background stripes) and Dark Forest/Silver.
Performance
I’ve been testing a size medium, as recommended by Rapha’s sizing guide. As the guide is based solely on chest, waist, and hip measurements, perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised that the fit is perfect around the torso but comes up too short in the body for my liking. With a longer-than-average torso, the jersey rides up above the waistband of my bib shorts (at the front) when I’m off the bike – not a great look. Once in the riding position, however, it feels fine, despite still looking a little short.
The short jersey tends to ride up, exposing flesh, when I’m off the bike
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
In hindsight, sizing up may have been the better option (even if it had led to bagginess in the torso). It could also have eased the fit around the arms…
The sleeve seams have very little stretch, creating something of a muffin-top effect on my upper arms. Riders with slimmer arms are unlikely to notice, but if yours are on the broader side, it’s worth bearing in mind. I never found it uncomfortable, although it did leave noticeable marks on my arms after longer rides. Sizing up might be recommended, but there could be a trade-off with the fit elsewhere.
The narrow, unforgiving seams on the sleeves won’t be right for everyone
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Rapha recommends the jersey for temperatures between 14-24°C (57-75°F) and my experience broadly backs that up. It provided sufficient insulation on cooler mornings, even without a base layer, yet remained comfortable as the temperature climbed. While riding at a moderate tempo (that can be sustained for long consecutive days in the saddle), I never felt like I was overheating – the RPM fabric is impressive in changing conditions. I also used it in temperatures exceeding the recommended range and was impressed by the wicking and fast-drying fabric when the sun induced sweating.
The jersey genuinely doesn’t need to hit the laundry after every wear. The merino blend does an excellent job of resisting odours, making it well suited to multi-day rides, or simply stretching the time between washes. The darker colourway also does a good job of disguising grime – otherwise a real giveaway to living like a vagrant while on multi-day adventures – although that’s something of a trade-off when it comes to daytime visibility.
After dark, however, it’s a different story. The signature Brevet stripes are highly effective between sunset and sunrise, creating bright reflective bands that do a great job of catching headlights and making you more visible than your bike lights alone.
Reflective detailing is very effective
(Image credit: Rapha)
For me, the shorter body length means the pockets sit slightly higher on the back than I would ideally like. That said, the Brevet Air Pocket is a clever piece of design, and it wasn’t made overly difficult to access despite the shorter-than-average jersey. It isn’t a wholly new concept – I remember a similar approach being used on the 7mesh Skyline Jersey several years ago, although that design didn’t include the mesh panel through the main body of the jersey.
I’ve found this detail makes a noticeable difference when it comes to managing moisture build-up. I’m a sweaty rider and the mesh panel really helped keep things under control.
The mesh panel sits in the body of the jersey and aids ventilation at a point that can often see moisture build-up when pockets are loaded
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
The pocket system is at its most effective when the zipped-through pocket is properly loaded. Rapha describes this as two pockets thanks to the dual-access design. In use, it feels more like one single storage area. Simply filling the three standard pockets with ‘normal ride essentials’ (think phone, mini pump and snack bars) doesn’t create enough bulk to make the Air Pocket work as intended.
I found a rain jacket or extra layers to be optimal; they aren’t too heavy but add bulk to lift the entire setup. I found packing this pocket best done before putting the jersey on; that said, it’s not impossible to do while wearing the jersey. The feature is aimed squarely at riders heading beyond the beaten track; when you’re carrying extra layers, tools and food for a longer adventure, the additional storage becomes genuinely useful rather than just a marketing feature.
Stuff the Air Pocket to help it lift away from the jersey
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Value
This is a specialist garment for those partaking in endurance events and adventures and, as such, it comes at a high price. Rapha has created a unique, hard-to-come-by combination of merino-based materials, integrated reflective detailing, and extra storage that may justify the £195/ $260/ €230 cost for some.
Possible alternatives don’t offer the reflective detailing; some compromise on storage too. If reflective detailing isn’t a priority, PEdALED’s Odyssey Merino Jersey is a more affordable alternative at £155/ $185. There are bound to be fit compromises with the £150/ $200 Adventure Tech offering from Q36.5; this is only available for men.
In short, if you want the unique offerings of Rapha’s Brevet Merino Jersey, you will have to pay for them, and there may be some compromises where fit is concerned. Performance and functionality won’t be disappointing, though.
Tech spec
- Price: £195/ $260/ €230
- Pockets: Five
- Fit: Endurance
- Type: Short sleeve
- Colours: Black/Black, Dark Forest/Silver
- Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
