Rapha Pro Team Bibs III and Training Jersey: Rapha probably changed the world of cycle clothing. The company was started in London in early 2004 by Simon Mottram and Luke Scheybeler. The name Rapha was taken from the 1960s cycling team Rapha, named after the apéritif drink company Saint-Raphaël. They have supplied clothing to Team Sky, Canyon-SRAM and now the EF Education First men’s and women’s teams. Their latest release for 2025 is the Men’s Pro Team Bib Shorts III, we matched them up with the Pro Team Training Jersey.
At last the weather is getting better
Rapha Men’s Pro Team Bib Shorts III
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: ‘Green is the new black’ or something. Green is not my favourite colour, not just for cycling clothes, but for just about everything. That said, it is starting to grow on me with this kit. Rapha is yet another top brand that I have never used before, obviously I had seen the kit and knew all about the company’s story, but I’ve never worn and ridden in any of their clothing.
‘RAPHA’ in white on the left leg
I knew the bib shorts would be top quality, and they are. The seams and stitching is perfectly done and the design and fit is great. Easy to say, but I’ve seen enough kit over the years (too many years), to see when something has been well thought through, designed and made to a high standard. Yes, you have to pay for quality, but Rapha isn’t the most expensive kit on the market any more, there are a handful of other top-end clothing manufacturers out there in the same bracket. OK, back to the bibs. It was the small details that hit me the most. Mesh on the back and the sides of the bib for breathability, the shaped panels, the non-aggressive leg grippers, the comfortable, wide straps (although I’m told they are short for the taller riders) and the white ‘RAPHA’ on one leg and the matching green ‘RAPHA’ on the other leg.
Lots of padding in the correct places
Then there is also the seat pad, or ‘chamois’: You can feel the padding is in two sections for the thicker parts, but there is a thinner layer across the whole pad. I thought it might be too much, especially between the legs, but once on the saddle, you could feel the cushioning was in the correct position. There is also a thinner, but still padded section at the front, so no chaffing of the gentleman’s parts. The Rapha bibs passed the Zwift test without any problems, both on a smooth saddle and a 3D Printed saddle.
A contrasting ‘RAPHA’ on the right leg
These bibs have the longer leg, not my choice, but you can wear them long or pull them a little higher for us ‘old school’ types. The leg length is a choice thing, but if you have that extra length you can use it… or not. The panelling is different from other bibs at the front, which feels very comfortable, as the shape fits more naturally. You can see the shape due to the darker thread used on the panel joints. As mentioned before, the leg gripper is very comfortable. The bib straps are comfortable and strong, with extra strength section at the lower back and the shape will suit everyone, also the use of a mesh material will be great for the warmer weather, when it comes. One question: If they are ‘Pro Team’ bibs, why is there no radio pocket?
Comfort and a great fit
My Thoughts on the Bib Shorts: You should expect a top item of clothing from a top brand and the Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts don’t disappoint. I would say they are a luxury item of cycling clothing and come at a price, they are around the €260 mark (check the Rapha website for local prices), which is not cheap, but average for the top brands.
Style in green
Rapha Men’s Pro Team Training Jersey
The ‘Pro Team’ jersey is also in green, two-tone, with a darker shade on the back and side panels. The material used on the front and sleeves is a more open weave, with the rear made from a closer weave. Both materials will take the sweat away and keep you cool. There is a small collar, which is double thickness, as is the edge of the sleeves. A full zip with flap on the inside and ‘zip house’ at the neck.
A proper collar
Strengthened pocket stitching and training instructions
The jersey has my ‘must have’ small zip pocket on the right side of the three rear pockets. It’s just so handy for loose change and a card, safe and handy. The three pockets are double stitched with extra strengthening patches on the inside of the jersey and an elastic strip on the inside of the pocket tops. There is also extra material at the bottom of the pockets for expansion, I don’t think I’ve seen this detail in other jerseys, normally they are stitched flat. Bellow the pockets there is an elastic gripper strip to keep everything in place. The logos are quite subtle, with ‘RAPHA’ at an angle on the left sleeve and their six lines on the middle rear pocket and on the zip flap.
Zip pocket
My Thoughts on the Jersey: Like the bibs, the jersey is comfortable and very well designed and made. You can feel the quality of the materials and the care that has gone into the manufacture. The price (€135) isn’t over the top for one of the top clothing brands. There are nine other colour variations available, so something for everyone.
Camouflage?
My Overall Opinion: Top quality kit and spending more money on the shorts than the jersey makes sense as the shorts are the most important part of your clothing, probably along with your shoes. Everything has been well made and, barring accidents, should last a long time. The colour is subtle and so are the logos. There is an overall look and feeling of class and not ‘in your face’ style. If you have the money and like the Rapha ethic, then why not?
Well designed pockets
Rapha Men’s Pro Team Bib Shorts III
Rapha sez: Entirely rebuilt for 2025 around an all-new bespoke Pro Team chamois, these elite-level racing shorts are precisely engineered for mastering your hardest efforts.
Key Features:
- Re-engineered – Fully overhauled with WorldTour rider input for supreme stability and comfort for the most demanding race conditions
- Proprietary chamois – Next generation, lightweight, seamless construction and reticulated structure that conforms to the body and wicks sweat rapidly
- Powerful support – Increased foam density in the chamois for improved stability, power transfer and reduced weight
- Italian materials – Constructed with a woven fabric with a high compression-to-weight ratio and excellent thermo-regulation
- Lightweight minimalism – Fewer panels and a laser cut hem for reduced bulk and maximum comfort
- Tested to the limit – By WorldTour and elite-level riders over 400,000km in all conditions
- How To Wear: To be worn in moderate to hot conditions | 10–35ºC / 50–95ºF
- We recommend pairing with any jersey in the Pro Team collection
- Leg length: These bibs come in two different lengths. Our long leg length is measured to the same length as our Powerweave Bib Shorts. A shorter version is available, which is 3cm shorter. Jun (pictured top) is 172cm / 5′ 7.5″ and wears a size small. Duke (pictured below) is 174cm / 5’8.5″ and wears a size small.
- Fit: Compressive feel for maximum engagement and aerodynamic gains
Materials
- Main Body 78% Recycled Nylon / 22% Elastane
- Side Panels 71% Nylon / 29% Elastane
Rapha Men’s Pro Team Training Jersey
The next level of performance jersey built for all-day riding. Developed with elite racers from EF Pro Cycling.
Key Features:
- Refined construction – Completely updated design
- Breathability – Dual-material combination designed to keep you cool in mild to hot conditions
- Materials – Italian front-body fabric offers high-stretch for optimised on-bike fit
- All-day comfort – Low profile collar reduces irritation on long rides
- Storage – Three rear pockets plus an additional essentials zip pocket for keeping valuables secure
- Explore the full Pro Team collection and discover more in our Men’s Jersey Guide
- How To Wear: To be worn in mild to hot conditions (18-32°C / 64-90°F)
- We recommend pairing with a sleeveless or short sleeve Rapha base layer to maximise performance
- Fit: Designed to sit close to the skin for a range of body types
Materials
- Main body: 87% Recycled Polyester / 13% Elastane
- Back: 100% Recycled Polyester
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