Rapha Cross Transfer Jacket Review

One of my favorite Christmas presents this year was the Rapha Cross Transfer Jacket my girlfriend surprised me with. I had shown her pictures of it earlier in the year when it was released, having no idea that she would order it for me months later. To be honest, I was shocked when I opened up the box and saw it inside.

Rapha has a reputation of making some incredible cycling items. Ranging from bibs and jerseys, to commuter and office friendly trousers, jeans, shirts, and jackets, everything from the London based brand is well thought out, and meticulously made.  The Cross Transfer Jacket follows suit.

The jacket comes in two versions, the standard and cross editions. Both are identical in construction and features, but the cross edition includes Rapha-Focus team livery. If you have seen Jeremy Powers, Gabby Durrin, Zach McDonald, or mechanic Tom Hooper at a race this season, they probably had the Cross Transfer Jacket on when not racing.

The matte navy fabric is set off by the single cream band on the left arm, something only seen on the Cross version of the jacket. Other features that set it apart from standard version are the subtle matte black Rapha-Focus logos on the front and back, a colored stitching design on the right shoulder, and the colorful inside lining of the jacket.

The idea behind the jacket is to provide something warm for warm ups and cool downs at a cross race. It needs to be warm, light weight, and easily packable in your gear bag. Rapha hit the mark on all three categories, with looks and comfort that will have you wearing it away from the race too.

The super soft, stretch nylon jacket uses a lightweight PrimaLoft ONE synthetic insulation. On the coldest days, you might need something more, but when the mercury shows 30 degrees or higher, you should be fine. The Thermoroubaix side panels and brushed inner collar add to the jacket’s overall comfort. Rapha has not stated that it is waterproof, but the PrimaLoft ONE is noted as water resistant. I might not wear it in a downpour, but for light mist or snow, it should keep you dry and warm.

On the inside of the jacket, you’ll find the same stretch nylon, but with a splash of color with the red, pink, white, and light blue color bands of the Rapha-Focus team. Zipped up, the jacket is very subtle, but unzipped, shows your inner heckler.

The jacket has four total pockets. The two zippered front pockets feature the same brushed material as the collar to keep your hands toasty warm. There is also a zipped inner chest pocket to keep small valuables safe when at the race. It’s a great place to put your keys or an iPod Nano while warming up on the trainer. Rapha included some loops and a small slit for routing your headphone cable up to your ear.

The fourth pocket is on the back. The large zipper pocket serves two functions. When wearing the jacket, it can be used as a normal pocket, maybe for your phone, wallet, gloves, hat, etc. When packing though, the pocket can be turned inside out, and the jacket can be stuffed inside and zippered up to save space and keep it clean.

Other smart cycling features include an off set zipper and small strips of reflective material on the backs of the wrist and the sides of the rear pocket. The jacket has a fitted cut, so keep it in mind when you are ordering. At 6′, 185 lbs, the size large is comfortable with a base layer and long sleeve jersey at races, or a t-shirt or button down when off the bike. A hoodie or sweater would be a little tight.

At $295 for the standard or cross editions, the jacket is expensive. There is no arguing that. Before I had it in my hands, I was skeptical that is justified being close to $300, but after wearing it, it seems a bit more reasonable. Besides paying the premium for the Rapha name, the jacket is very well made, and has held up very well in three months of almost daily ware off the bike, and pre- and post-race at a few late season races. The jacket feels extremely soft, which had me a little worried at first. The stretch nylon has held up well though, even at the shoulders with my heavily loaded Green Guru Gear Ruckus backpack in and out of the office.

Overall, the jacket has exceeded my expectations. It is comfortable, warm, fits well on and off the bike, and looks great. I’ll continue using it this spring as the road season has already started up here on the east coast, and it will be a staple in my cross gear when things get muddy and cold this fall.

Rapha Cross Transfer Jacket

$295

www.rapha.cc