Rapha expands City Riding line with new trousers

We’ve spent the summer here at Bike World News enjoying Rapha’s latest merino polos, so I have to say that I’m excited to see that they’re expanding their City Riding line even more with some innovative new trousers.

Rapha says that these new trousers go beyond being perfect for riding to being just”the perfect pair of trousers.”

The line starts with two fits and fabrics.

The Rapha Cotton Trouser

An everyday special, the Cotton Trouser offers a contemporary slim fit, tapered at the ankle and is crafted from 97% cotton with just 3% Lycra to add a degree of stretch that helps the trouser shape to moving legs. These cotton twill chinos should form part of your daily essentials wardrobe, and with three zips on the side and rear pockets, offer invaluable functionality too.

As an added touch, hi-vis pink piping on the inside leg and the pocket tab provide visibility on your evening commute, or post-work spin.

Specification:

• Classic slim taper
• Flexible cotton material
• Lightweight and soft
• Hi-vis detailing
• Navy, Beige, or Black

The Rapha Loopback Trouser

The Loopback Trouser is a stylish all-weather option made from a nylon yarn that stretches for incredible durability. With a comfortable relaxed fit that tapers close below the knee, the Loopback Trouser provides a fitted modern aesthetic for being out and about.

The trouser is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, stopping your legs getting drenched if you get caught out by the elements. Made by Pertex®, the fabric is lightweight, colour-fast and virtually indestructible and there is also an elasticated waistband with belt loops for optimum fit and flexibility.

With a Riri zip-fly and hi-vis pink piping on the inside leg, these trousers are for those who need modern functionality and style.

Specification:

• Riri zip-fly
• Hi-vis pink piping on inside leg
• Pertex® fabric
• Elasticated waist
• Navy or Black

Inspiration
Rapha’s Head of Design, Alex Valdman took a new approach to the design and fit of the trousers:

“​Fit is everything. It’s not about creating a look of cycling. It’s about fit, pattern, construction and fabric. I cannot imagine a more demanding job for a pant than saddle interface and pedaling. But how can you talk about fit in a way that people can understand? The best way to demonstrate fit is by wearing them, of course, or to understand and trust the designer. I have to start by ensuring the pant is comfortable in the crotch and that I’ve taken great care in the positioning of the seams. The rise of the waist is a balance of being high enough off the bike for the sake of proper style while low enough in the saddle so as not to feel binding.”

“How do I know fit? In my time at Levi’s I worked with the best designers in the business and developed my own understanding and style of fit. If there is a way to describe what I came away with and have now is that I’d say I earned my PhD in fit from those designers. And Rapha has a legacy with saddle interface as the best in the business. I believe these trousers will exceed a customer’s expectations given that we’ve innovated in key areas without compromising a great fit. And it’s a democratic fit, too, one that has appeal to different wearers with varied uses.​”​