The Rapha Brevet line received a few key upgrades in 2018, one product I talk about is the lightweight Brevet Jersey in prior posts. Then there is technical T Shirt inspired by performance roadwear, made with technical fabrics to support activities on and off the bike.
Technical T-Shirt Materials and Fit
Constructed from various grades of polyester the shirt has a nice hand feel, with no rear pockets. The fit is more along the lines of a running shirt, with a squarer boxier cut compared to a cycling jersey allows for a loose fit that allows an airy feel and sweat evaporation to be increased, thus drying really fast. With no gripper hems, replaced instead by a durably bonded seam which is also found in the sleeves.
Lightweight fabrics give this shirt a summer feel, it breathes and feels light and transfers moisture. Just like other brevet pieces the shirt has some nice reflective features like concealed, pop over hi-viz reflectors at the sleeve cuff for that early morning ride or run (sorry Rapha). The logo and back tag is also reflective.
In Use
The ideal cycling situation for this T is on the bike with cargo trousers/ shorts. The materials roots are in cycling performance, even though the shirt reminds me a little bit of a running top. Functionality, the shirt wicks well and drys ultra fast and the cut on the shoulders takes a little getting used to if you are more a custom with a t shirt or raglan yoke. It’s not bad at all, just a different fit.
The area that really shines on this top is the construction. The bonded seams really do make a difference in feel. It’s really nice to wear! You notice this, especially at the sleeves.
Summary
It’s nice enough to look casual smart. And its functional enough to ride your bike in hot temps or go on a run (Rapha might cringe when I say this 🙂 )
Model : 6ft 3, 165lbs, 37″ Chest : T Shirt Size = Medium : Colourway Purple
$75 in three colourways – Purple, Black and Dark Navy to H Viz Pink Hombre
https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/technical-t-shirt/product/TET01XX
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