Rapha Black Friday deals: A bike tester's pick of the savings

Pro Team Gore-Tex Rain Jacket
25% Off
USA: $325.00 $243.75
UK: £275.00 £206.25

This is the best waterproof cycling jacket on the market right now for road riding, and I've tested over 50 jackets in my time here at Cyclingnews. Thanks to changing regulations in the world of waterproof fabrics it's also very likely the best waterproof jacket that will be available for the foreseeable future, and shortly it will be totally unavailable. At full price, I recommend it over everything else, and with 1/4 off there's every chance it's the best deal of the Black Friday event.

Features in: Best waterproof cycling jackets

Pro Team Aero Jersey
25% Off
USA: $245.00 $183.75
UK: £185.00 £138.75

Having tested well over 30 jerseys this summer this is my pick of the all-out aero jerseys. It is extremely race-fit, but the tailoring is excellent. The shoulders and upper back are textured to trip the wind, but more than that they provide a compression that's beautifully supportive without being restrictive. It's also got a WorldTour pedigree too, as it is used by the EF teams at the highest level.

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Pro Team Winter Tights
25% Off
USA: $335.00 $251.25
UK: £260.00 £195.00

Not one I've tested, but a pair my colleague Tom rates as the best overall set, having tested over 20 sets to create his buyer's guide. To quote him directly:

"They strike an excellent balance between being warm and protective enough for some very grim rides but light enough so that you can wear them in milder conditions and don't feel too hot. If you want a pair of quality winter tights that do everything they will fit the bill."

Features in: Best winter bib tights

Core Jersey
25% Off
USA: $95.00 $71.25
UK: £78.00 £58.50

This was a strong contender for the title of best budget cycling jersey in my big grouptest, only really beaten by the Van Rysel option. It's better made, and with this discount it is a better buy in my opinion. If black isn't your thing then there are 8 other colour options. It's got a slightly more modern cut than the brand's Classic Jersey, and it's a little less warm too. A really solid day in, day out workhorse piece.

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Core Rain Jacket II
25% Off
USA: $170.00 $127.50
UK: £140.00 £105.00

The Pro Team Gore-Tex Jacket is a sublime bit of kit, but if you're on a tighter budget then this is what I rate as the best budget waterproof cycling jacket on the market at the moment, even at full price. The cut is great, it's protective enough if you're only riding in the rain infrequently, and it's now about the same price as a high end tyre. It does come in black, but this orange is very handsome.

Features in: Best waterproof cycling jackets

Explore Gore-Tex Jacket
25% Off
USA: $530.00 $397.50
UK: £395.00 £296.25

The full price for this jacket is pretty eye-watering I'll give you that, but it's the most outright protective waterproof jacket I've ever used, discounting those that have mountaineering in mind. It's made with the soon-to-be-extinct Gore-Tex Active membrane, it's durable as hell, it's got a great hood, and poppers up the front for riding in an aero position. At full price I found it hard to recommend over some cheaper models, but now it's a far more compelling purchase, especially as this is as good as off-road jackets will be for quite some time with the changing PFAS regulations.

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Cargo Bib Shorts
25% Off
USA: $165.00 $123.75
UK: £130.00 £97.50

I have a full crate of cargo bib shorts. I've never counted them, but I reckon there's upwards of 40 pairs, and I think these are the best budget pair, especially at a 25% discount. I actually rate them more highly than the brand's non-core cargo bibs thanks to more comfortable leg grippers. A great companion for gravel, touring, or just for anyone who likes to pack more snacks than a jersey can handle.

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Pro Team Bib Shorts
25% Off
USA: $295.00 $221.25
UK: £235.00 £176.25

These aren't technically from any of our buyer's guides, but I have relied on the thermal version of these shorts for several seasons now and I love them, the only difference being that these don't use fleece-backed fabrics. A moderately compressive fit, a chamois well positioned for aggressive riding, and solid grippers are all winners in my eyes. If you have particularly short jerseys or are just tall and slender like me, then go for the all-black version or the white straps will poke out under your jersey, which is criminal. 

Merino Base Layer
25% Off
USA: $90.00 $67.50
UK: £75.00 £56.25

My colleague, Tom, rates this as his favourite summer weight Merino base layer, but I'm a sweaty chap and I use this all through the winter. In fact I have two, and unless I'm testing another base layer specifically this is what I start almost every outfit with except in high summer, and in the very depths of winter. The merino is very fine, so I never found it itchy, and it definitely smells less than synthetic options... though it's not entirely smell-free, so ignore anyone who says otherwise.

Features in: Best cycling base layers

Explore Pant
25% Off
USA: $160.00 $120.00
UK: £130.00 £97.50

A pair fresh from my guide to the best cycling trousers, and a set I wear several times a week. They're super lightweight, so make an ideal set for commuting or bikepacking if you're packing light. They're cut well enough for riding, with details like ankle cinch tabs, that make them just great for cutting around the city by bike for those days when you can't be bothered putting bibs on, and jeans aren't right either.

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Brevet Jersey
25% Off
USA: $220.00 $165.00
UK: £175.00 £131.25

This one is a real winter staple of mine for those days where it isn't bitterly cold. The material is lovely and cosy, but the best thing is the giant rear pocket, into which you can stuff gloves, hats, warmers, a whole bunch of bananas, and the kitchen sink, without taking space from the three normal rear pockets. The giant reflective stripes don't hurt either, along with a comfortable cut that isn't too racy for long days out.

Features in: Best cycling jerseys

Pro Team Gore-Tex Rain Jacket
25% Off
USA: $325.00 $243.75
UK: £275.00 £206.25

Built using the old, better Gore-Tex membranes, so this is about as good as it's going to get in terms of waterproof tech for some time. Unlike the men's version that I rate so highly, the women's version features stretch panels on the shoulders to allow a close fit across a wider range of body shapes. 

Core Rain Jacket II
25% Off
USA: $170.00 $127.50
UK: £140.00 £105.00

If you only ride in the rain occasionally, or you can't stump up the price for a Gore-Tex jacket, then this Core version is still a great buy. It's a little less breathable, but it's certainly protective enough for the odd deluge. The cuffs work best over gloves, but for the price, there's very little I'm able to fault it on. 

Pro Team Long Sleeve Lightweight Jersey
25% Off
USA: $170.00 $127.50
UK: £135.00 £101.25

Jerseys like this are a bit of a new phenomenon in recent years. They are long-sleeved, but effectively made of the same material as a midweight summer jersey. They're perfect for higher-tempo riding in spring and fall before the chill sets in, but I've used the men's version as late as June and as early as August on cooler days so it's really a year-round item. 

Explore Bar Bag
25% Off
USA: $80.00 $60.00
UK: £65.00 £48.75

This is one my partner takes out with her on every ride, and while at full price I think it's not the finest deal, at this price it's bang on. If you have an especially small frame as is often the way with women's bikes, with little room between the bars and the front tyre, then this is a great option, and the stowable strap means you can use it off the bike as a sling bag too. 

Explore Pants
25% Off
USA: $160.00 $120.00
UK: £130.00 £97.50

Light enough to make a perfect set for carrying in your bag for a commute, or a brilliant pair of bikepacking camp trousers that you can easily stuff into a moderately slimline setup. They're also decent to ride in, if the men's version translates across. An inbuilt belt takes care of the fit, and the pockets are on the outside of the legs and on the rear so as not to have your contents stab you in the leg with every pedal stroke. 

Brevet Long Sleeve Jersey
25% Off
USA: $220.00 $165.00
UK: £175.00 £131.25

If you like to pack a lot into your pockets in the winter months - gloves, warmers, snacks - then this is the jersey for you. Not only is it soft and cost, and not a hugely race fit for long days out, it has a giant full-width pocket behind the three main pockets into which you can stuff all manner of things. It remains one of my favourite features of any jersey I've tested, and I'm sad it's being cut for the most recent version, so get it while it's still around. 

Pro Team Aero Jersey
25% Off
USA: $245.00 $183.75
UK: £185.00 £138.75

If you want a jersey for all-out racing, or just riding hard in an aggressive position, this is an excellent choice. The shoulders, arms, and part of the sides are made from a compressive, textured fabric that trips the wind to help you move through the air more efficiently. It is very race fit though, so get the sizing right. 

Core Jersey
25% Off
USA: $95.00 $71.25
UK: £78.00 £58.50

If you're after a great first cycling jersey or just want a solid workhorse that is going to perform well, look good, and not break the bank, then this is where I think you should go. It's well made, comes in seven colours, and has a more modern cut than the brand's Classic jersey, with longer sleeves. The fabric is also thick enough that its useful over a broader range of temperatures than a pure summer lightweight option. 

Pro Team Winter Tights
25% Off
USA: $335.00 $251.25
UK: £260.00 £195.00

A real Goldilocks Zone product in that they aren't so thick that they stop you riding hard, but not so thin that you get cold when you aren't. The Pro Team name does mean they're more suited to more aggressive positions in terms of chamois placement. Reflective details help on the rear, and the straps unclip at the back so you don't have to take every single layer off if you need to use the restroom. 

Detachable Bib Shorts
25% Off
USA: $290.00 $217.50
UK: £230.00 £172.50

Speaking of detachable straps - If the bib tights above appeal to you and you want a great pair of summer bibs that can also be unclipped for the restroom then look no further. Same Pro fit, but with shorter legs and no fleece; an ideal summer pair for most rides. 

Men's Commuter Lightweight Jacket
30% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $120.00 $63.00
UK: £100.00 £52.50

A lightweight version of the commuter jacket that I added into my guide to the best commuter cycling jackets. Stylish, windproof but not waterproof, meaning it'll be more breathable. If you only commute in the dry it's a solid option, especially with the extra reflective details on the back. 

Men's Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket
25% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $371.00 $281.00
UK: £295.00 £221.00

A product previously held within my guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets. The Gore-Tex Infinium isn't technically waterproof, but I found it more than a match for showery, windy days, and it's far more breathable than any hard shell to make up for it on days where you haven't paid for uplift. 

Women's Trail Gore-Tex Infinium
30% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $375.00 $196.50
UK: £295.00 £154.50

My feelings on this jacket were mirrored by our tester, Claire, last year. It's the same as the men's version above, but tailored differently and with a larger discount too. 

Men's Trail Windblock Jersey
30% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $135.00 $70.50
UK: £110.00 £57.75

If your gravel riding is more rad than it is aero then this looks like a prime option for shoulder season shredding. A merino blend fabric takes care of insulation and breathability, with added windproofing on the front for those extended descents. 

Men's Insulated Jacket
30% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $240.00 $126.00
UK: £195.00 £102.00

An updated version of a jacket that went into my guide to the best commuter cycling jackets. A modern silhouette, Primaloft insulation to keep you warm, and a double-ended zip to keep it functional riding to or from the co-working space. 

Women's Trail Liner Bib Short
31% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $165.00 $86.25
UK: £130.00 £67.50

Rapha bib shorts consistently rate well here at Cyclingnews. They are always in our buyer's guides, and while we've not tested these I have no reason to suggest they won't also be great. These are designed to go under baggy trail shorts, so have mesh panels on the sides to enhance breathability, which also makes them prime for indoor training too. 

Men's Trail Cargo Bib Liner
25% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $165.00 $92.25
UK: £130.00 £72.75

As with the women's version above, these are designed to be worn under baggy shorts. A few extra pockets on the back for valuables help keep things neat, and the chamois pad is quality. Rapha pads are generally a little thicker than most. 

Women's Trail Lightweight Shorts
30% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $165.00 $86.25
UK: £130.00 £68.25

If you need a set of shorts to go over your bib liners then these are worth a look. A high waist, especially at the rear to keep your lower back out of the tyre spray, and zipped side pockets so your phone doesn't keep squishing against your leg. 

Men's Trail Lightweight Shorts
25% Off, Plus 25% Off
USA: $165.00 $92.25
UK: £130.00 £72.75

As with the women's version above these are prime to go over a set of padded liner shorts. An adjustable waist on either side avoids any buckle pressing into your stomach, and well-thought-out pockets keep those key items at hand.