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Rapha's Brevet jersey, gilet and bibshorts(Image credit: Reuben Bakker-Dyos)

The Rapha Brevet jersey, gilet and bibshorts have been designed for long-distance 'Brevet' rides (Audax rides to the rest of us) and were tested during the 1,200km Paris-Brest-Paris. Comfort is the key element to this design and combining this with technical performance is a fine balance, which Rapha has executed superbly.

The polyester/merino (61% to 39%) Sportswool blend is soft and wicks away any sweat. Although thicker than a technical race jersey, and certainly heavier, the jersey benefits from a silicone gripper combined with an elastic drawstring around the waistband contributing to a great fit and an item that can be worn from dawn until dusk without discomfort. The collar also benefits from some extra length, which keeps the cold air out on those fresher mornings.

The colourway of the Brevet gilet replicates that of the jersey and the two items work perfectly together. An offset zip prevents any layering issues and a high collar helps to keep the elements out. Made from windproof polyester, the gilet keeps the wind off but can equally contribute to a sweaty chest if the temperatures are anything more than mild. The back of the gilet avoids this with a mesh material allowing more than adequate breathability.

Available in either black or navy, the high quality you would expect from shorts at this price point does not disappoint. Supreme comfort from the chamois, soft polyamide/elastane material and thick straps combine to produce a great fitting pair of bibshorts that won't become a distraction after a few hundred kilometres. Considered panelling on the shorts contributes to a lack of compression, but results in fewer seams — which can cause chafing on longer rides.

The large cutaway section on the back is designed to prevent overheating and although this may work, we felt the cutaway was far too low. With the array of technical fabrics out there with sweat wicking and insulating properties, there is certainly a compromise to combat both overheating and the lack of material on the back. At times, we felt our jersey rode up above the shorts, which even with a baselayer is disconcerting.