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High vis colours meets Rapha's usual simple style with the Rapha Long Sleeve Pro Team jersey(Image credit: Simon Greenacre / BikeRadar)
The rear pockets are elasticated at the top to keep their contents secure(Image credit: Simon Greenacre / BikeRadar)
The jersey has a dropped tail and the traditional arm-band look(Image credit: Rapha)
Rapha Pro Team jersey is a heavier version of the brand's summer race jersey, but not as thick as a traditional winter top. Because of this, the Pro Team jersey is better suited to mild temperatures than very cold weather. In these conditions, it does a good job of keeping you at a pleasant temperature.
If you're planning on putting it on when the temperature gets below around 6 degrees, you'll be best off combining it with a baselayer and jacket because the lack of windproofing means the cold easily cuts through it, regardless of how warm you are.
It's a shame to cover the vivid green fabric up with a jacket though because it's certainly eye-catching and bright enough to help keep you seen on the road.
The low cut collar doesn't offer much protection to the neck – again, emphasising that this isn't really a jersey for very cold weather – when you're in the drops or really low on the bike, this feels good, but otherwise, you can feel a bit exposed to the elements. The upside of that is that it won't rub at the front.
The rear pockets are elasticated at the top to keep things secure
As you'd reasonably expect from a garment with the word 'Pro' in the name, the fit is superb. This is helped by a good elasticated waistband and cuffs. During rides the jersey was never less than perfectly positioned, and never flapped around. There's no fleece or Roubaix-style fabric on the inside, but nevertheless, thanks to the fit, it manages to be very comfortable, and it wicks very well.
There are three rear pockets, which don't sag when loaded up and are pretty secure, thanks to the elastic tops. The small zip pocket takes care of keys, change and valuables. Styling-wise, it's minimal and well judged, with a logo band around the right arm and some not particularly reflective bars on the front on the rear. The 'Forçats de la Route' (convicts of the road) writing where you'd normally find the inside label is a cool touch.
