Continuing one of the themes from yesterday's post, Rapha styling doesn't discriminate. You don't have to ride a fixie to go along with Rapha's new Fixed Jacket. It arrived a week or two ago and I've been saving it for a cool, breezy day late in the month for its inauguration. Today was that day. As you can see from the photos the jacket has a clean urban look that's going to work on and off the bike.
I found the fit through the body just a touch closer than the same size (L) of my Light Weight Softshell and Stowaway Jackets. No doubt some of this is due to the razor sharp cut and additional structure of the lined 3xDry Schoeller fabric. The shoulders are executed in a matching lightweight Cordura for improved weatherproofing/durability. The jacket conformed to my position on the bike perfectly; the waist didn't ride up while pedaling and sleeve length was comfortable even when pushed back in the saddle with arms outstretched, palms on the outer reach of the hoods.
A garment with a hidden story entitled "Commute" will see its share of ride duty but the Fixed Jacket is going to be my walking, driving, go-to jacket right through the winter. Design details like the articulated shoulders and ribbed collar/cuffs/waistband are beautifully thought out. Even more impressive, the jacket features two "secret" compartments: a large chest pocket accessed by a clever hidden zipper and a special pocket on the right forearm complete with lanyard and clip for your keys. If that doesn't appeal to the boy in you nothing will. If only I'd kept those shoes with the compass in the heel.
Getting back to the fit. It's not the kind of jacket you'd wear on top of multiple layers. A merino base layer was all I wore underneath today. The new Fixed Base Layer would be ideal and it just so happens one arrived today. We'll give that a try tomorrow perhaps.
The Fixed Jacket coordinates with the Fixed Shorts, Touring Shorts, Bib Shorts and goes especially well with jeans. This may be Rapha's first big cross-over hit with non cyclists.
10 Comments
Hey Velo,
I thought the 21 pieces of Rapha kit I have was a lot. Christ, you’ve got me beat by a mile.
Dave
Dave,
We’re both certifiable. You’re just laying back on my wheel waiting for the right opportunity to surge to the front.
On the negative side I’ve nothing to look forward to for Christmas now 😉
::M
I know, I had to be humble and ask for a chocolate letter and a $25 Starbucks card.
Dave
question about the fit of the fixed jacket. I usually order Rapha jerseys in size L. I’ve got a 40-41″ chest. Seems the FJ runs a bit smaller. Should I order the XL? I don’t want to have to return it if the L is too snug but also don’t want an XL if it is blowing like a kite in the wind. thanks.
Hi Steve,
I’m wearing Large and my chest is right on 41″. Where I notice the snug fit is at the waist/hips.
As long as your waist is 34″ or less you should be fine with the Large.
::M
I received this jacket recently. It is beautiful! The ‘hidden’ pockets are a fine and totally useful touch. This piece is a head turner.
Glad you like it Erik. Hope you get plenty of “mileage” with it this winter.
Along with the town gloves and musette, it gets used practically every day 🙂
I just finished up your 30 Days of Rapha series. Excellent….. kudos to you and Juli for a fine job! I can’t bring myself to blog every day and I do imagine this was a lot of work.
As a Rapha ‘collector’ myself, it was nice to see the kit reviewed. People really like to know what works and what may not, especially when putting down their hard earned money. Rapha really kills it with timeless pieces that (for the most part) work wonderfully while managing to be sharp and unique.
Now excuse me, I see they have the plus fours in slate that my collection needs….
_Erik B.