In the busy world of cycling apparel, one brand leads the peloton with a blend of style, performance and community spirit: Rapha. Established in 2004 by Simon Mottram, Rapha is a UK company that has evolved into a beacon of cycling culture, encapsulating an ethos that resonates deeply with riders around the globe.
We’re very excited to be among a select group of retail stores to be partnering with Rapha and will be stocking their incredible ranges from next week. Come and see for yourself from Tuesday (March 12) and join us for a celebratory social ride from Big Bear Bikes on Saturday March 16. Details below.
One of the things we love about Rapha is the whole ethos of the brand, at the heart of which lies a profound appreciation for cycling. There’s a real feeling of community, of bringing people together to take part in a pastime we all love. A big part of this is the Rapha Cycling Club, which boasts 23,000 members worldwide, a number of clubhouses and regional chapters too.
The brand's commitment to crafting premium apparel that seamlessly brings together function and fashion is evident in every stitch and seam. From sleek jerseys to innovative accessories, Rapha's designs not only elevate performance but also exude an unmistakable sense of sophistication.
The whole feel of the brand can be summed up by Rapha’s mantra “life by bike”. Now that’s a motto we can get behind!
This is an extensive range of performance clothing for road, gravel and mountain biking. We’re stocking the full road range – jerseys, jackets, bib shorts, gilets, gloves, socks – and much of the mountain bike collection at Big Bear Bikes. Our sister store Dalby Forest Cycle Hub will have a dedicated mountain bike clothing range on display too.
Rapha is known as a premium performance brand and the price of much of the clothing reflects that, especially the “Pro” items. However, Rapha cycling clothing also offers its “Core” range which is more affordable while still retaining that high quality feel and an eye-catching aesthetic.
Until recently, if you wanted to buy Rapha you had to go to one of their two stores or buy online. Now they’re selectively partnering with retail stores like Big Bear Bikes. In preparation for our partnership, our Operations Manager Alistair spent three days in London learning about the brand and the products.
Now, as big fans of Rapha’s ethos, we’re looking forward to being part of their journey and helping them grow.
Central to Rapha's philosophy is the belief that cycling is best enjoyed in the company of like-minded enthusiasts. Enter the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC), a vibrant global community that unites cyclists of all levels and backgrounds.
Membership in the RCC opens the door to a number of benefits, including exclusive access to member rides, a bespoke club uniform and a network of passionate riders eager to share their experiences on and off the road. Members also get half price coffee in the clubhouses in 22 cities worldwide and subsidised bike hire too.
Rapha's dedication to the sport extends beyond recreational riding, as the brand proudly aligns itself with professional cycling teams around the world, including EF Education and Tean Amani. From sponsoring elite athletes to providing cutting-edge apparel, Rapha's presence in the professional peloton underscores its unwavering support for the sport's most talented riders.
Aside from everything we’ve already talked about, there’s a couple of things that really impressed us.
Crash replacement policy: In the unfortunate event of a crash, Rapha offers a crash replacement programme for selected items, allowing cyclists to replace damaged gear at a reduced cost or for free.
Repair service: Rapha provides a repair service to extend the lifespan of their products, ensuring customers can continue to enjoy their favourite cycling gear for years to come.
Repair kit: Mountain bike apparel comes with its own repair kit with the fabric and colour matched to the original garment.
We love to see Rapha looking after their customers in this way. However, it’s also a commitment to sustainability, making things that last and standing against throwaway culture
Join us on Saturday 16th March for a special social ride alongside our friends from Ryedale Velo Club, departing from Big Bear Bikes in Southgate, Pickering. Simply turn up and be ready to set off at 10.30am. Choose from two awesome routes - a 24km ride and a 33km ride - with fellow cycling enthusiasts! Plus, swing by our store for some post-ride treats – enjoy coffee,cake and snag a free Rapha water bottle!
Experience the quality and style of Rapha's full road range, now in stock at Big Bear Bikes. From sleek jerseys to durable shorts, elevate your cycling game with Rapha's renowned apparel.
