Rapha Classic Flyweight jersey review
The Rapha Classic Flyweight jersey is made of quality technical fabrics but falls down on its fit

A good looking jersey made of technical fabric but it'll come down to whether you prefer a tight fitting or looser fitter item of clothing
-
+
Technical fabric
-
+
Stylish good looks
-
-
Pockets don't sit centrally when riding
-
-
Sleeves pull up and jersey bunches on the shoulders
You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
In recent years it has been common to see companies making cycling jerseys more aggressive rather than less. That often means a shorter cut, pulling you down low over your handlebars and a tighter fit on the arms and the torso.
For this reason it's interesting to see Rapha take the opposite approach with latest version of one of its original jersey's the Rapha Classic Flyweight jersey, which deliberately has a far looser cut and more classic design.
My jersey came in a size small which fit my torso very well, having a nice cut around the waist and very extended rear – longer than on most jerseys that I've used. The area where you notice the more 'regular' fit is on the arms, which pull up the arm rather than holding themselves in place. That is obviously the point of having a looser cut, but it comes down to personal preference and I tend to like a tighter fitting jersey just because I have tiny arms!
Regardless of your preference for the fit on the arms, the fit across the shoulders wasn't quite right and it often bunched up in a little roll. I suspect this was why the sleeves pulled up in the way they did.
Rapha describes the fabric of the jersey as 'extremely technical', and I definitely noticed its weight (or lack there-off) and it's a very thin top. After all, this is a jersey designed for hot and humid conditions, making it the perfect jersey for the recent heatwave we've been experiencing.
See more: Rapha Classic Flyweight jersey at Rapha.cc
When riding, it handles the increased sweat very well, and the jersey rarely felt wet at the end of rides. Even better, after hanging up for a couple of hours it felt (and smelt) ready to go again – which will be great for those who like to save on washing (and for their riding mates, too).
Three pockets across the rear are spacious enough to swallow up all your valuables, although I wouldn't over pack them. On one epic 160km outing I stuffed them full and found that it caused the jersey to swing annoyingly around the side of my torso rather than sitting still on my back.
Other finishing features include a full length zip and a low, classy looking collar that I prefer over a taller one. Although at £95 SRP Rapha has this jersey on offer for £47.50, bargain!
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
Giro d'Italia live: Riders away for stage 17; Four riders in breakaway; Peloton shifts away from cycling focus; Remco Evenepoel returns to training
It will almost definitely be a sprint in Caorle at the end of the day
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley set to take over cycling retailer ProBikeKit
The sportswear tycoon, owner of Sports Direct, set to take stock and IP assets from THG
By Adam Becket • Published
-
From drawing to Giro d'Italia in 2 months: How Sungod reinvented Geraint Thomas' iconic sunglasses
The glasses are without an official name at the moment, but the Welshman has been wearing them throughout his impressive Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket • Published