Rapha introduced its price-conscious range of Core clothing in March 2016, with the initial launch including a short-sleeve jersey and bib shorts. Now the Core range has been expanded for the forthcoming season to include a winter jacket and bib tights for men and women.

We were impressed with both the summer jersey and bib shorts when we reviewed them, and the same goes for the Core waterproof jacket that followed – simple but effective kit which combines Rapha’s eye for style with well thought out performance touches.

The new Rapha Core Winter Jacket is priced at £120 and uses a windproof and water resistant fabric on the front, along with a breathable stretch fabric on the back to reportedly help heat escape.

The jacket has three rear pockets, plus a zipped pocket, and is available in red, navy, pink and black. The women’s version, meanwhile, comes in light blue, pink and black.

The Core Winter Tights, on the other hand, will set you back £95 without a pad and £120 with a chamois. The idea is that you can combine the unpadded tights with your favourite – and comfiest – bib shorts, or go for the version with the pad included.

A brushed-back fleece fabric is used to provide warmth, while the bib straps are made from a lighter, stretchier material for comfort and to allow perspiration to escape, according to Rapha. You’ll also find reflective stripes on the calves.

Website: Rapha