Rapha, a UK-based bike apparel and lifestyle brand with its North
(Photos by Bob Huff)
American headquarters in Portland, has launched “The Rapha Bicycle Collection.” The new program consists of four handmade bikes whose quality and aesthetic complement Rapha’s highly regarded apparel, accessories, and growing line of products — and two of the four bikes in the collection are built right here in Portland.
The ‘Every Day Speedster’ is a stylish city bike built “for racing amidst the hustle of the city” by Chris King under the Beloved Bicycles badge. The ‘Continental’ is a bike for epic, all-day riding that is the result of an exciting partnership between Portland builders Tony Pereira and Ira Ryan. The other two bikes in the Collection are a criterium racer built by Cinelli in Italy and the ‘XS’ sportive bike made by Independent Fabrications in Massachusetts.
Pereira, reached in his North Portland shop this morning, said he’s thrilled to see this project finally come together. “We’ve been tossing this idea around for years.” (Pereira and Ryan have established a new company, Bread Winner Cycles, to manage the sales and ordering of the bike.)
Pereira and Ryan have built the bike that is a perfect expression of their love of long rides. The duo have been a part of Rapha’s Continental Team since it’s inception five years ago.
Pereira says the bike was designed, “To be ridden really hard and be comfortable riding all day. It’s meant to be ridden, not pampered… and it won’t wear you out.”
If you look closely at the Continental bike, you’ll also notice some amazing, full-wrap aluminum fenders made by Portland Design Works…
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For Rapha, the extension of their brand into complete bikes makes a lot of sense. The company has struck a strong nerve among riding enthusiasts with its inspiring Rapha Continental program and events like the unsanctioned Gentleman’s Race. Like their apparel, the bikes in this collection are at a premium price point (ranging from $5,195 to $6,795) and they’ll be available in limited numbers. For builders involved with the program, the added sales will be welcomed, but the marketing exposure Rapha can bring to them is likely going to be just as valuable.
See photos and dive into the specs of all the bikes in the Rapha Bicycle Collection here.