(Tuesday March 9, 2021) - The new season brings with it the promise of new riding experiences. And from exploring trails less ridden to reaching new heights on the road, nothing boosts excitement for the year ahead like a fresh pair of shoes.

Tested over tens of thousands of kilometers on bikepacking expeditions and ultra-endurance races, from Dolomite trails to the sands of the Sahara by pro riders and amateurs alike, the latest addition to the Explore footwear range combines a high-traction, durable carbon sole with a reinforced version of our proprietary Powerweave fabric and the unrivaled BOA® Li2 Fit System for a fit that’s dialed in for dirt.

Lachlan Morton, EF—Education First Nippo Pro Cycling rider who wear tested the shoes through the Sierra Nevada of southern Spain for his triumph at Badlands 2020 said:

“For the sort of riding I do most days, they’re the perfect shoe. Walking is super easy, which is kind of the trade off normally. Shoes can be comfortable to walk in, or they’re stiff. These have the perfect middle ground – you can walk five or ten kilometers in them. On the road they just feel like road shoes. I’d happily race in them, but people would laugh at me. They do it all. You can wear them on any day, on any bike, for any kind of riding, and you’re covered. It’s one less decision. They’re also fast."

UPPER

These robust yet lightweight shoes and their innovative 3D-woven upper fabric offer a combination of sock-like comfort and locked-in performance. The TPU-reinforced yarns of the Powerweave fabric provide high durability and weather resistance, whilst keeping weight down and comfort high.

The sculpted heel cup has been designed to hug your foot, keeping the shoe comfortably in place on and off the bike, while the midfoot is hugely adjustable thanks to BOA’s new incremental Li2 dial platform, which is fully integrated into the shoe’s upper for a secure fit that’s tailored to your foot. Adjustable arch support allows for a range of foot shapes while a spacious toe box with a toe strap for micro adjustments means all-day comfort when riding.

Lael Wilcox, ultra-endurance bike rider who put the Explore Powerweave shoes through their paces in mountainous Redington Pass, Arizona in some very unseasonable snowy conditions said:

"I love the new Powerweave shoes. They're extremely comfortable for all day riding. I particularly like the material and BOA Fit System. They're lightweight, roomy and sharp looking-- unlike any other cycling shoes I've ever worn. They kind of feel like a combination of loungewear and performance."

SOLE

A strong, lightweight carbon footplate transfers power efficiently when pedaling, but finishes before the toe and heel to provide flex just where you need it for comfort while walking. The footplate is set into an extremely grippy rubber sole with a recess for the cleat that ensures you will remain surefooted on any terrain, in all weather conditions.

MAIN FEATURES

• High-performance Powerweave upper

• Lightweight carbon sole, cut shorter for flexibility at toe and heel

• Precision-fit BOA® Fit System - Li2

• Durable and grippy natural rubber tread

• Lightweight anodized titanium hardware

• Signature reflective Rapha toe strap

• 2-bolt compatible cleats

• Reflective heel for visibility at night

• Reinforced toe and heel for durability

FABRIC:

• Upper: 100% woven polyester

• Sole footplate: carbon fibre

• Insole: EVA insole with soft antimicrobial microfibre top layer

• Outsole cover: 100% rubber

• Cleat bolts: 100% titanium

RRP GBP 260 AUD 450 CAD 485 CHF 345 DKK 2400 EUR 310 HKD 2570 JPY 44000 KRW 430000 NOK 3600 SEK 3250 TWD 10000 USD 355

Available in Black and Dark Navy

Rapha was established in 2004 to address a need for stylish, high performance cycling clothing. It now provides products for every cyclist and continues to push the boundaries of innovation in cycle wear. Alongside this, Rapha has cultivated a global community of passionate riders who come together as members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC), the largest club of its kind in the world. Rapha’s retail model and unique brand values come to life in its many rides and events and global network of Clubhouses that combine retail, cafés and cycling culture all under the same roof.

US: DILLON HOLLINGER — DILLON@TRUECOMMUNICATIONS.COM