Talk:Rapha (sportswear)

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Rapha (Sportswear)

Part of an edit requested by an editor with a conflict of interest has been implemented.

1. Edit the opening descriptor:

• Add in 'active cycling' and remove 'sportswear '
• Add in 'and gravel & mountain bike'

Why it should be changed:

• To make it clearer that Rapha is a cycling brand. Rapha has expanded its proposition since this article was last published/amended

Rapha exists to inspire people to live life by bike. Rapha believe that cycling is a fundamental force for good in the world that helps people to live happier, healthier lives. Since 2004, they've equipped people to live life by bike by creating the finest technical clothing for all riders, from road racers to mountain bikers. Headquartered in London, they are based in key cycling cities around the world with a network of 20+ Clubhouses. Bringing together their latest products with all aspects of cycling culture through café spaces, events and regular rides, Clubhouses also act as a hub for the Rapha Cycling Club, our 23,000-strong global community of riders. They serve today’s riders but support tomorrow’s too, with the Rapha Foundation whose grantees include a range of grassroots organisations around the world. And to ensure they protect the world for future generations to ride in, they are focused on reducing our impact through a series of targeted, tangible commitments published on rapha.cc.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by TM2022 (talk • contribs) 08:53, 30 June 2022 (UTC)

Rapha (Sportswear)

Rapha Performance Roadwear is an active cycling and lifestyle brand focused on road bicycle racing and gravel & mountain bike, clothing and accessories. Rapha headquarters are in London with a United States office in Bentonville, Arkansas.

2. Edit the History section:

• Add in para's 6 & 7
• Add citation to RZC Investments

Why it should be changed:

• Moved paragraph relating to Rapha Cycling Club down to a new section
• Updated to reflect Rapha's more recent history

Content to add:

History

The company was started in London in early 2004 by Simon Mottram and Luke Scheybeler; the first products were launched in July of that year. The name Rapha was taken from the 1960s cycling team Rapha, which was named after the apéritif drink company Saint Raphaël .

In 2007, Rapha partnered with British designer Paul Smith to create a range of limited-edition cycle clothing and accessories. In 2016, Rapha collaborated with bikepacking design pioneer Apidura on a limited range of cycling luggage.

Rapha clothing is produced in a number of different locations including mostly China, UK, Italy and other Far East nations. UK production included some early Merino wool pieces and also leather gloves which are made in Somerset, England. Italian production focuses on stretch fabric and stretch garments such as shorts and tights. In China production focuses on the most technical items, such as outerwear.

In August 2017, it was announced that Rapha would be purchased by RZC Investments , a company set up by Steuart Walton, for £200m.

Rapha announced in February 2020 that they would be relocating their North American headquarters from Portland, Oregon to Bentonville, Arkansas.

That same year, Rapha collaborated with Palace Skateboards on a limited edition cycling kit for professional cycling team EF Education-EasyPost at the 2020 Giro d’Italia.

In 2021, Rapha entered the mountain bike market, launching its first range of Performance Trailwear, collaborating with Smith on a line of limited edition helmets.

3. Add in new section: Rapha Cycling Club:

Why it should be changed:

• To create a new section in which to discuss the Rapha Cycling Club
• Bikes no longer supplied by Canyon Bicycles

Content to add:

Rapha Cycling Club

In 2015, Rapha developed an international cycling club which today has over 20,000 members. Members of the RCC gain exclusive early access to products and year-round community rides with local ride leaders through the member-only app.

4. Add in new section: Rapha Clubhouses:

Why it should be changed:

• To create a new section in which to add information about Rapha Clubhouses
• Updated to reflect accuracies on international locations and pop ups

Content to add:

Rapha Clubhouses

The Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) hosts rides and events at stores known as Clubhouses in 19 international locations throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Each clubhouse consists of a retail space that sells Rapha apparel and accessories, as well as a cafe that serves coffee and food while screening live cycle racing. Clubhouses also play host to a number of cycling-related events and art exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, Rapha operates mobile Clubhouses through Europe and the UK which support select rides and events throughout the season and, currently, pop-up Clubhouses Austin , Munich and Sydney.

5. Add in new section: Rapha Foundation:

Why it should be changed:

• To create a new section in which to add information about the Rapha Foundation, not previously referenced

Content to add:

Rapha Foundation

The Rapha Foundation was created in 2019 by Rapha founder and CEO Simon Mottram, and shareholders Tom and Steuart Walton to provide direct funding to organisations that introduce cycling to underserved populations.

The organisation invests $1.5 million a year in grassroot organisations, supporting over 20 grantees in the UK, United States, Germany, Australia and Japan.

6. Amend Sponsorships section:

• Para 2 - add in reference to EF Education-EasyPost
• Add in paragraphs 3 & 4

Why it should be changed:

• To reflect most current sponsorship information