Review: Rapha Women’s Tech Pant cycling trousers

I came across these trousers when I was reviewing a pair of cycling jeans for Cycle magazine. Jeans are all well and good for cycling to the shops or more informal offices. But if you work somewhere with a dress code, you need something that looks a bit smarter. Enter Rapha’s Tech Pant.

Designed for short commutes, the trousers look like a ‘normal’ pair of trousers. Nothing about them says ‘cyclist’ at all. You could just wear them for everyday use – and I have. Paired with a shirt they’re smart enough for the office and no one would wonder why you’re wearing cycling kit at your desk.

They’re lightweight yet feel durable. The material is treated to make them water resistant – protecting you against light showers but not anything heavier. This makes them slightly shiny and they rustle a bit when you walk – but then so do many suit trousers.

It didn’t rain on any of my test rides, so I got the watering can out. The trousers passed this ‘sprinkle test’ with my legs staying dry.

They’re high waisted with a straight-cut, slightly wider leg. In use this means your back isn’t exposed at all, so no cold draughts, while there’s plenty of air circulation to keep you cool.

However, the wider leg did swish over my chainguard. Without the guard I’d be concerned that the material might get caught in the chain or end up covered in oil. Tucking the bottom of the trousers into your socks will solve this problem, though.

The only branding is a very subtle reflective Rapha logo on the back of the waistband. Rapha claims this adds visibility, but it’ll mostly be hidden under whatever you’re wearing on your top half.

The waistband itself is part elasticated, which makes it very comfortable to wear. The fit – I tested a small – is spot on. There are two zippered pockets, with locking zips. These are very useful for carrying those things you want to get to quickly like keys and purse. I used them to keep my purse in for easy access when shopping.

The lightweight material means the trousers aren’t warm. On cold mornings I wore thermal tights under them which I can just whip off when I get to work. On warmer evenings, they’re breathable enough that I didn’t get sweaty. With a T-shirt, they’ll be great for cycling to the pub for a lemonade in the garden.

Rapha recommends these trousers for short commutes. However, they feel sufficiently hard wearing for longer rides. Pairing them with some padded pants or undershorts would add comfort. A diamond-shaped gusset, as you find on cycling jeans, would also improve comfort, if Rapha is thinking to update the design.

Verdict

I really liked these trousers. They’re comfortable both on and off the bike. They’re smart enough for most offices, and they’ll happily take you from work to the shops to the pub and home to watch TV on the sofa.

My biggest issue is with the price. Rapha kit is high quality, and there’s no getting around the fact that means it’s not cheap.

Other options

Vulpine Women’s Omnia Jeans £100

For less formal offices, these jeans are comfortable on and off the bike.

Women’s SulTrac Lightweight Pants £120

Lightweight and airy trousers with adjustable ankles for a snug fit.

First published April 2025. All information correct at time of publishing.