Rapha

For the professional electronic sports Quake III Arena player Shane 'Rapha' Hendrixson, see Shane Hendrixson.

Rapha Performance Roadwear is a premium sportswear and lifestyle brand focused on bicycle road cycling, clothing and accessories. Started in London in early 2004 by Simon Mottram and Luke Scheybeler, the first products launched in July of that year. Rapha is based in London with a US office in Portland, Oregon and additional offices in Japan, Australia and Germany.

Rapha co-owns the UK-based cycling team Rapha Condor-Sharp with London bike shop Condor Cycles. Rapha is also majority shareholder in Rouleur Magazine.

In 2007, Rapha partnered with British designer Paul Smith to create a range of limited-edition cycle clothing and accessories, and continues this relationship with the recent launch of a new cycle accessory range designed with Paul Smith.

In 2010 Rapha expanded their product range to include denim products.

In 2011 Rapha was named one of the 50 fastest growing UK businesses by The Sunday Times.

References

• The Design Council Design Council case study and interview with Luke Scheybeler and Simon Mottram on Rapha's use of design as a business tool.
• Does Your Company Support Consumer Experience Innovation? Fast Company article on Rapha, Nike and Consumer Experience
• The Big Interview Interview with Simon Mottram.
• Revisiting Startups: Rapha CNBC European Business article about Rapha and how it is coping with the downturn.

External links

• Official website
• Official website of Condor Cycles
• Official website of the 2009 Rapha Condor team