Rapha Mechanics: Performance kit for the working class?

Any bankers out there into cosplay? Rapha have just dropped their Mechanics collection, a range of heavy-duty workwear inspired by the "unsung heroes of the sport".

Proving that no corner of cycling is safe from Rapha's style crusade, the new range includes a cotton twill jacket (£110), a cotton t-shirt (£40), jeans (£85) and a shirt (£80).

The range has been field-tested by "fixers and framebuilders" and the focus is on durability, with features like rubberised buttons and rivets to add reinforcement.

11AM and Mike still hadn't dared touch a tool in his new shirt.

"Our first collection of casual workwear is made for long days in the workshop," say Rapha.

While it looks like nice kit - of course it does, it's Rapha - you have to wonder how many bike mechanics would wear an £80 white shirt to work. The range seems destined for pubs and offices rather than the back room of your local bike shop.

But what if Rapha offered a discount to customers with a Cytech qualification?*

Now that would really be a tribute to the unsung heroes of the industry.

Find out more and (work)shop the range at www.rapha.cc/gb/en/stories/mechanics-collection.

*Oh wait, they do! Check out the Industry Purchase Program.