Fausti Coppi, Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault are just a few of the names we, as bike riders, associate with great dedication, big hearts, huge efforts and, yes, suffering. The kind of suffering needed to win a grand tour, let alone multiple grand tours, is only a vague concept to most of us.
It was with these great riders in mind Rapha launched their brand back in 2004. At the time the company held an exhibit with photos and memorabilia to honor those who they called the “Kings of Pain.” Now, a decade later, Rapha has released a series of five pieces, including the essentials case, to once again pay tribute to these famous riders.
The essentials case ($65) fits your ID, a spare tube, tire irons and cell phone and is made from plush leather and has a satin interior. There’s a zipper for your house key and the outside features the Kings of Pain logo, among others. Like most of Rapha’s stuff the devil is in the details.
Do you really need a leather essentials case when a plastic bag will do just fine? Probably not. But for those of us who appreciate the finer touches and like honoring the act of suffering, it’s a nice little piece of kit.
The Elements
- Fits everything you need
- Plush leather and satin construction
- A lovely way to honor those who really know how to suffer on a bike
