Rapha's Friendly New Bowery Pop-Up Has Everything But Bikes

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The Rapha Cycle Club pop-up, which opened the weekend before last on the Bowery, is as much a coffee shop as it is a retail space. Most of the big, airy room is dominated by tables, a counter serving Third Rail coffee, and two computers for public use.

But towards the back, you'll find cases of biking accessories and memorabilia. The shop emphasizes beauty over utility—this is not the place to go if you're a beginner trying to outfit your first NYC bicycle—and it doesn't carry any actual bikes. Instead, it's got a carefully edited collection of products ranging from water bottles ($15) to Paul Smith bags ($125) to Rapha's own lush-looking quarterly magazine, Rouleur and house-brand cycling shirts ($195) and jackets ($250.) The exposed-brick walls are decorated with archival Rapha shirts (not for sale), and a bus is parked in the middle of the space.

In keeping with Rapha's clubhouse intentions, the pop-up will be screening viewings of the Tour de France throughout the month of July. And it'll host lectures and other bike-centric events—including 8am bike rides—through the end of September, when it pops back down.
· Rapha Cycle Club Pop-Up to Open on Bowery [Racked NY]
· Rapha Cycle Club NYC [Official Site]
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