Factor joins Rapha in Shanghai

With a vibrant cycling scene and a rich cultural history and cuisine, Shanghai stands as one of the ultimate destinations for anyone looking to explore the world on two wheels.

To celebrate and support the Shanghai cycling community, Rapha has opened a new Clubhouse in the heart of the city, with Factor Bikes as a partner. It will be our first permanent space in the magnificent city.

This partnership is the result of our shared vision which highlights community, inclusivity, and a belief in the life changing benefits of cycling. Rapha and Factor share more than a sense of style and commitment to quality. We value authentic engagement with our customers through more than simple weekly group rides, but by offering a space away from home where we can exchange experiences and ideas. The Rapha Clubhouse Shanghai takes inspiration from the Italian circolo, or social club, as a welcoming, stylish space to connect, refuel, and ride together.

Back to their roots

Rapha’s brand identity has been inextricably linked with classic French and Italian cycling culture, specifically from the 1950s and 1960s, from the quasi-eponymous Saint-Raphaël cycling team to the pagine rosa of the Gazzetta dello Sport, many of Rapha’s defining traits are clearly on display in the Clubhouse’s interior design.

Helping to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the RCC, Rapha’s cycle club, Factor has joined forces with the British brand, first with a special David Carson RCC designed MONZA, which will be available to ride at many of the RCC Clubhouses around the world, and then also by sharing the space and the initiative in the Shanghai Clubhouse, focusing on enhancing the experience of every cyclist who walks through the door.

Whether local or visitor from another continent, the ambience and welcoming spirit will help everyone feel like an old friend and member of a benevolent community.

Our intertwined history is represented in some of the artwork that highlights the Clubhouse space. An abstract mural design that integrates the Rapha and Factor logos specifically highlights Rapha’s St Raphael heritage story. Representing a tapestry of the two brands, the design threads each identity into the texture and spirit of our shared communities. The work of art has been painted by Shanghai-based DONIS. He began painting graffiti in 2009 with a focus on pure old-school writing, studying the posture and evolution of fonts. The interplay between body movement and rhythm is reflected through his use of different materials and media.

Welcoming to all

The Grand Opening takes place on Friday, November 28th. If you are in the Shanghai region, please take the opportunity to join the festivities. It promises to be among the best parties the cycling world has enjoyed for a long time.

Though scheduled to last late into the night, the party will be followed by a special group ride Saturday morning starting at 7 am from the Clubhouse.

The Rapha Clubhouse Shanghai is open every day, 10 am to 8 pm. Whether you own all the kit and a new OSTRO, or just would like to, please stop by and join our circolo of cycling fanatics.

“United by a shared ambition to push the sport of cycling forward, we’re creating a new kind of destination for cyclists in China, immersive, inspiring, and built for those who live to ride.”

-- Rob Gitelis, Factor Bikes founder.