Me & My Bike - Nik Fletcher

Hi Nik! Can you tell us a bit about your role at Rapha?

I lead our Digital Product, Design/UX, and Content teams, moving forward the experience for visitors across both our website and the app, which powers our Rapha Cycling Club membership. It’s a very cross-functional team, working with our technology teams to bring experiences to life, and with almost every other part of Rapha along the way.

And let’s hear about your bike!?

My road bike is from local frame designers Mason Cycles. I first test-rode the bike in biblical rain on the South Coast of the UK where I live (and Mason are based), and it was love at first ride. Comfort, style and lots of fun are essential, and my bike has all of that.

So,? how did you get into cycling?

About a decade ago, a member of my wife’s family asked if I’d like a road bike as they’d revived a classic 80’s steel road bike, complete with old-school gear shifters on the down-tube. I had enjoyed riding my bike as a kid, so I gave it a go and found every ride gave me headspace, enjoyment, and challenge thanks to having the South Downs National Park on my doorstep. Cycling has brought me so much and when a role came up at Rapha it was an opportunity to take this experience of life by bike, and channel that into helping other people make the most of their own cycling journey.

What would you say is one of your favourite cycling memories??

In October 2018, some friends and I spent a long weekend in Mallorca, visiting the Rapha Clubhouse there and riding the Rapha Prestige Mallorca. It was a long, warm day on the bike, with my first real test of some proper mountains, but the route was incredible and getting to the finish with an incredible atmosphere; that our colleagues in Mallorca are renowned for, made it a truly memorable day.

Finally, the thing everyone wants to know, tell us your favourite Rapha product and why??

My answer normally changes through the year, as I have favourites for each season! However, with the early mornings now much cooler here in the UK, the Brevet Windblock Jersey is my essential piece of kit. With a Gilet sewn into the front, and the breathability of Merino Wool on the back, it’s perfect for keeping the cold wind off your chest while not overheating when the sun does come out.

Photo courtesy of Mason Progressive Cycles: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/mason-progressive-cycles-ltd/about/