London-based performance cyclewear brand Rapha has opening of its first ‘Clubhouse’ in mainland China. Located on Donghu Road in the heart of Shanghai’s historic Hengshan-Fuxing Road Cultural Area, the new space “marks a major milestone” for Rapha and a “purposeful commitment to one of the fastest-growing cycling communities in the world”.

The Clubhouse’s recent soft opening will be followed by an official grand opening later this month.

That “milestone” signals The Shanghai Clubhouse as the “first expression of Rapha’s next-generation Clubhouse concept”.

It’s inspired by the “effortless elegance of Italian cafés… it reimagines the circolo – or club – as a modern space for connection and community”.

Rooted in “British industrial design and refined through a mid-century modern lens”, the interior combines walnut, stainless steel, white oak, and ceramic tiling with subtle pink accents, a nod to Rapha’s signature colour.

Set within a restored 1925 mansion, the Clubhouse also “honours the building’s storied past” while marking a new chapter for Rapha in China.

Of course, the core design is rooted as a cultural anchor for cyclists, with the Clubhouse hosting regular rides and events, “offering a space for riders to connect over coffee and a shared love of the sport”.

Rapha CEO Fran Millar said: “Our calling has never been clearer: cycling has the power to change lives – and nowhere is that more visible right now than in China. 

“The Rapha Shanghai Clubhouse will become home to a thriving cycling community and a launchpad for a bold new chapter in our mission to build the greatest club in the world.”

Leading Rapha’s growth in the region is Ariel Huang, its newly-appointed general manager for China. Formerly of Sweaty Betty, Huang “brings deep expertise in marketing and community building”, Rapha said.

Since entering the market just over a year ago, it said its community in China has “grown rapidly”. The Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) now counts over 400 members across Shanghai and Beijing and participation in this year’s Women’s 100 – a global celebration of women’s cycling – surpassed 1,000 riders across mainland China.

Huang added: “This won’t be just a store – it’s a new chapter. In just a year, we’ve seen a groundswell of energy across China’s cycling scene. This Clubhouse will be the beating heart of that movement – a place to belong, to be inspired, and to go further, together.”

The opening also marks the first step in a broader strategy to elevate Rapha’s physical presence across Asia, with Shanghai providing “the perfect foundation for a new format that will roll out in major cities worldwide”.

The Clubhouse will also debut a co-retail partnership with Factor Bikes, “one of the world’s most innovative high-performance cycling brands”.

Rob Gitelis, Factor Bikes founder, added: “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.”