Rapha

Mark Alexander

If anyone's interested, I've recently tried the Rapha base layers (on offer) and they are brilliant, you can't feel them on you and I won't now buy anything else, they're worth the money.

meesterbond

It's pretty hard to justify spending that sort of cash on Rapha and I'm sure someone will come on and say they picked up something in Aldi that does the job just as well, but they're just sooo pretty! Is it a crime to love beautiful things?

That said, a mate picked up a pair of Rapha arm warmers for me for a fiver...

The Howies merino base layers are my favourites... you can wear them for weeks - no smell at all!

giant_man

Rapha NO Assos YES!!

il_principe

Nah give me Castelli over Rapha anyday... they've been in the business of making excellent cycle kit for a damn sight longer!

andyp

jashburnham wrote:

Nah give me Castelli over Rapha anyday... they've been in the business of making excellent cycle kit for a damn sight longer!

The British motorcycle trade tried that argument and look where it got them.

APIII

Six months ago I would have said no, but I didn't own any Rapha kit back then. I since got a couple of their 'fixed' t-shirts which were their offer of the week (2 for £50). They are an excellent cut and very well made. More importantly, they're the first item of cycling wear my wife approves of!!

gkerr4

I think it looks the business it really does - very stylish cyclewear - whereas assos is a bit "euro-gimp" looking in my opinion.

Plenty of people have the gear - most of them love it - if you have the money then go for it is what I would say.

by the way - it is acceptable to pay a premium for stuff that looks nice!

Philip Davis

A few months ago I got a Rapha t-shirt and cap to see what all the fuss was about. The cap is so-so, but the t-shirt fits amazingly well, it feels great and I've had several (non cycling) friends comment on how good it looks.

I was in London yesterday on a short trip and I thought I'd drop into Condor to see what all the fuss was about (never been there before). It was the first time I've seen the full range of Rapha kit close up, and I must admit it had me drooling. Everything fitted like a glove and the quality of material and finish is really amazing. I couldn't resist buying the long sleeve jersey, and it was only with a supreme effort of will that I didn't go mad with my credit card and get the jacket. The base layers and other bits of kit were nice too, but i don't think they were that much nicer than similar stuff from Howies or other similar brands.

It is a huge price of course, but in Rapha's defence if you go into any upmarket department store you'll see regular jackets for men and women 2 or 3 times (or more) Rapha prices, simply 'cos they have the right Italian brand name. Last time I accompanied a female friend shopping and found myself browsing Gucci bags I couldn't believe the prices (the cheapest was the price of 2 Rapha jackets) - and not just that, they were selling lots and lots of them.

So.... in comparison with other bike kit, then it probably is overpriced. But if you think of them as the Prada of bike kit.... then they are actually quite cheap!

jedster

I've got the fixed shorts and the base layers - I'd say that they were decent value despite the price

My wife just gave me one of the lightweight softshell jackets for my birthday (a surprise). I thought the price (£175!) was a bit bloody silly but now that I've got it... looks great, the fit is fantastic, minimal but well designed features... very nice indeed. The only problem is the washing instructions - "hand wash cold" - not very practical for something that gets sweaty.

Thinking about it, I have an arc'teryx (top quality Canadian technical skiing/mountaineering brand) goretex shell which cost £400 (ouch). It's a bit similar, the price is a big ask but whenever I put it on it just feels so "right"... Mind you, arc'teryx gear is made in Canada rather than Thailand...

It's funny, I'm also a big fan of the dhb bib shorts from wiggle for £28, so I don't always spend top dollar.

HarryB

I have no problem with paying a lot of money for quality gear but I'm astonished that a premium priced product which is supposedly made with top quality materials should have "hand wash cold" as its washing instructions.

FWIW if anyone wants the best merino baselayer products money can but then go for Icebreaker stuff. Top quality and you can just chuck it in the washing machine without worrying about it.

overmars

The t-shirts are brilliant. Honestly.
I'm hoping they have another special offer or 'out of season sale'.

Also: Two weeks ago in answer to your question I would have said "Hmmm er, maybe..." But recently I have to say a definite yes.

Philip Davis

errm... HarryB, I think you'll find that cold wash only is the usual recommendation for all the lightest softshell materials. There is nothing unusual about that.

BTW, merino should really be put in the wool wash, not the standard wash. The fibres are very short so if its pure merino it can fray after a lot of washing.


On the subject of base layers, by far the best wool baselayers I've seen are Patagonia merino base layers. They really are amazingly soft and comfortable and stretchy and beautifully made. But they are only really for very cold days.

HarryB

erm Philip Davis, I actually have four soft shells that I use for running and walking. One is made by Rab, one by Millet (that's the top end French firm, not to be confused with Millets, the cheap high street brand) one by Montane and the other by Lowe Alpine. All are different types of soft shell but all of them have one thing in common . . . they are machine washable at 40 degrees.

Making a product for any sort of sporting pursuit that isn't machine washable is just plain stupid. It makes it a product that is not fit for purpose.

star_rover

If you're going to get the Rapha baselayer, get it in black. The cream one turns a horrible shade of nicotine yellow after you've sweated into it a couple of times (even after washing).

Anonymous

I sweat before and after washing.
Just can't seem to help it.must be my hormones

wildmoustache

jedster wrote:

It's funny, I'm also a big fan of the dhb bib shorts from wiggle for £28, so I don't always spend top dollar.

agree ... dhb tights and bib shorts are one of the real cycling bargains if you're ok with the looks.

Mark Alexander

Right, I had to send one back as the arms were too long (common with me) and have been very impressed with the service. I was called to be told that the replacement that I requested was no onger in stock in my size. I was offered a different size and a choice of 'colour' which surprised me as it was end of line.

two days later, it arrived as promised. they had sent me the new model (explaining the options) I am very pleased with that and my estimation of the company has risen further not just the product but their customer care was impressive too.

Unfortunately this is not an experience I have had when buying a bike the other day and decided to get frame only so that I wasn't giving the company any more money than was necessary. Shame

I also want the softshell jacket but will have to wait for the offers..