Rapha too posh for discounts

2

Comments

  • nickwill
    nickwill Posts: 2,735
    I can't afford to wear Rapha clothing, and I'm not sure that I would if I had the money. I might be tempted though.
    I can see the politics of envy creeping in here though. If someone wants to wear Rapha, and can afford to, why shouldn't they?
    As for discounts, why should any business be criticized for not offering one? If they can sell an item without cutting the price, why shouldn't they? If your boss asked you to drop your wages by 10% , would you happily agree?
    http://lakescyclist.wordpress.com/
  • ianjaytee
    ianjaytee Posts: 46
    maybe you didn't ask nicely they gave me 10% and reduced the VAT
  • fraz167
    fraz167 Posts: 142
    maybe you didn't ask nicely they gave me 10% and reduced the VAT

    LOL...must have been the way our friend asked.
  • DYNAMITE!
    DYNAMITE! Posts: 14
    antfly wrote:
    I like the look of the rapha lightweight softshell jacket but i didn`t fancy paying full price for it.Well it is a bit steep at £175. Anyway,with the credit crunch and all the city types {wankers}losing their jobs i thought they might be reducing their prices soon

    Actually, it's gone up to £215... http://tinyurl.com/68zvb5 ...and I have it on good authority that they recently had their best-ever month for sales.
    carbonfiend wrote:
    Sorry but IMHO Rapha is the biggest joke on the planet as well as the biggest rip off and con, for one the clothng is very poorly designed, they make a very weak & laughable effort to be some sort of Anges B, He Whom We Do Not Name for cyclists and charge wee-wee taking amounts for it under the veil of it being designer?? Sorry but if you wanna look like He Whom We Do Not Name on the bike then you deserve being shafted up satans alley, and what was all that nonsense about investing in the team so you can get some sort of meet and greet of big fish in little pond premier calender riders, everybody knows they can't get a third sponsor so they thought 'why not come up with another plan to rip of the daft and gulable'. You cannot take these lot serious. Nalini in disguise.

    And breathe.
    http://thedynamitefiles.wordpress.com/
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
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  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    I think I made my point clearly and I have never worn or had any personal probs with rapha its just that its so plainly a ripp off and sets a ridiculous precedent of exclusiivity that i feel has no place in cycling it takes and gives nothing back and I think the comments made by persons who so obviously need to justify payment of it by larging up the fact they can afford it says everything about it and those that wear it 'city types' or not.
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    carbonfiend wrote:
    I think I made my point clearly and I have never worn or had any personal probs with rapha its just that its so plainly a ripp off and sets a ridiculous precedent of exclusiivity that i feel has no place in cycling it takes and gives nothing back and I think the comments made by persons who so obviously need to justify payment of it by larging up the fact they can afford it says everything about it and those that wear it 'city types' or not.

    i might be mistaken but don't they sponsor a UK cycle team? they also publish the Rapha rides series for which they had bikes built by various artisan builders in the US who then received the publicity from the venture. If someone says it's outrageously priced then a buyer is entitled to say yes, but I can afford it. I wear Rapha, I don't get a great salary, but the kit works, looks good imo and the firm stand by their product
    M.Rushton
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
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  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    ....they sponsor a UK cycle team? they also publish the Rapha rides series for which they had bikes built by various artisan builders in the US...

    I think you've just proved my point exactly.

    whats the term ' style over substance' and frankly there is no style ,trust me. If anybody is bothered about not looking like an advertising board why not buy your kit from Aldi or Lidel. :D
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • Nuggs
    Nuggs Posts: 1,804
    carbonfiend wrote:
    ...its so plainly a ripp off and sets a ridiculous precedent of exclusiivity that i feel has no place in cycling..
    Are you a communist?

    Does that mean that Colnago and Pinarello have no place in cycling.

    Should we all be riding £100 scaffold pole monstrosities that everyone can afford?

    Power to the people, carbonfiend :roll:
  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    ok my last word on this, no is the answer to all the above as to ask pose those questions you are so obviosuly missing the point though.

    Anyway If you can't see the point I'm making you are either too deluded in denial or gulable or the other reason is you haven't been around cycling long enough for the penny to drop or should I say bankers draft.

    Rapha cycling clothing and the image (NOT THE RIDERS) is as clear as day a muggs game and if you wanna jump about the good ship 'shaft me all the way to bank' then good luck to you and yeah thats your choice which I might add I totally respect.
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • nickwill
    nickwill Posts: 2,735
    I just don't get your argument Carbonfiend. I don't ride a top end bike, but I defend the right of others to do so. If people want to buy top of the range stylish, well made designer bike clothing, why shouldn't they?
    I may be wrong, but I would guess that Rapha clothing probably outlasts more everyday cycle clothing several times over.
    I can't afford it, but I don't have anything against those who can. I can't afford to buy a Porsche, but again, good luck to those who can.
    As I've said before, I can't afford Rapha, but that doesn't mean that I feel the need to have a pop at those who can!
    http://lakescyclist.wordpress.com/
  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    again my point has been missed and just because a commodity is highly priced doesn't mean it's of superior quality a commodity is only worth what the public is prepared to pay if nobody bought Rapha it would either fail or have to lower its prices they lead you believe the hype

    I have no grievence with persons that purchase anything they consider of merit and what ever price they want to pay, my issue is with Rapha itself which I don't consider to be of anywhere near the value they place on it.

    I base this opinion on two things a) I have worked for over 15yrs in fashion, lifestyle, music pr and marketing and the game that Rapha are playing is clear as day to see if you know what to look for, this is not to say I don't think there is something in style led cycling apparel I just don't think Rapha is good enough in its style or quality to justify its price and on top of that I also don't think the Kudos they attempt to carry across holds much weight (publishing a ridiculous over priced magazine and sponsoring a pretend pro cycling team that races in events that nobody cares about that's affiliated to a bike shop on grays inn road -sorry to be so blunt)

    b) I also think the aesthetic of cycling apperal that they are trying to potray is misplaced- racing bikes is not about trying to look like a french school teacher with a basket on the front of your steed a beret for a shell and some onions to refuel with it, its about speed & power. If you wanna look like monsiuer marsaud go to Anges B and buy a packet of gitanes.

    Good luck
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • BigG67
    BigG67 Posts: 582
    Wow :shock:
    carbonfiend wrote:
    again my point has been missed and just because a commodity is highly priced doesn't mean it's of superior quality a commodity is only worth what the public is prepared to pay if nobody bought Rapha it would either fail or have to lower its prices they lead you believe the hype

    I have no grievence with persons that purchase anything they consider of merit and what ever price they want to pay, my issue is with Rapha itself which I don't consider to be of anywhere near the value they place on it.

    I base this opinion on two things a) I have worked for over 15yrs in fashion, lifestyle, music pr and marketing and the game that Rapha are playing is clear as day to see if you know what to look for, this is not to say I don't think there is something in style led cycling apparel I just don't think Rapha is good enough in its style or quality to justify its price and on top of that I also don't think the Kudos they attempt to carry across holds much weight (publishing a ridiculous over priced magazine and sponsoring a pretend pro cycling team that races in events that nobody cares about that's affiliated to a bike shop on grays inn road -sorry to be so blunt)

    b) I also think the aesthetic of cycling apperal that they are trying to potray is misplaced- racing bikes is not about trying to look like a french school teacher with a basket on the front of your steed a beret for a shell and some onions to refuel with it, its about speed & power. If you wanna look like monsiuer marsaud go to Anges B and buy a packet of gitanes.

    Good luck

    Still that settles the argument that all the wankers are in banking.....seems they also work in "fashion, lifestyle, music pr and marketing"..... :roll: BTW, these 3 areas (not sure you can actually work in "lifestyle") are not careers renowned as epitomes of function before form.
  • Nuggs
    Nuggs Posts: 1,804
    BigG67 wrote:
    not sure you can actually work in "lifestyle"
    5.gif
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Well you said it Carbonfiend. you've worked in some of the most vapid areas available for mankind to work in hence your 'ability' to recognise the true worth of rapha. Next time any of us need advice on buying expensive cycle clothing/bicycles etc we shall contact you, our 'lifestyle' adviser. you could apply your view on Rapha to Armani/Versace/Radley/Lauren etc but in the end it's customers that count.
    M.Rushton
  • erko
    erko Posts: 9
    carbonfiend wrote:
    again my point has been missed and just because a commodity is highly priced doesn't mean it's of superior quality a commodity is only worth what the public is prepared to pay if nobody bought Rapha it would either fail or have to lower its prices they lead you believe the hype

    I have no grievence with persons that purchase anything they consider of merit and what ever price they want to pay, my issue is with Rapha itself which I don't consider to be of anywhere near the value they place on it.

    I base this opinion on two things a) I have worked for over 15yrs in fashion, lifestyle, music pr and marketing and the game that Rapha are playing is clear as day to see if you know what to look for, this is not to say I don't think there is something in style led cycling apparel I just don't think Rapha is good enough in its style or quality to justify its price and on top of that I also don't think the Kudos they attempt to carry across holds much weight (publishing a ridiculous over priced magazine and sponsoring a pretend pro cycling team that races in events that nobody cares about that's affiliated to a bike shop on grays inn road -sorry to be so blunt)

    b) I also think the aesthetic of cycling apperal that they are trying to potray is misplaced- racing bikes is not about trying to look like a french school teacher with a basket on the front of your steed a beret for a shell and some onions to refuel with it, its about speed & power. If you wanna look like monsiuer marsaud go to Anges B and buy a packet of gitanes.

    Good luck

    i see it too, you are not alone, though you seem to be in this thread. Rapha is a cafe rider brand, faux prestige based on price and well crafted blurbs trying to convince the naive that is what real roadies should be wearing. Meanwhile, product is made in outsourced factories in China in small batches (which will make QC difficult over time) and mark up is extreme. As road cycling has become the new golf in recent years Rapha have found their niche selling to those possessed of a healthy bank balance and no clue. As long as they can continue this veil of exclusivity they will continue to find suckers rising to the bait.

    Some say its not about the bike, well, its certainly not about poncing around in a GBP 450 Rapha Tweed Softshell looking like Monsieur Cravat :P
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,553
    Don't you just love the politics of envy?

    That said, I'm astonished that a company is using marketing and advertising to sell their products. The cads!
  • System_1
    System_1 Posts: 513
    carbonfiend wrote:
    I have no grievence with persons that purchase anything they consider of merit and what ever price they want to pay, my issue is with Rapha itself which I don't consider to be of anywhere near the value they place on it.
    Value, like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and until you've tried it how can you judge it's value. Have you tried any Rapha stuff?
    carbonfiend wrote:
    I base this opinion on two things a) I have worked for over 15yrs in fashion, lifestyle, music pr and marketing and the game that Rapha are playing is clear as day to see if you know what to look for, this is not to say I don't think there is something in style led cycling apparel I just don't think Rapha is good enough in its style or quality to justify its price...
    I'm assuming you've tested Rapha gear long term? If not I suggest you stop making assumptions on it's quality. I know people who own some that claim it's the most comfortable best performing stuff they've tried and is still as good as new after a year of heavy use. And I'll await some pictures of you wearing your most 'stylish' gear before I take any style advice from you.

    carbonfiend wrote:
    and on top of that I also don't think the Kudos they attempt to carry across holds much weight (publishing a ridiculous over priced magazine and sponsoring a pretend pro cycling team that races in events that nobody cares about that's affiliated to a bike shop on grays inn road -sorry to be so blunt)
    You might not think there is any worth in the 'pretend pro cycling team' but I'm sure the hundereds of young amateurs who have benefitted from Rapha's sponsorship would beg to differ.
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    I'd like to put in a good word for 'carbonfiend' here - I think he is making a lot of sense. Behind the Rapha brand is a reasonably clever ex-marketing and brand consultant, who clearly was (is) a cycling enthusiast - and good for him.

    If he can sell this stuff at the level he is pitching it at, then good for him also. I also suspect that the vast majority of regular roadies up and down the UK do not identify particularly well with Rapha's brand image - and I guess that is probably intentional, because if it isn't, then it is a monumental miscalculation.

    The people that buy Rapha by and large fall into the 'if you have to ask the price, then you can't afford it' category. These people clearly can afford it - and probably do not consider all of the other expensive (and less expensive) clothing options like Assos, Castelli, Descente and even my favourite Lusso (cheap, good quality and UK-made) - because they buy into the brand image of Rapha, while not necessarily buying into the concept of cycling as an essentially utilitarian passtime.

    I'll stop now, because I'm starting to sound like a right ponce...
  • carbonfiend
    carbonfiend Posts: 475
    The customer does indeed count mrushton and as proven here will buy anything and as for being lifestyle advisor I'm not sure you could afford me :D
    '..all the bad cats in the bad hats..'
  • BigG67
    BigG67 Posts: 582
    carbonfiend wrote:
    The customer does indeed count mrushton and as proven here will buy anything and as for being lifestyle advisor I'm not sure you could afford me :D

    ......or indeed want you..... 8)
  • chocolateboy
    chocolateboy Posts: 47
    I hesitate slightly at dipping my toe in this debate but here goes.

    I have some Rapha stuff and have always found it well made it well designed. Not that you can't get comparable performance from other brands but lets not pretend it isn't fit for cycling. Just as the Gore, Lusso, Campag and Altura stuff I have works too.

    Yes, it's clever marketing but just because it is obvious doesn't invalidate it as a product (apart from that tweed jacket, obviously, which comes close to undermining my entire reason-based argument). It just comes down to whether you want to pay the money or not. Occasionally I do, but even more often I find it easier to guide friends and family in the direction of the rapha site when they want to buy me Christmas/birthday prezzies that they think I might actuallly use.

    I look faintly ridiculous whenever I am on the bike; sometimes I do so wearing rapha stuff, sometimes while wearing other gear. If anyone has seen me wearing Chocolade Jacques kit, you'll know what I mean...
  • BigG67
    BigG67 Posts: 582
    I've said this on another thread but the tweed jacket, the shaving kit, the training diary....they're not made to be sold, they're made to be talked about.

    I once ran a golf shop and we'd often have a bright pink shirt or bright green on display. Never sold many but they caught the eye and drew people in. Also was told by a Saab garage once that they wanted 2 or 3 yellow cars on the road just so people noticed them.

    The price of the Rapha "specials" are like that and also to help with the price positioning of the other items....."if that's the price of a shaving kit then the jersey is a (relative) bargain"..

    PS Anyone else noticed that the Endura merino base layers are more expensive than the Rapha?
  • -liam-
    -liam- Posts: 1,831
    I'm not looking to get involved in something that I know nothing about.....

    However, I wouldn't be willing to wear anything modelled by this oaf 8)


    LightWeightSoftShell_2.jpg

    Nevermind the fact that he he clearly plays the part of Robbie Rotten when he's not modelling slightly overpriced anoraks....;)

    robbieRotten.jpg
    Kona Fire Mountain
    Kona Kula
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    Mmmbop
  • roogster
    roogster Posts: 31
    carbon fiend,what about people who wear assos,same price range
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    Assos is generally a fair bit cheaper than Rapha - and without all of the 'French cafe heritage' bullsh1t. They have also been around a good deal longer than Rapha and their reputation is well earned...
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Well, I'm lucky enough to be able to pretty well choose what I'd like to buy - I've got a couple of Rapha items too, but I'm thinking they are imminently about to disappear up their own backsides! If you want something exclusive, get something like a Castelli Espresso in the limited colours - they only make them in batches of 200 and don't charge any more for the priveledge.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Billios
    Billios Posts: 96
    I dont think there is any comparison between Assos and Rapha, beyond the price. Assos was worn by Tour winners, developed the Lycra short and is also worn by multiple national teams while Rapha...well....isnt.
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    antfly wrote:
    I like the look of the rapha lightweight softshell jacket but i didn`t fancy paying full price for it.Well it is a bit steep at £175.Anyway,with the credit crunch and all the city types {wankers}losing their jobs i thought they might be reducing their prices soon so i asked them if there was any discounts.It might sound cheeky but if you don`t ask you don`t get and i have spent hundreds with them this year.Did i get a reply?Did i buggery.Well they can take their softshell and shove it up their soft arses,i`ll take my business elsewhere.Shame,it looks so nice.

    i love this post. it reads like a spoof muck 'n brass northerner.

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