Rapha team issue bib shorts

dobbo75

Hello All,

I recently purchased a pair of Rapha bib shorts, which as you all know are not the cheapest things in the world.

After just a few months the stitching around the pad started to break/become unstitched, just after the special 90 day return date. (although they claim on the website that they have a 'no quilbble guarentee' policy).

Not being too happy I sent Rapha an email complaining of the faulty shorts. Cutting a long story short, after much deliberation and argument, they finally sent me a new pair.

Guess what has happened after just a few months, yep, the same fault.

Just wondered if anybody else has had the same problem with this particular model of shorts, or the Rapha returns policy?

I know you are going to bang on about not buying Rapha products because they are a rip-off, poor value for money etc, but I would value your thoughts and experiences?

Anonymous

That's pretty bobbins when you are paying premium prices you expect premium product. The Rapha stuff I have I love but I never got the bib shorts as I use Assos. Try to get them replaced again...

Stellite

Ive got a pair of the shorts and they seem to be ok at the moment. I save them for the longer routes I do (50 to 80 miles), and tend to use team issue kit for my morning 20 miler.

All the other Rapha kit I have has been good so far

giant_man

Just one reason i stick with Assos. At least you know what you're getting ...

softlad

do you ride with a seat pack, or with a lot of layback on the seat post..?? Is it possible the shorts were snagging on the pack, or on the post hardware..?

dobbo75

Hi Softlad,

The stitching is coming adrift near the crotch area, not in any part that I sit on.

I think the problem occurs as I pull the shorts on, but this does not happen on any other of my shorts, including a pair of 3/4 bib Rapha shorts.

I do have some other Rapha stuff which is completely fine, maybe it;s time I moved over to the dark side, Assos here I come!

James_London

Call them and they should see you right. Because lycra is so elastic it's easy to break the inelastic thread if you're not careful pulling them on and the Rapha material is stretchier and thinner certainly than Assos. Try pulling them on gently a short section at a time if it's a recurring problem...

Anonymous

James_London wrote:

Call them and they should see you right. Because lycra is so elastic it's easy to break the inelastic thread if you're not careful pulling them on and the Rapha material is stretchier and thinner certainly than Assos. Try pulling them on gently a short section at a time if it's a recurring problem...

Indeed, don't pull them on from the top!!

daviesee

James_London wrote:

Call them and they should see you right. Because lycra is so elastic it's easy to break the inelastic thread if you're not careful pulling them on and the Rapha material is stretchier and thinner certainly than Assos. Try pulling them on gently a short section at a time if it's a recurring problem...

I pull on all my bibs by pulling up under the padded area until the shorts section is in place and then put on the bib section over the shoulders. May help 8)

cougie

I never knew shorts could be so delicate !

daviesee

cougie wrote:

I never knew shorts could be so delicate !

After getting tears in a pair of Enduras and a pair of Campags I decided it was more a technique than manufacturer's problem. Some shorts are unbelievably thin and pulling on mesh areas is just asking for trouble.

A lot of fault sources can be found by looking in a mirror

bendertherobot

Have to say that the stitching is adrift on my two Rapha tops and the shorts were really not for me! Went back to Uno's for all rides.

I love the Rapha tops but my Schutt VR White Rose is much better made.