Rapha Deep Winter Tights

mroli

I'll tell you what was good value for money. Being a "white" member of the Rapha club - you got a 10% discount at Rapha and Condor, you got a nice little notebook, access to the full clubsite, club discount for joining British cycling, a lovely t-shirt and organised rides/opportunities to ride with the team etc. Just seen this is going up to £200. I think it was £40(?) previously.

Gone from being v good value for money to being borderline too expensive for me. Gutted really as I have a bit of Rapha kit - hats, rain jacket, shirt etc that I can only really afford in the sale AND with the discount, but enjoyed feeling that the money I spent went back through the club into the team and the work they do in cycling.

Kind of get the feeling that I'm being priced out a little now though.... Sad for me, sure Rapha don't care, but I liked being member of a club that I didn't feel obliged to turn up to, but would still have me as a member!

clx1

ShutUpLegs wrote:

CLX1 wrote:

This thread and all the others either loving or hating Rapha must have the guys at Rapha rubbing their hands together with delight. It illustrates what a fantastic marketing dept. they have. It must be one of the most talked about brands in cycling and apart from their website and sponsorship I don't believe they do any above the line advertising.
Their more barmy products like the tweed suit are no more than marketing actions designed to draw interest and therefore publicity to the brand.
Personally 90% of my gear is Rapha and I think that judged properly it is very good value for money, I couldn't really give a monkeys what anyone thinks about my choices.

Can you link any review where Rapha is 'very good value for money'?

No, it's my definition, I like to make my own mind up. Value is a personal thing.

cougie

chunkytfg wrote:

Never even got close enough to either Assos or Rapha stuff to be able to make my own judgement on the subject but I have to say if the OP was going to slag off a product directly tey could at least get the link right?

It's a dead one when I click it!! :roll:

Er works fine for me just now ?

Chip \'oyler

ShutUpLegs wrote:

CLX1 wrote:

This thread and all the others either loving or hating Rapha must have the guys at Rapha rubbing their hands together with delight. It illustrates what a fantastic marketing dept. they have. It must be one of the most talked about brands in cycling and apart from their website and sponsorship I don't believe they do any above the line advertising.
Their more barmy products like the tweed suit are no more than marketing actions designed to draw interest and therefore publicity to the brand.
Personally 90% of my gear is Rapha and I think that judged properly it is very good value for money, I couldn't really give a monkeys what anyone thinks about my choices.

Can you link any review where Rapha is 'very good value for money'?

Value doesn't equal cheapness. For example my wife bought a pair of high end Italian brand boots about 6 years ago. They cost about the same as an off the peg Bob Jackson 631 frame. But 6 years on she still wears them nearly every day, and they still look like new. Figuring her cost per wear I reckon she's easily into minus figures.

I've still got a Rapha softshell from when the company first produced them. It still looks great, still works well and apart from a small graze on the elbow from a fall it's still in great condition. Considering it's about 5-6 years old I would say it is 'good value'.

cougie

A jacket will last for ages - that's true. Not sure tights will last as well ? And coming off on ice in them would be heartbreaking ?

bendertherobot

Again on the value, can someone tell me just how much better they are than Gore Power Thermo or Assos?

APIII

bendertherobot wrote:

Again on the value, can someone tell me just how much better they are than Gore Power Thermo or Assos?

They've just come out, so no not really.

bendertherobot

APIII wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Again on the value, can someone tell me just how much better they are than Gore Power Thermo or Assos?

They've just come out, so no not really.

But they will be £100 better than Gore Xenon WS ones yes?

APIII

bendertherobot wrote:

APIII wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Again on the value, can someone tell me just how much better they are than Gore Power Thermo or Assos?

They've just come out, so no not really.

But they will be £100 better than Gore Xenon WS ones yes?

Never tried Gore so I can't tell you. I've had three pairs of various bibs, none of which are that good when it gets really cold, so I'll take whatever does the job regardless of what they cost (within reason)

bendertherobot

APIII wrote:

Never tried Gore so I can't tell you. I've had three pairs of various bibs, none of which are that good when it gets really cold, so I'll take whatever does the job regardless of what they cost (within reason)

I've got a lot. Currently minus conditions see me using Gore Power Thermo, which are more than good enough, and £70. Anything from 0-5 degrees sees me using the 3/4 versions OR Oxygen WS 3/4's (£79 at Amazon). All are very good indeed.